3 Sample Email Templates Job Seekers Can Send To A Recruiter

Scroll down to read more!

3 Sample Email Templates Job Seekers Can Send To A Recruiter

Scroll down to read more!

Table of Contents

During the talk Carlos Gil and I gave at SXSW (Resumes Suck! 7 Ways to Find a Job With Social Media), we had a handful of questions that I wanted to follow up on. One in particular I thought was important was a question about how job seekers and candidates should best reach out to hiring managers and recruiters before they formally apply for a job.

In my work many years ago as a resume writer and career coach, this was one of the most effective ways to land hidden job opportunities from recruiters and hiring managers directly or from friends, colleagues and referrals who can make introductions for you.

These days it’s relatively easy to find people’s email addresses thanks to Chrome extensions like Email Hunter. Sometimes recruiters (conveniently) share their email address on their website or LinkedIn Profile, but if not you can find them in online databases like WhoIs which serves as a website registry.

Because only 2% of candidates who apply for jobs are considered for positions after applying using a company application process, I encourage candidates to reach out to recruiters and hiring managers directly. Email is the best and most non-intrusive way.

Gmail tools like YesWare can be used by job seekers to receive notification that a recruiter has opened up an email. That’s similar to one of the benefits of the LinkedIn Business Account function – I’m able to see when people have viewed my profile and can take action to engage, follow up or reach out to them.

3 Sample Email Templates Job Seekers Can Send To A Recruiter

In terms of candidates engaging recruiters and hiring managers, there are three types of messages you can consider when you are doing your reach out to inquire about opportunities at a company or specific positions. These messages are labor intensive, meaning that there is a great deal of research and customizing to be done. Carlos mentioned in our talk that it’s a good idea to create an employer hit list and focus on 10-15 target companies you are most interested at working in. This helps focus your efforts to make sure you do the work and build the relationships the right way. Also, your resume is very important. You can find some resume examples that will guide you to create a top resume for yourself.

I’ve included three sample email templates you can use to reach out to recruiters in a non-aggressive, professional but casual way. These templates are meant to be updated and customized depending on the job, your experience and based on your specific needs.

#1 – The Informational Interview Reach Out

The informational interview is a bit of a lost art form. It’s a great way to engage recruiters or hiring managers if there aren’t any job openings listed on their career site. I use my Workology Podcast as a form of an informational interview to build new connections, relationships and as a consulting customer acquisition tool. As an interested job seeker during an informational interview, you ask questions about the company culture, hiring process, and learn about the selection process. These are time consuming but an effective way to build a relationship and make an impression with someone at your hit list company.

Dear <insert name>,

My name is <insert your name> and I would love to schedule an informational interview. I’ve heard great things about your company culture and would like to learn more about the hiring and selection process. I’m developing a article series on LinkedIn Publisher (or your blog) featuring local employers who have great reputations, sharing with the community just what makes <insert company name> a great place to work.

The interview would take no more than 30 minutes. It’s a Q&A style format. I’d love to schedule a time to stop by and meet with you in person and get a tour of the offices before publishing my story.

Sincerely,

<insert your name>

The beauty of this day and age is that everyone is a publisher whether its a podcast, blog like this one, LinkedIn Publisher, Medium, and starting later this month Facebook. You don’t have to be an amazing writer from affordablepapers to write question and answer type stories. Most importantly, this puts you directly in front of the recruiter where you can send a follow up message, after your article goes live, saying that you enjoyed talking with them and would be interested in being a part of their team.

#2 – The Referral Email

One of the best ways to accelerate the hiring process is using a referral email for a direct introduction to a recruiter or hiring manager for a friend, peer or colleague. This was one of my favorite tactics in my resume writing days. A simple targeted email sent to five people resulted in a hire for an engineer who had 30 years of work experience but no college degree. Because he didn’t have the educational requirement, he kept getting disqualified from job openings even though he had enough experience.

The referral email is sent to a handful of your most trusted contacts. The smaller the better, and I recommend that you send a personalized note instead of blasting or messaging everyone in a form of spray and pray.

Dear <insert friend’s name>,

Earlier this month, I made the decision to begin looking for a new career opportunity. It’s been a great <insert number of years> working at <insert company name> as their <insert job title>. I’m looking for a new company to challenge me and grow my skill set in <insert skill name>, <insert skill name>, and <insert skill name>.

