5 email templates to let a candidate know they’re moving on to the next stage

Publié le 20 May 2025 par Julien Duret

In the recruitment process in 2025, email communication remains the essential tool for retaining and engaging candidates. Between formalities, personalization and speed, writing an effective message is a real art. Recruiters from Brands A, B, C, D, and E must now master these models to make a difference in the face of fierce competition, in particular by offering a smooth and respectful candidate experience. Whether announcing a key milestone or relaunching a candidate, each message must reflect both professionalism and proximity.

Optimize your emails to announce to a candidate that they have reached the next stage step by step

In 2025, the majority of exchanges with candidates still rely on emails, as they remain the main communication channel. However, their effectiveness depends on their content, timing and tone. To avoid classic mistakes, here are the fundamentals to follow:

Concrete examples of email templates to announce the sequel

As part of a structured recruitment process, here are examples of email templates to use:

Post type Key content
Next step announcement Thank you, confirmation of the step, invitation to an in-person or videoconference interview
Specific follow-up Short reminder, request for confirmation, link to the job description if necessary
Date suggestion Suggest two or three slots, request a quick response

The best email sending strategies to maintain candidate interest until the next step

In 2025, candidate retention must be accompanied by targeted communication. Sending messages that are too frequent or too generic can damage the employer’s image. Conversely, a well-targeted follow-up, emphasizing the value of the position or the company’s benefits, strengthens the employer brand.

  1. Candidate segmentation: Adapt the tone and content according to the profile and stage of the process.
  2. Enhanced personalization: Mention specific projects or the candidate’s key skills. Use relevant hooks:
  3. Evoke the corporate culture and the vision of Marques F or G to generate enthusiasm. Incorporate testimonials or videos:
  4. Link to internal testimonials or a welcome video to humanize the conversation. Regular but non-intrusive follow-up:
  5. Follow up once a week, with varied messages. For example, a follow-up after sending a questionnaire could be based on this template:

See this follow-up template. Comparison table of key moments for sendingTime of sending

Main objective

Recommended frequency Confirmation of receipt Assure the candidate that their application has been received
Immediately upon receipt Reminder for interview Confirm attendance or reschedule if necessary
48 hours before the meeting Follow-up after interview Maintain engagement and prevent application abandonment
Maximum one week after the interview Offer proposal Suggest hiring and catalyze the decision
Two to three days after the interview Follow-up in case of no response Remind the candidate gently to avoid losing them
1 week maximum after the first follow-up Classic mistakes to avoid in emails announcing the move to the next stage In 2025, certain pitfalls persist in recruiting via email. These errors harm both the company’s image and the candidate’s perception. These include:

Lack of personalization:

A generic message gives the impression that the candidate doesn’t know the candidate.

The style of your message influences the candidate’s perception of your company. The tone must adapt to the culture of Marques I or J, but also to the candidate’s maturity level. A tone that is too formal can appear distant, while a style that is too light can seem unprofessional. It’s all about finding the perfect balance.

Adopt an authentic tone: Avoid excessive jargon and prioritize clear writing.Value the candidate:

Refer to their specific skills and experience.

Highlight the mission:

  1. Explain how the position aligns with their ambitions. Avoid information overload: Favor short, clear sentences.
  2. Include storytelling elements: Tell an anecdote or a success story.
  3. A personalized and human approach, particularly by evoking the experience and culture of companies like Marques J, builds trust and interest. For example, a message mentioning the success of an employee who started with a similar approach creates a stronger connection. Style, a crucial lever
  4. In conclusion, paying attention to the writing and tone of your email is not an option but a necessity in 2025. Many ATSs now integrate style analysis tools, allowing you to adjust your message in real time to maximize your chances of success. Consistency between brand image and editorial style must prevail, especially if you work with companies like Marques F or G, which have a strong identity. Integrate interactive elements to boost your communication
  5. The digital context of 2025 pushes for more engaging communication. Including interactive elements in your emails can make all the difference. These tools strengthen relationships and prevent the “forgotten email” effect. Clickable links to videos or testimonials:

Share project presentation videos or employee testimonials.

Integrating a confirmation button:

So the candidate can confirm their attendance for an interview with one click.

Polls or interactive questions:

Quickly gather candidate preferences (e.g., choosing a time slot).

Personalize each element

Adapt the content according to the candidate’s profile and industry

Use an eye-catching subject line Likely to encourage opening the message in a flood of emails
Analytics tracking Track clicks and responses to adjust your strategy
Alternate elements Vary between videos, surveys, and buttons to maintain interest
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