🙋 "Hi.. Can I please work at your company?"
Reach out to a recruiter properly with this week's tips from Monday Mavens.
As discussed in last week’s Monday Mavens edition, the current job search scene has shifted due to many factors, the biggest one being the global pandemic. One factor that has changed the game for the past decade, though, is digitalization. It opens up a whole new world for jobseekers and companies—more specifically recruiters, to meet the supply and demand of jobs.
Various social media platforms have been used for this purpose, but one that has stood out the most is LinkedIn. With more than 756 million members in over 200 countries, it’s a top pick for 72% of recruiters in terms of their recruiting efforts.
Who should I reach out to?
Back in the day, jobseekers would send their physical résumés to companies or go to job fairs as active ways of job hunting. In 2021, the most effective way of actively reaching out to recruiters would be online through LinkedIn. The first thing you need to consider is which recruiters you should approach to match your current goal. There are generally 3 types of recruiters:
Retainer-based recruiter: Serves as a third-party consultant and charges companies a retainer fee up front in order to find a candidate. Often, the candidates they seek are senior-level business people who meet specific job requirements.
Contingency-based recruiter: This recruiter can be a temp agency hired to conduct a specific search to fill temporary roles. They compete with other firms to present the right candidates for job openings, and are paid only if their candidate gets hired.
Corporate recruiter: This type of recruiter works internally for one specific company. They are responsible for distributing the job posting, sourcing candidates, screening resumes, and shortlisting candidates to be presented to the hiring manager.
Read more about the role of a Recruiter to understand the other side’s POV here.
Where on LinkedIn can I find them?
In order to catch the attention of recruiters, you probably have heard the basics of creating an SEO-focused LinkedIn profile—which we’ve also covered in a past Monday Mavens edition. But, there are also other proactive routes you can take to get closer to your dream job. Here are a couple ways you can utilize the LinkedIn search bar to find industry-specific recruiters:
From the home page, click on "My Network."
Click on "Connections" at the top left-hand column.
Click on "Search with filters", then select the "All filters" box.
In the pop-up box, choose 1st, 2nd, and 3rd connections.
Scroll down to the "Industry" section and click your industries of interest or add industries.
Scroll down to the “Keywords” section at the bottom of the box. Under "Title," type in “Recruiter,” “Headhunter,” “Talent Acquisition,” or “Hiring Manager.”
Click “Show Results.”
Look for the search field at the top of your profile.
Place your cursor in the field, type in “recruiter” and click on “recruiter in People” in the drop-down.
A second menu appears below the search field. Click on “All Filters”.
Narrow your search by ticking off filters (Location, etc).
Scroll down to “Industry” and tick off “Staffing and Recruiting”.
Click on “Show results” at the bottom of the page and a list appears.
When you find the recruiters you’d like to reach out to, click on the "Connect" button and choose the option “Add a note” to send them a customized message. Don’t be afraid to ask your connections for an introduction, too!
What do I need to write?
Before you even start typing your introductory message, you need to make sure that the approach you’re taking and the content of your message align with these 4 fundamentals:
Be specific. It will increase your likelihood of receiving a response and ensure that your exchange is targeted and productive.
Show evidence of research. Demonstrates your dedication to the job search and inspires confidence that your goals and experiences are aligned to the job.
Keep it simple. Save extensive details about yourself and your work history for a subsequent communication or screening interview.
Respect the relationship. Use courteous language, keep requests reasonable, accommodate their schedule, and defer to their expertise.
Decrease the chances of your message getting ignored by the recruiter by not incorporating questions and requests such as:
Can you help me find a job?
Do you have any job openings that fit my profile?
Can you review my resume and send me your edits / feedback / suggestions?
Can you please send me [employee name]’s email address / phone number?
Do you know anyone at [insert company name]?
Can you endorse / recommend me?
More don’ts to keep in mind here.
To get you started, here is a template you could use as a base in your recruiter-seeking adventure:
Dear Recruiter,
My name is Elizabeth Uchengu, and I recently applied for the Assistant Principal position at Leaders Academy's South Bronx location. I am reaching out to introduce myself and express my sincere enthusiasm for this opportunity, which I believe is a great match for my skills and abilities. I would love to speak with you to elaborate on my background and learn more about the principal's ideal candidate for this position. Are you available on Tuesday to connect? I am free all day and will happily work around your schedule.
Thank you in advance for your consideration,
Elizabeth Uchengu
euchengu@email.com
(990) 516-7842
Find more templates and learn more about the fundamentals of Recruiter Outreach here.
Did you learn a thing or two from this week’s Monday Mavens edition? Don’t forget to help us grow by sharing this edition with your friends who would appreciate it!
We’ll see you for more productivity and personal growth tips next week.
Cheers!