How to Email a Recruiter: Helpful Tips for Advancing Your Job Search

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If you’re looking for a job, connecting with recruiters is one your your best bets for getting an interview for the position you want. 

Traditionally, recruiters come from a third party that a company outsources to hire the manpower they need. However, the tips presented here will also work if you’re reaching out to a representative from the company’s own Human Resources Department. Whatever the case, many people searching for jobs are intimidated by the thought of emailing a recruiter or representative directly.

But don’t worry: in this article, we’ll teach you the best practices for getting in touch with a recruiter so you won’t feel like you’re being a bother. 

How to Email a Recruiter

The following tips will help you write emails to job recruiters and increase your chances of getting interviewed, or even hired!

First, make sure your message is: 

  • Respectful. Understand that the message you’re sending is actually a professional letter. You can be friendly (greet with a “Hi Michael,” instead of the formal “Dear Sir or Madam”), but avoid being too casual (“Hey, Mike!”) 
  • Clear about your intention. Why are you sending the email? Do you want the recruiter to check your resume, schedule an interview, or answer some questions? Whichever it is, make sure you state it clearly in your email so they can respond appropriately and easily. 
  • Concise. This type of email isn’t where you elaborate on your background or experience. Focus on what you intend to ask. 
  • Error-free. Make sure your email is free of typos and grammatical errors. Also edit out any filler words or unnecessary information, and always double check the spelling and formatting of the company’s name and the recruiter’s name. 
  • Properly customized. Nothing turns off a recruiter more than a message that’s clearly been copied and pasted, especially if you include wrong names or information. 

Is It Appropriate to Email a Recruiter?

You may wonder if it’s appropriate to reach out to a recruiter via email. Don’t worry, it’s perfectly fine! You can send a “cold” email (your first email to a recruiter whom you may not know yet). 

Many job seekers also wonder whether it’s appropriate to contact a recruiter through LinkedIn. The answer is yes! An estimated 87% of recruiters are active on LinkedIn, and they use the platform to contact potential candidates. 

Just remember that it’s usually best not to attach your résumé or CV in a first email. Wait until you’ve gotten a response. That way, the recruiter will be more likely to read your CV more closely. 

Why Email a Job Recruiter?

Emailing a recruiter has the following advantages: 

  • It tells the recruiter you’re proactive. Sometimes, jobseekers just fire off resumes without really paying attention to whether they’re serious about the company. If you email them to follow up, it gives them a hint that you are indeed interested in working with them. 
  • It can help you stand out from the group. If you are able to send an excellently-written follow-up letter to a recruiter, it helps set you apart from everyone else, improving your chances of being considered for the position. 
  • It can open doors for you. Not all open job positions are posted online. This means that sending an email might help you find opportunities you may not otherwise find online.
  • If you’ve already had an initial job interview, the ball will be in the hiring manager’s court. But emailing the recruiter or HR representative about once a week after the interview will help remind them to follow up with the manager. 

Sample Emails to Recruiters

You can use these examples to guide you through your own email to a recruiter. However, always be sure to customize the message for your unique situation and recruiter!

Sample Connecting Email to a Recruiter

Subject: Any graphic design roles at MEJ? 

Hi Steven, 

I found an article about MEJ’s awesome performance at the World Graphic Design Convention last August. I’m impressed, and would like to check if there are any openings in the graphic design department.

I’ve been a successful graphic designer with Tellaluz Asia for the past two years, and would like to expand my experience to other industries. I’d love to talk with you for a few minutes to introduce myself and get to know a little bit about the company and any possible roles you have open. Would you be available for a quick Zoom call on Thursday? 

Thank you very much. 

Best regards, 

Tania Rogers

Sample Follow-Up Email to a Recruiter

Subject: Team Leader role at TransAsia – CV attached 

Hi Abigail, 

I applied for the Team Leader role at TransAsia Business Processes last Tuesday. I’ve been following the success of TransAsia in offering 24/7 customer service for your clients, and I’d love the chance to work with them. 

I believe I can be a great fit for the Team Leader role thanks to my five years of experience in the customer service industry. I’m happy to share that I got the Best Customer Service Associate Award in 2019 in my previous company. 

I’ve attached my CV for your review. Would you be available for a quick phone call next week to talk more about the role? 

Thank you very much. 

Kind regards, 

Michelle Wakefield 

Sample Email Referral from a Friend 

Hi Nate, 

I had coffee with Dennis Jamison a couple of days ago, and he mentioned that Timmy Johnson will be hiring more website developers soon. I have been working on my programming skills to become a better website developer, and would love to know if you have any job openings. Would you be free for a quick phone call on Thursday at around 10 a.m.? 

Thank you very much. 

Best regards,

Nigel Hughes  

Emailing Job Recruiters

Consider your email to a recruiter as a proactive step toward getting your next job, and focus on what you would like to know or what you would like the recruiter to do for you. 

This way, you’ll write an email that helps the recruiter do their job while showing that you value their time. They will appreciate you for it!

Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!

 

If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:

The post How to Email a Recruiter: Helpful Tips for Advancing Your Job Search appeared first on TCK Publishing.

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