Recruiting proposal: Free template
Customize this free recruiting proposal with Cobrief
Open this free recruiting proposal in Cobrief and start editing it instantly using AI. You can adjust the tone, structure, and content based on your recruitment model, client needs, and hiring goals. You can also use AI to review your draft — spot gaps, tighten language, and improve clarity before sending.
Once you're done, send, download, or save the proposal in one click — no formatting or setup required.
This template is fully customizable and built for real-world use — ideal for pitching end-to-end hiring services, retained searches, volume recruiting, or executive placements. Whether you're an independent recruiter, part of an agency, or offering embedded talent support, this version gives you a structured head start and removes the guesswork.
What is a recruiting proposal?
A recruiting proposal outlines the services, timelines, and pricing you offer to help a company hire qualified candidates. It typically includes your sourcing strategy, screening process, timeline, communication approach, and placement terms.
This proposal helps the client understand how you’ll fill key roles efficiently while saving time, reducing risk, and maintaining a strong candidate experience.
A strong recruiting proposal helps you:
- Define the scope of the recruiting support you’ll provide.
- Build confidence in your sourcing and screening process.
- Clarify timelines, pricing, and communication protocols.
- Align expectations before any hiring begins.
Why use Cobrief to edit your proposal
Cobrief helps you create, refine, and send professional recruiting proposals — fast.
- Edit the proposal directly in your browser: Skip formatting and start customizing right away.
- Rewrite sections with AI: Clarify your sourcing steps, simplify your process, or tighten your pitch instantly.
- Run a one-click AI review: Spot vague areas or wordy descriptions and improve them in seconds.
- Apply AI suggestions instantly: Accept individual edits or apply all recommended changes in one click.
- Share or export instantly: Send the final proposal via Cobrief or download a clean PDF or DOCX version.
Spend less time formatting and more time building great teams.
When to use this proposal
Use this recruiting proposal for:
- Pitching full-cycle recruiting support for specific roles or departments
- Offering executive or retained search services
- Providing project-based or volume hiring solutions
- Supporting internal teams with embedded recruiters or sourcing
- Responding to RFPs for external recruiting partnerships
This format works well for companies of all sizes, from startups to enterprise.
What to include in a recruiting proposal
Each section helps your client understand what to expect and how you’ll deliver candidates:
- Executive summary: Highlight the client’s hiring goals and how your recruiting services will help them attract, evaluate, and secure the right talent faster.
- Scope of work: Define what’s included — sourcing, job ad creation, initial screening, interview coordination, reference checks, offer support, etc.
- Approach and methodology: Outline your recruitment process — sourcing channels, outreach strategy, assessment methods, and communication cadence.
- Timeline: Estimate how long it will take to deliver a shortlist, coordinate interviews, and fill the role(s). Set expectations for weekly check-ins or milestone reviews.
- Pricing: Present your pricing model — contingency, retained, hourly, or flat-fee. Clearly explain what’s included and any payment stages (e.g., on engagement, on hire).
- Terms and conditions: Cover guarantees (e.g., replacement period), payment schedule, data confidentiality, and hiring decision responsibilities.
- Next steps: End with a clear call to action — e.g., “Reply to confirm,” “Sign to proceed,” or “Book a kickoff call.”
How to write an effective recruiting proposal
Your proposal should feel practical, clear, and built around delivery:
- Lead with business value: Emphasize faster time-to-hire, reduced workload, and better-fit candidates.
- Define your process clearly: Explain how you source, vet, and communicate at each stage.
- Be transparent about terms: Clarify pricing, timelines, and what happens if a hire doesn’t work out.
- Showcase relevant expertise: Mention past placements, industries served, or your talent network.
- Format cleanly: Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and headings for easy navigation.
- Make next steps easy: End with a simple action the client can take to get started.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can I reuse this proposal for different roles or clients?
Yes — just update the role types, hiring volume, and pricing structure to fit each client.
Does this work for both contingency and retained search?
Absolutely. You can adapt the scope and pricing to match the engagement type.
Should I include example roles or clients?
Yes — referencing past experience builds trust and credibility.
Is this a binding agreement?
No — this is a proposal. You can attach or link a formal contract if needed.
Can I export this as a PDF or DOCX file?
Yes — after customizing, you can download the proposal instantly in either format.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.