How To Message a Recruiter - 2021 Edition!

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.

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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!

Step 3

We’re Going to Follow This Outline:

1. Start with your greeting.
2. State your purpose (this one is for when you are first messaging them)
3. Thank the recipient (either for taking the time to reply or for their time in regard to reading the current email you are sending)
4. End with a closing sign-off

Ideas For Opening Lines:

• A quick/simple greeting 
• Hello or Hello [Name]
• Hi or Hi there (this one’s a little more casual)
• Avoid things like “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To Whom it may concern” - it’s 2021!

Ideas For Closing Sign-offs:

• I look forward to hearing back from you
• Sincerely
• Take care
• Thank you so much for your time

I’d suggest something along the lines of:

“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:

• The key here is to be short and sweet, recruiters are often busy and would rather read something direct and to the point rather than an essay style email!
• Let them know if someone specifically referred you to apply who already works for the company
• This is just my personal opinion on what I think works!