How to create a powerful initial email??

I consider myself a senior level IT recruiter but everyone has their weaknesses. I think if I had to pick one, it would be my initial email that I send to potential candidates. Can anyone share with me some initial email ideas that I could use to really grab someone's attention and interest? I'm always afraid to send too long of an email because I feel that might turn a candidate away from me. In your experience, have you found that to be true? - Holli

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Permalink Reply by libby gilmore trammell on January 18, 2008 at 2:29pm

Here are some tips from Monster on writing effective emails:
Writing Effective Emails
Compliments of Monster

A letter library of emails created for delivery to your candidates
helps you and your team create effective and consistent letters to
be used throughout your office or company. Here are some tangible tips that you can use to create successful emails.

Tip One: Turn a passive candidate into an active
candidate
When you are searching for candidates and find new resumes,
your first instinct is to reach for the telephone. However, chances
are that a candidate will be at work and unavailable to speak to
you when you call them. Instead, try writing them a thorough
email. Chances are they will check their email at some point
during the day. In the email, you can include information such as
a description of your organization, a link to your company’s site,
the job link on the job board you found the candidate and your
contact information, including your availability.

This will give the candidate time to read through the information,
look at the links and find a time that is convenient for both of you.

When they do call you, they will be calling you because they are
interested in the opportunity. By doing this, you’ve turned them
from a passive candidate into an active candidate!

Tip Two: Use letter to get referrals
Networking is always an important part of recruiting. Many
organizations offer a referral fee to anyone that sends them a
viable candidate that is placed in an open job.

Why not create a referral letter in the Monster library containing
your information and the terms of your referral program? You can
then go into the Monster database and search for individuals who
are similar to the types of candidates that you are trying to attract.

Once you find a suitable pool of candidates, you have the option
of sending the referral letter to 20 individuals at a time, if you wish.
Ultimately, the goal is to have these candidates forward your email
to people in their immediate network, who will in turn connect with
you. This is a fantastic way to expand your pipeline of candidates!

Tip Three: Connect with confidential candidates
Some candidates in the Monster database wish to remain
confidential. In these cases, you will not have a telephone
number or the name of the candidate available to you. When this
situation arises, using Monster letters is the perfect tool to
communicate with that confidential candidate.

In essence, these candidates know that the only way to get in
touch with them is through email, so they understand the purpose
of a Monster email arriving in their inbox. In your email, try to get
the attention of the seeker. Instead of sending a generic email,
take the time to craft an individualized email, pointing out why you
feel their skills are a good match for the position. Hopefully, if you
handle it correctly, you will convince a confidential seeker to
reveal themselves to you and engage in a conversation.

Tip Four: Targeting seekers from your competition
Savvy recruiters know which competitors have top performers
working for them. By creating a customized letter that targets your
competition’s employees, you can highlight the key reasons why
other employees from that organization have been successful at
your firm. Letters sent with customized messaging are effective
tools to engage “poised” seekers.

Tip Five: Use Job Teasers – Catchy Titles
A job teaser is the intro text to your email that piques the interest
candidates.

Here are some suggested job teasers:
- Bring your skills and passion and join a winning team
- Interested in joing a dynamic team that is constantly seeking innovative approaches?
- Be part of a winning team!
- Ready to accept a great new challenge?
- Are you passionate about your career?
- Innovation, Excellence, Intrigrity! We are looking for you.
- Do you have what it takes to succeed and surpass expectations?
- Are your leadership skills being utilized and developed?

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Permalink Reply by Holli Maestas on January 18, 2008 at 2:41pm

Wow! Thanks Libby! That is great information! Sould I include the entire job specifications (like a job posting on monster) as well in the initial email or just my company information (including some job teasers) and wait for them to respond until I send the rest of the more detailed information? Do you think it would turn someone off to get a long email with all the information right up front or do you think that is actually preferred by people?

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Permalink Reply by libby gilmore trammell on January 18, 2008 at 2:54pm

I think they would like to get the basic information on the position and how that job and your company would be a good choice for them. Too many times recruiters push so much information about their company that they forget what the candidate actually wants to know "What's in this for me?" "Why is this a good choice for me?" Shift your focus on the candidate and tailor your emails toward them. You could include a brief description of your company or just add a link so that they can browse your website. Also be sure and include your own personal links such as Linkedin, Facebook, etc so they can find info on who you are. People buy from people they feel connected to.

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Permalink Reply by Dawn Christine Khan on January 18, 2008 at 11:55pm

Wow Holli, what a great question and Libby, thanks for the fantastic response.. I have been thinking of adding a "templates" and "best practices" library to my LinkedIn Recruiting Professionals Network.. This is just the type of knowledge and sharing I love to see happening.

