Author: Victoria Krstev on behalf of Inflo HR Ltd.
As I have been a recruiter for over 7 years, I am happy to share what has worked and what hasn’t. This is all from my personal point of view, take it how it resonates and I am open to feedback.
Start off by sending a warm and welcoming message first over a social media platform (head to Step 2 if you already have their email). Whether you have just connected or been in the same network for a while now, it is always important to start off with something small and pleasant first before sending out a second message. This can include checking in and asking how they have been dealing with COVID-19. Have they recently changed jobs, been promoted or worked on a project of some kind they talked about in a recent post on social media? Genuinely checking in on them first works well in trying to get to know a recruiter or messaging them in general. Something I disliked is a candidate messaging me “I want a job”. No lie here, that is all they would write.
After you have sent that initial message and you receive a response, a secondary email or potentially your first email is your next step! You want to be precise and to the point. Aka, you’re doing the recruiters’ work for them!
“Hello [recruiter name here],
My name is [your name] and it is nice to digitally meet you! How have you been during COVID-19, do you have a perfect desk set up at home as of yet? OR I see you’ve recently started working at [company name], what’s been the most exciting project you’ve worked on since joining? OR I see you’ve recently been promoted, congratulations and how are you finding the new role?
As it is quite a challenging time right now I wanted to ask for a favour. I am interested in applying for [the specific position or opportunity] with [insert company name]. I have attached my resume to this email to be reviewed for this position. If you are not the correct person to contact, I would appreciate being directed towards the specific team member or recruiter to contact. If you’re unable to assist, I completely understand and if you have any advice at all - I would be open to hearing it.
*Use this next paragraph to give a little background about yourself and what you are looking for.*
I am [searching for a new job/ internship/ career - Actively? Passively?] I am/am not able to relocate from my current location. [If you are able to relocate, specify where]
For additional information please review my [insert any sources that can benefit you; LinkedIn profile, online portfolio, GitHub, Behance or whichever platform you want to include here].
Thank you for your time and have a great rest of your day,
[Full name]
[Phone number]
[Email]
Please feel free to include anything else you feel is important.
Note: