Email Etiquette: Your Secret Weapon for Getting Noticed by Recruiters (Part 1)
Welcome to Part 1 of our primer on email etiquette—a must-read for anyone serious about making an impression in their job search. Let’s get real: when it comes to emailing recruiters, many folks drop the ball. You might think your message is crystal clear, but if you want to stand out in a crowded field, you need to up your game.
In this post, we’ll dive into the essentials of email etiquette that can set you apart. Think of it as your secret weapon for getting noticed. Trust me, your future self will thank you!
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll explore the art and science of crafting emails that actually elicit responses. Because let’s face it—no one wants to send out emails into the void!
The Reality Check: Most Emails Suck
At The Keva Dine Agency™, we sift through thousands of emails each week, and honestly, 80% of them are cringeworthy. If you’re reaching out to a recruiter, don’t make us do all the heavy lifting. Include the essentials, anticipate our questions, and keep it clean and simple.
Make sure your email is polished and to the point, giving us what we need without any extra steps. Trust me—you’ll want to fix your emails before hitting send!
The Essentials: Who, What, Why, When, How
Here’s a pro tip: always include the Who, What, Why, When, and How in your outreach. This not only helps us understand your situation better, but it also saves everyone time.
Who: Who are you?
What: What do you want?
Why: Why are you reaching out?
When: When are you looking to start?
How: How can I help you?
Bad vs. Good Email Examples
Let’s break it down with some examples that will make you cringe (the bad) and those that will make you want to reply (the good).
Bad Intro Email
Subject: Back on the market
Hey,
My friend said you’re a cool recruiter. I’m looking for a new AD role. Can we hop on a call next week?
Thanks
Why This Sucks:
Vague Subject: “back on the market” is uninspired.
Lack of Details: Who’s the friend? What kind of job? What are your skills?
No Links: No resume, no profiles, nothing to reference.
You’re expecting a call: that’s pretty presumptuous remember this game is a 2-way street.
Good Intro Email
Subject: Referral from [Friend's Name] – Marketing Specialist Seeking Opportunities
Hi Keva,
I hope you’re doing well! My name is [Your Name], and I was referred to you by [Friend's Name]. I’m currently a Marketing Specialist with [X years of experience] in [Your Industry/Field].
I’m reaching out because I’m want to move from my role/industry [specific roles or companies] starting [when you want to start] into a role/industry - am I the right type of candidate for The Keva Dine Agency?
Here’s a snapshot of my qualifications:
LinkedIn Profile: [Your LinkedIn URL]
Resume: [Link to your PDF Resume]
Portfolio: [Link to your Portfolio]
If you have a moment, I’d love to chat about any available positions or advice you might have!
Thanks for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you!
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your LinkedIn URL] | [Your Email] | [Your Phone Number]
Why This Works:
Clear Subject: It tells me who you are and why you’re reaching out.
Relevant Details: It includes essential information about your experience and what you’re looking for.
Links Included: All the necessary links are there, making it easy for me to check you out.
Polished Signature: Consistent email signatures across all devices, with links to your profiles, add professionalism.
Proofread Before You Hit Send!
I can’t stress this enough: proofread your emails! Spelling and grammar mistakes can make you look unprofessional, and trust me, we notice.
Take a minute to read your email before hitting send; it can make all the difference in the world.
Conclusion
In the world of job searching, a well-crafted email can be your golden ticket. Whether you’re a candidate, job seeker, or client, following these guidelines will help you make a lasting impression.
Remember, you’re not just applying for a job; you’re making a connection. So take the time to get it right!
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series, where we’ll explore the art and science of crafting emails that elicit a response. You won’t want to miss it!