12 Creative Ways to Improve your Recruiter Templates

Jonathan Kidder

6 years ago

I often find myself feeling frustrated with recruiters due to the frequent unsolicited, automated messages I receive. Recently, I received a message that stated I would be a great fit for a Workday Developer role, despite not being a developer and being unsure of how my information was obtained without recent updates to job board databases.

The recruiting industry can be a source of frustration for both active job seekers and passive applicants. The practice of mass-sending template messages to multiple profiles is prevalent and often viewed as a quick solution to producing hires. In my early career, I was trained to over-message on LinkedIn Recruiter, and this behavior was even praised during weekly meetings. It is difficult to imagine another industry where spamming others online is viewed as a desirable behavior.

First, I know we can do better.

One way to improve the recruiting process is to take inspiration from others. I have compiled a list of 12 creative ways to enhance your recruiting messaging templates. These quick and thought-provoking ideas can help personalize your messages, making them more effective.

Creative ways to improve your Recruiter Templates:

1. Don’t use the SAME template

Use the foundation and write each individual message. Don’t save messages on LinkedIn recruiter anymore. Try to become more creative and genuine with your messaging. I have looked at other templates on my team and I was shocked to see a recruiter who used the same exact message in every single template. She only changed the job title and location information. She’s been in the recruiting field for over 15 years- no wonder her inmail responses are 10% per week.

2. Get creative

Ask the hiring manager for an honest take on the project or department. Why should someone join their team? What’s unique or different? What drives their passions?

3. Use a referral (name) in your message

I always ask for referrals if the applicant rejects my message and are kind in their response. If they do have a referral – use their name in the reference message. Your response rate will skyrocket and you’ll gain instant legitimacy.

4. Dumb down your messaging

Basically, don’t overthink it. Don’t bother writing more than 3 paragraphs. Keep it simple. Don’t sound like a robot. Don’t copy and paste the job description requirements in your message, that won’t work well.

5. Stop blasting messages

Too many recruiters auto-blast the same messaging over and over. Try to write the email like you’re talking to a friend. View their profile for more than 30 seconds and try being in their shoes. Then highlight there interests likes or dislikes. Just try to be direct and genuine with the message; write it like you know them.

6. The subject line is very important

The word “Job Opportunity” is becoming a meaningless, overused phrase. I always like to include the job title, location, and company name. I include phrases like Looking, Interested, Growing Team, Exciting Change, or Impressed.

7. Always include a job description link.

You don’t necessarily have to highlight the requirements of the position, just allow them to view the details later on.

8. Highlight something relevant to their niche skill set.

Say a joke their industry niche would only understand. Talk about a cutting-edge industry-related topic. What rocks their world? What keeps them excited or passionate? I’ve referenced different TED talks to Engineers – it’s really surprising to see how it connects with applicants.

9. Always track your emails.

I’ve recommended my top 6 trackers in this other post (here).

10. Include pictures or videos

We are a media driven society. If company related pictures, memes, or department photos are applicable, try using them. I was sourcing for an Industrial Designer role and I shared the latest product prototypes in my email message. I had a great response and feedback from that template.

11. Know your audience

Gen X and millennials don’t communicate the way past generations have. You can use emojis and shorten texts to communicate with them over email. Just think for a moment — if you’re under 30 I’m sure you have a dozen voicemails and just delete them without ever listening to the messages. It takes too much time and if it was a real emergency the person would text you. In other words, don’t be afraid to get creative with your communication.

12. Use social media as the first point of contact

Cold-calling is not as effective as it once was. People are communicating within many different types of networks: Facebook, WhatsApp, SnapChat, Instagram, Twitter, or over text messages. With so many options, applicants can hide from the normal email/call recruiter contacts. We can thank all the spamming auto blast recruiters who have created this hell.

Bonus: I’ve created a crowd-sourced list of recruiter templates (here)

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