Resources/Recruiting templates

Recruiting Templates: Free Forms, Emails and Plans

Free recruiting templates you can copy, download as a Word file or print: interview scorecards, phone screen scripts, rejection emails, reference check forms, 30 60 90 day plans and more, written by recruiters.

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Copy any template, download it as a Word file or print it. No signup.

Free recruiting templates to copy, download as Word or print

Every template here is complete and ready to use. Copy the text, download it as a Word file that opens in Word, Google Docs or Pages, or print it. Each page also explains when to use the template and how to get the most out of it.

They are written by recruiters for recruiting desks, so the language is plain and the placeholders are the ones you actually need to fill.

Forms and scorecards

Interview scorecardRate every candidate on the same must haves with a 1 to 4 scale, written evidence and a clear hire decision.Phone screen scriptA word for word 30 minute recruiter phone screen, from opening to close, with a notes block for your ATS.Reference check formA reference call script with lawful, job related questions, a rating table and a summary block for your ATS.

Emails and messages

Candidate outreach messagesShort first touch and follow up messages for email and LinkedIn, built around one specific reason to talk.Candidate rejection emailsShort, kind rejection emails for every hiring stage, plus keep warm notes for your runner up.Interview invitation emailsInvite, confirm, remind and reschedule emails for phone, video and on site interviews.

Plans and reports

30 60 90 day plan for recruitersGoals, activities and check ins for a new recruiter’s first three months, agency or in house.Hiring planPlan headcount by role and quarter with budget, sourcing, timelines and owners in one set of tables.Recruiting reportA weekly or monthly recruiting report in tables: open roles, pipeline, activity, hires, sources and risks.

More templates and generators

Intake meeting templateThe questions, template and AI workflow for the hiring manager intake.Talent map templateBuild a talent map with AI, plus a free template.Offer letter generatorFill in the details and download a ready offer letter.Reference letter templateGenerate a reference letter in your browser.Employment verification letterCreate a verification letter in a minute.Recruiting playbook builderBuild a step by step recruiting playbook to copy or print.

How should you adapt a recruiting template?

Change the wording to sound like your company, cut anything you will not use and keep the structure. The structure is what makes a scorecard fair or a rejection email clear. Store your edited version in your ATS or a shared drive so the whole team uses the same one.

Frequently asked questions

Are these recruiting templates free?

Yes. Every template is free to copy, download and edit, with no signup or email address required.

Can I use these templates in my ATS?

Yes. Copy the text into your ATS email templates or scorecard settings. Most systems let you add merge fields where the template shows a placeholder in square brackets.

Do I need to change the templates for legal reasons?

The templates avoid questions about protected traits, but rules differ by state and country. Have your HR or legal team review anything you use for decisions about candidates. This is not legal advice.

Written by recruiters at Work Insiders. Updated October 25, 2026. How we make money.