Before introducing a candidate, confirm that they understand the particular opportunity and want the hiring team to receive their information. A recruiter’s assessment that someone looks suitable does not establish the candidate’s interest.
A brief confirmation can prevent an introduction that is outdated, surprising, or difficult for either side to act on.
Use a readiness check
| Check | Confirmation needed |
|---|---|
| Opportunity understood | Candidate has received an accurate description of the role |
| Current interest | They want to explore this opportunity now |
| Information current | Important profile or availability details remain accurate |
| Sharing agreed | They know which materials will go to the hiring team |
| Practical alignment | Material work-arrangement expectations have been discussed |
| Open questions visible | Unresolved issues are recorded without invented answers |
| Next step clear | Both sides know what the introduction is intended to achieve |
Do not turn this into a second interview. Its purpose is an accurate, welcome introduction.
Distinguish exploration from commitment
A candidate can agree to learn more without promising to interview through every stage or accept an offer. Describe interest proportionately.
Write “interested in an introductory conversation” when that is what they confirmed. Avoid “ready to join” or “highly motivated to move” unless the person has explicitly communicated that meaning and wants it shared.
Resolve stale information
Reconfirm important details after a long pause or a material role change. A candidate may have accepted another role, changed their preferences, or learned something that affects interest.
Ask directly rather than inferring availability from public activity. Do not assume that silence means continued permission or enthusiasm.
Surface mismatches early
If a stated requirement and the candidate’s preference conflict, clarify whether the hiring team has flexibility before arranging a conversation on a false premise.
Where information is not yet available, say so. It is better to introduce an open question accurately than to promise a work arrangement, compensation outcome, or role scope that has not been approved.
Send a concise confirmation
An illustrative message:
You have the current role brief. Are you comfortable with me introducing you to the hiring team and sharing the agreed profile? I’ll note that you want to explore the scope and that the work-arrangement question is still open.
Adapt the content to the actual agreement and avoid including unnecessary private details.
Then prepare the candidate introduction handoff. For a paused search, follow the recontact process. Discuss your search with Refery.