I’m focusing my job search on five different companies in the <insert city name> metro area for a career opportunity as an <insert job title>, <insert job title>, or <insert job title>. I would appreciate your help by providing a direct introduction by email or phone to anyone you know who works at any of the companies listed below.

– Name of company #1

– Name of company #2

– Name of company #3

– Name of company #4

– Name of company #5

Please include my LinkedIn Profile in your introduction <insert LinkedIn Profile link> and a short introduction about me that includes my <xx> years of experience in the fields of <insert skill name> and <insert skill name> and that I’m interested in a job opportunity as a <insert job title>.

Thank you so much for you assistance. Let me know how I can help you.

<insert name>

#3 – The Application Follow Up Email to a Recruiter or Hiring Manager

Recruiters are some of the most visible professionals on the web today and following up with them via email or on social media after applying for a job opening, can also be an effective way to improve the likelihood that you will receive a response from the company. I like to engage recruiters on multiple channels to help ensure they will at least open the message. You can send them a tweet telling a recruiter you just shot them an email and are awaiting their response or a quick note on LinkedIn paraphrasing your email.

When sending any kind of email, I suggest using an email extension tool like an essay writing service or the above mentioned YesWare to update you on when your message is opened. This helps ensure that your email is getting to the right person and in a timely way.

Dear <insert recruiter name>,

I recently applied for a job opening at <insert company name> for the position of <insert position name> on your online career site. The position fits perfectly with my experience in <insert experience>, <insert experience>, and <insert experience>. You can learn more about me by viewing my LinkedIn Profile <insert LinkedIn Profile url>.

I recently followed you on <insert social media site> and appreciated the valuable resources you are providing for job seekers and the way you interact with candidates. I’m a fan of <insert sports team, type of animal or other interest>, too.

I’d love to set up a time to schedule a call and talk about the position and my experience. I have some availability on <insert days> next week from <insert time span with time zone>. You can email me at <insert your email address> or by phone at <insert phone number>. I look forward to scheduling some time with you.

Sincerely,

<insert your  name>

Accelerate Your Job Search with Email

Use the power of the internet combined with email messages to engage, customize, and make an impression with recruiters and hiring managers that encourages them to learn more about you. While the job search process is a numbers game, you can stack the odds in your favor by doing research, customizing your messages and tapping into your professional network in creative, targeted ways. Email isn’t dead. Email and sample templates are one of the most effective ways to accelerate your job search and improve your chances of landing an interview. I’ve also included the slide from our SXSW talk below.

Download my job search guide for FREE. Includes resume, cover letter, and email templates like the ones you see above. Click here.

Did you like this post? Share it!

14 Comments

  1. I am Malagasy, a man 57 years old, I have a degree in human resources, local development and management in organisation. I have experiences in those fieds. Is it possible for me to work in your country?

  2. Hello Jessica, thank you so much for sharing these email templates. This is a useful blog. I would definitely use these templates and share them with my friends and family. Thank you so much for this post.

  3. its a great site, which helps everybody to know how to send a mail in a proper formal way.. keep updating the informaiton.

  4. Great post!
    I have sent out Informational interview requests in the past (and I preach this to my friends and family as well). I have had some success and many no responses.
    I definitely like your angle about the idea of telling them – how you are doing a LinkedIn blog on potential employers.
    Everyone likes talking about themselves, and this approach is disarming as opposed to just a random person asking for a meeting.
    Thanks for sharing!!

  5. Thanks a lot Jessica for sharing valuable information. I am hopeful to get some good response.

  6. These templates are so useful, indeed. Usually, the job seekers apply for multiple companies at once and if they don’t receive any response, they have a feeling of disappointment. This is the right way for them to actually know if they’re not suitable for the job or it’s just the fact that the recruiter received so many e-mails, he forgot to answer his.
    Sending a follow-up email is the best decision a job seeker could make and this template is a great start for anyone!
    Helpful article.

