A big part of sourcing in the current market is reaching out to passive candidates. There doesn’t seem to be any sign that this will change soon. Job markets that favor candidates are not the best when you are hoping for qualified applicants to apply to your job postings. To capture the attention of someone who is not actively looking, you need to have a well thought out email strategy. Lucky for you, we have found several ways for you to up your email game. Here are 10 ideas on how you can improve your email messaging and get the responses you are hoping for.
1. It’s all about them
Keep the attention on your email recipient for most the email. You can softly add in your request towards the end of your email. Connect with the candidate before you rush in with your end goal.
2. Authenticity
Make sure your email isn’t just a cut a paste that you send to all your candidates. Sound like a real person and put some effort into your note. Connect with the reader and get them to like the real you. They will be more inclined to help if you are authentic. (From Texito) Recruiters experienced an 80% drop rate when they used phrases like: “I came across your profile on LinkedIn” or “I found your profile” when they used that sentence in their introduction email.
3. Say no to SPAM
Gimmicky, salesy vocab should be avoided at all costs. People don’t want to feel like they are being sold. It is a huge turn off and likely to get a delete from the reader. Don’t use the same template or auto-message for each email. Be genuine and direct with your message.
4. Set a Goal
Before you send a note to a candidate, think about what your goal is. Are you just trying to start a connection? Do you have a role you think they would be fantastic for? Think about why you are sending the email to make sure you succeed.
5. Keep it short
People don’t have a ton of time and if you send them an essay, they are likely to either skim it or completely ignore it. Be succinct and to the point so that the reader can quickly read your email on their phone. If they can read it without scrolling, they will be more apt to reply.
6. Engage
Try to make your email interesting. Like I mentioned before, people’s time is limited so make sure they read your email by avoiding being too boring. You can even add in a bit of humor as long as you keep it professional. Some Recruiters have had success with sharing videos or emoji’s in there outreach emails.
7. Personalize
Connect with your email recipient by pulling in personal information about them. It could be commenting on their alma mater or complimenting them about a recent speech. This will let them know you are interested in them and are not just sending blast emails out to the world. The extra time it takes to do some research will go a long way. That connection will encourage an obligation to reply to you based on the connection you established.
8. Focus on your subject line
Candidates may decide whether to read your email by the subject line. If someone referred you, put it right in the subject. This will get them interested in what you have to say.
9. What’s in it for them?
If you are asking for something, like referrals, let your subject know what they can get out of the arrangement. While many people like to help, make it even easier for them to agree.
10. Call to action
Make sure you end your note with the action you want the recipient to take. If you are looking for a reply, state that. Whatever it is, call it out so they are aware of what they need to do.
Take your email endeavors to the next level by incorporating these tips into your plan. You will see more engagement from your contacts, which will lead to more interested candidates. Get started on those emails today and get the responses you are looking for.
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