Kind Regards,
Dawn

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Permalink Reply by Recruitnik on January 24, 2008 at 9:08pm

Look at it from a candidates prospective. What would grab your attention? I would keep your first contact email brief. Bait them to contact you for more information. The hardest part is trying to keep it professional, but informal enough to feel personal.

Good Luck!

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Permalink Reply by Holli Maestas on January 25, 2008 at 9:36am

Can you send me an example of what you write?

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Permalink Reply by Recruitnik on January 25, 2008 at 10:42am

Bob,

I found your resume on --- or I noticed on your profile on --- that you have bee a ASP programmer for the past 5 years. I have a client that may be a great fit for you. They are a large organization based in your home town and are requiring 4-6 years exp. Please call me so I can give you the details.

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Permalink Reply by Holli Maestas on January 25, 2008 at 10:49am

This is what I have been trying out...do you think it is too much? I just wanted to give them some info about our company and the benefits we offer, so that they know what is in it for them...Of coarse the formatting looks a lot better than what it looks like here and I'm going to start incorporating some of the things you have noted in your example.

Example:

Subject Line: Ready to accept a great new challenge?

Terry,
Would you be interested in hearing the details of a Telecom Technician position that we have available in the Charlotte, NC area? If not, do you know of someone else that might be interested? Please let me know. Thanks. - Holli

**EXCELLENT CAREER OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN OUR WINNING TEAM!!**

WHY ANALYSTS INTERNATIONAL?

Established in 1966

Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN

Approximately 2,500 employees

Over 35 locations

More than $345 million in annual revenue

More than 1,000 clients, ranging from Fortune 50 companies to mid-tier industry leaders

**TELECOM TECHNICIAN NEEDED FOR EXCITING OPPORTUNITY!**

BENEFITS:

Health Insurance (through BCBS MN)

PTO

Holidays

Banking

Dental Insurance (through MetLife)

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Pet Insurance

Vision Insurance (through Spectera)

Home and Auto Insurance

401(k) Plan

Long Term Care

Life Insurance (employee, spouse and child)

529 Savings Plan

Long Term and Short Term Disability Insurance

Group Legal Plan

Flexible Spending Accounts

Aflac

Holli Maestas

Sr. Technical Recruiter

Phone: 972-406-5076

Toll Free: 800-800-8699 Ext 8365076

Email: hmaestas@analysts.com

ANALYSTS INTERNATIONAL

www.analysts.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/HolliMaestas

Recruiting Blog: www.recruitingblogs.com/profile/HolliMaestas

Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Holli_Maestas/823050815

Plaxo: http://pulse.plaxo.com/pulse/profile/show/115965051383

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/hollimaestas

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Permalink Reply by Ben Gotkin on January 25, 2008 at 1:12pm

Holli,

I would suggest that what you are using is probably providing too much information for a first email. You are giving the recipient too many chances to say no. You want to get their attention and entice them to follow up with you, either via phone or email. You want to find out what their motivators are before you start providing too many details.

I would also phrase it in a way that suggests that you are interested in networking with them, wanted to share some details about a great opportunity with them. Best case response is that they are interested. Worst case is no reponse. Most likely case is that they will be willing to listen further and could end up as a future prospect or a provder of referrals.

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Permalink Reply by Holli Maestas on January 25, 2008 at 1:28pm

Thanks for the replies to this post. I really appreciate it.

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Permalink Reply by Ray Towle on January 28, 2008 at 4:50pm

Holli,

The Initial Job Announcement said: "Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages. Bitter cold. Long months of complete darkness. Constant danger. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success."

Not much of an Initial Job Announcement is it? Nevertheless, when this ad was run by the polar explorer, Ernest Shackelton, men started walking across England to get to him. More than 5,000 applied. My point! Always remember to "Sell the Challenge."

All the Best!

Ray
+++

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Permalink Reply by Pete Radloff on January 31, 2008 at 12:04pm

Holly,

I'd probably say to sell a bit less and really leave some bites for further intrigue. I think the best pitch is one that gives some really good key info, but leaves the reader interested in more. (Read any Airline Email Ad - those initial prices look awesome until you find out you have to leave at 3am Tuesday). I think you also want to incorporate a networking component to this, so that if it's not the right fit for the person, then perhaps they feel at least its a good role to pass on to trusted friends and colleagues. I really try to make it an email that seems like a face to face conversation so that it doesn't appear as a solicitation (though I guess it is, no matter what)

I'm happy to send you a copy of one I use for Linked In and for other places I network with people, just email me at pradloff@comscore.com

Good luck!
Pete