  7. Here is a Solution for the Unemployed Folks
    The challenge of our type of education is that it does not teach people to think for themselves. Graduates are so tied to the mindset of paid employment that the idea of creating their own jobs scares and frightens the hell out of the vast majority of the unemployed. This ought not to be if people are given the right orientation that helps them develop the correct self-help and self-initiative attitude.
    It is disheartening whenever you see a graduate doing ‘any kind of work’ just to survive. All what anyone need to employ himself is the courage to go that way. The determination to take your destiny into your own hands and rule what happens to your career life. A simple shift of mindset will propel the individual to start asking critical questions and start finding the answers. He will become poised to learn new skills, acquire new competences, and seek for contacts and connections that can facilitate the opportunity to take initiatives and earn money. This is a lot of work!
    Really lots of opportunities exist to earn money, but when your mind is looking for paid employment, you will find it difficult to spot self-help opportunities to leverage. Most of the times people deplore their skills to work and earn money for an employer they are smarter than. All the employer had is the boldness to take the step to create the business outfit. You make money for him and earn little of it as salary. If you have courage, what you do for others can be done on your own, and for yourself and you will take all the profit. People simply need help to think the right thought.
    I have a book titled “177 Lucrative Businesses You Can Start Without Money, Office or Need to Pay Any Bill”. It shows readers creative and innovative ideas to explore the next day to start earning reasonable sums of money. Remember that you already have the mind, and the potential. The problem is knowledge of how and where to direct such energy resourcefully. Right knowledge opens up new doors. Don’t forget people find it hard to think, and the book does the thinking for anyone that lays his hands on it.
    Next is marketing which is the most important and most essential skill in business. The unemployed fellow get confused thinking about the competition out there for whatever services or product he takes to the market. If you do what you do the same way others are doing theirs you will face competition that can dwarf your effort and overwhelm you into failure. Unique marketing strategy is what makes all the difference. What can you do to set yourself, product or services apart and make a distinctive difference? This is easy to do. Again, I have over four books that can help anyone identify simple ways to attract massive customers base without spending any money. There are what to do to entice clients away from their loyal customers. Most of these are simple psychology and commonsense that people are not thinking about. The good thing is that you can do all of that without spending any dime. You learn all of that from the books (“Unique Ideas to Pamper Your Customers So They Keep Coming Back to Buy and Advertise You to Others”, “Creative Ideas to Attract All the Customers from Your Competitors”, “How to Serve Your Customer”, “Fastest Ways to Win Many Customers and Clients”). You will have most of these materials free if you will use the ideas- [email protected]
    The best thing to acquire as a graduate unemployed is knowledge and skill. You have to agree that schools do not teach the competence that enables you succeed on the street. You have to acquire that on your own. You do these through reading, mentorship and apprenticeship to retrain yourself where necessary. You simply have to learn how to take initiative. Multitude of legitimate money-making opportunities exist online and off line. Particularly services that do not require money to start. Please, if you still belong to the camp that believes it is impossible to start any business without money, I recommend you get hold of my book “177 Businesses You Can Start without Money”. You will have deluge of ideas, and the strategy to actualize them instantly. It is unlikely you will be employed soon when there are over 22 million unemployed folks out there. The solution is in you doing something on your own. Your help is in your own hands.
    The challenge is that people think of money each time they are tempted towards self-employment. That is very wrong since you have no cash, no collateral or any ability to elicit funding from any of the lending agencies. Even at that, you don’t need your own money to start any business if you understand the techniques to leverage other people’s money, other people’s skills, other people’s connections, resources, contacts, and what have you. See the book I just recommended. Another work that can help you is “Why Salary Earners Are Losers” It shows you reasons and techniques to start your own business and have a good chance of success. Reading the book will give you the guts to start and the strategy to excel. It’s my book too.
    However, if you are absolutely sold to the idea of paid employment and desire to work for others, there are ideas that can put you instantly on the job. I mean instantly. There is no wisdom in a graduate offering himself or herself to do a gateman’s job. It is poor thinking and a demeaning opyion. I will tell you something now! Why don’t you write down names of 10 organizations and companies where you know you can gain requisite experience. Dress corporately and visit these establishments one by one. When you get there seek audience with the chief executive, or anyone that takes decision in that office. Please, don’t tell the receptionist that you are looking for job. Rather tell her you have ideas and information that can earn money and facilitate business for the company- you will have easy access. Don’t explain further.
    When you see him, plead that he should give you opportunity to work for his company. Tell him the skills you have- marketing, presentation, computer skills, whatever. Then tell him not to pay you any salary, but to kindly give you enough money to cover your transport and feeding. I guarantee that if you are impressive you will find success before you cover the 10 companies you have listed. If you are given a chance, then work harder, be more dedicated and prove to be most resourceful than any staff you met there. I tell you this, before three months, you will be given a permanent appointment. Besides, it is easier to get a job when you are working than when you are not. Know this, if you are there and a job opening comes up, you will be the first to be considered. 70% of vacancies are never advertised. You have advantage if you already have a foothold inside the company. Try this approach and tell me how it goes with you.
    I have an Automatic Employment Handbook that will help you, it is titled, “Fastest Way to Secure Your Dream Job Today, Even without Vacancy”. I can let you have it if you want the steps to get into a company and establish an irresistible relevance that will make the management haste to regularize your appointment. Remember, everything is skill, knowledge and strategy. I wish you good luck if you are unemployed, or struggling to find patronage for your product or service. Get across if you feel I can be of help by any means.
    Ucheka Anofienem. [email protected]

  8. This is a wonderful website for all its encouragement. We are so many job seekers than the jobs. However, let it be known to any one who is looking for the job now, that once you follow the advice from these experts, the next day you will either have created your own job or got the job you are looking for. As far as I am concerned i have learnt that each job has its own cultures, politics, and still the technical know who is far greater than the technical know how more especially in the so called “third world countries” or better call them aspiring developing countries! unfortunately there is a lot of discrimination due to: age, qualifications, language, etc. though a lot has been done to clean up the former stereo typed ideas and prejudices. Nonetheless, the journey is still there to walk the talk. Again to all job seekers, like what Ucheka Anofienem has written: let us learn to create our own jobs. Alternatively, NEVER GIVE UP continue the search, build up skill and apply them. God bless you all Fr. Vincent Kisenyi Byansi

  9. As a UK recruiter, I’d have to say number 1 would probably be a non-starter for a battle hardened companies, I think many would see any follow up as way too ‘cheeky’.

    Number 2 is an absolute genius angle and one I think that could easily be adapted for direct approaches to employers. “I’m focusing my search on companies I respect etc etc…”

    Number 3 – I respect, although again, I think it’s a little forward for a British recipient. Although I should say, I’m a massive fan of the follow up email, thanking employers for their time and letting them know you’d still love a chance to show them how good you are at some point in the future.

    All in all some excellent tips and advice for anyone seeking a new job or career change. Thanks.

Comments are closed.

A Word From Our Sponsors

Ads help make Workology resources free for everyone. We respect your privacy. To see our Privacy Policy click here.

Recommended Posts

27 Companies Who Hire Adults With Autism

List of companies who hire and employ adults who are neurodiverse. ...

The Costs of Form I-9 Software

Read the complexities of Form I-9 compliance software costs. We break down pricing structures, features & benefits to help HR professionals....

Episode 415: Registered Apprenticeship Programs in the Clean Energy Sector With Dr. Janell Hills

In this episode, we interview Dr. Janell Hills from IREC about developing registered apprenticeship programs in the clean energy sector....
Sanjay Sathé, Founder & CEO of SucceedSmart, is no stranger to disrupting established industries.

Q&A With Sanjay Sathé, Founder & CEO of SucceedSmart

Sanjay Sathé, Founder & CEO of SucceedSmart, is no stranger to disrupting established industries. ...
supporting caregivers: the sandwich generation at work

Supporting Caregivers: The ‘Sandwich Generation’ at Work

Are companies doing what they should to support employees who become caregivers? ...

Recruiting Reimagined: How Specialized Software Strengthens Hiring in 2024

Even during fluctuating economic crosswinds, the war for talent remains white-hot across most industries. To efficiently staff crucial openings while staying within strained budgets,...

Checkout Our Products

Ads help make Workology resources free for everyone. We respect your privacy. To see our Privacy Policy click here.

More From Workology

Recruiting Reimagined: How Specialized Software Strengthens Hiring in 2024

Click on read more to open this post on our blog.
supporting caregivers: the sandwich generation at work

Supporting Caregivers: The ‘Sandwich Generation’ at Work

Are companies doing what they should to support employees who become caregivers?
Sanjay Sathé, Founder & CEO of SucceedSmart, is no stranger to disrupting established industries.

Q&A With Sanjay Sathé, Founder & CEO of SucceedSmart

Sanjay Sathé, Founder & CEO of SucceedSmart, is no stranger to disrupting established industries.

Episode 415: Registered Apprenticeship Programs in the Clean Energy Sector With Dr. Janell Hills

In this episode, we interview Dr. Janell Hills from IREC about developing registered apprenticeship programs in the clean energy sector.