Using passive candidates—those not actively seeking employment—involves a lot of consideration and tact. These people are passive and may welcome new opportunities, but you don’t want to send them a recruitment email template. This then explains why first-name targeted cold emails turn into a potent weapon in the recruitment mailgun. Cold email software allows recruiters to reach out to passive talent while still keeping the personal aspect, which matters to passive candidates.
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Why Use Cold Email for Recruitment Outreach?
Cold emails are a way of reaching out to passive candidates directly and are essential for creating relationships without the boundaries of a site such as LinkedIn. It also allows recruiters to write more about the opportunity, company, and culture, which is not possible in warm outreach messages through social and other professional platforms, making it professional and engaging. It can help a company access passively searched candidates who may not be constantly visiting the job portals or social networking sites, making it easier to connect with expert talent who can embrace the culture and values of the organization.
Cold Email for Recruitment Vs. LinkedIn Outreach
While most recruiters use it, comparing it to cold email, it is similar to a generic form of communication. LinkedIn messaging can be somewhat unsavory, as it is busier and more filled with hawkish recruiters flogging their wares to any target candidate. Cold emails are different as they enable the recruiters to differentiate by sending personal messages to the candidate’s inbox. With cold email software, the recruiters will be able to arrange follow up messages, monitor engagements and have better chances of delivering messages.
How to Personalize Emails for Passive Candidates?
Building the relationship and targeting the content is how to engage the passive candidates. Here are some ways to ensure that your message gets through their inbox and that they will reply.
Research
Ensure you investigate the candidate before you contact him or her. Check their work experience and build a list of notable changes in their range of specialty and recent achievements. This will also help you target your email and demonstrate that you have taken the time to learn about them. It’s often useful to give specific achievements or projects to try and get a response; sometimes, people get genuine interest.
Customize
A cold email should not seem like a copied message that was sent to different people. Include the candidate’s name, their job title if available, and about the role or organization they are working for. Include in your email whether they have recently been awarded or recognized in any way, just to remind the recipient of that fact. This personalization lets the recipient know they are not being cc’d on a batch of emails sent to many people, but you took the time to email them personally.
Focus on the Subject Line
A candidate reads the subject line as the first message, so it is essential to pay specific attention to it. You can customize it by adding their name or mentioning their expertise; it can create interest and cause people to open those emails. For instance, instead of receiving the following message: “Do You Want to Make Money Online – Act Now!” an email such as ‘Hi Adam, You may be interested in this exciting opportunity in software engineering,’ will have a much higher open rate.
Tailor Your Message
Customization goes beyond incorporating the candidate’s name; it means packaging the opportunity in a manner most relevant to the candidate’s career. State why you think they are suitable for the job according to their experience and how the job matches their skills set. Considering individual characteristics and looking at some aspects of their experience and how they relate to the position will make your message realistic and not look like a copy-paste.
Cold Recruiting Email Templates
Creating a few templates for different scenarios can help recruiters save time while still delivering a personal touch. Here are some cold email templates for different stages of recruitment:
Template 1: Initial Outreach
Subject Line: [Name], Your Expertise in [Field] Could Be a Great Fit!
Hi [Name],
I’m [Your Name], a [Company Name] recruiter. I came across your profile and was impressed by your experience in [specific skill or project relevant to the role]. We have an exciting role in [Department/Field] at [Company], and I believe your background would make you an exceptional fit.
Would you be open to a brief chat to discuss this opportunity further? I’d love to learn more about your career goals and see if this role aligns with your aspirations.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Best,
[Your Name]
[Company Name]
Template 2: Follow-Up Email
Subject Line: Following Up on My Previous Email, [Name]
Hi [Name],
I hope this message found you in good spirits. I wrote to you earlier today regarding a position at [Company] The abilities in [specific skill or area] were tremendous and I think this position may be perfect for you.
I would like to get your thoughts on this and if you are available for a short call how would you feel about that? Of course, I would like to adjust your timetable to suit your preferences.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Company Name]
Template 3: Warm Lead Outreach
Subject Line: Exploring Opportunities Together, [Name]
Hello [Name],
I read your recent articles in [specify which project, blog, or publication] and was amazed by your understanding of [certain fields]. You are a highly valued professional, and we think you would be perfect for [Company].
However, the idea of some opportunity that we at least be willing to discuss, let me know so we can discuss how we could work together. If you want to talk about it, I’d like to know if you would be open to chatting.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Company Name]
Conclusion
To actively engage passive candidates in recruiting, keeping it as real as possible and using personalization in cold emails can help. Cold email apps and services help recruiters automate the process and track when follow-ups become necessary or what changes are made to the email body to ensure its contents are relevant to the recipient. In this highly selected job market, sharing personalized information in writing a good email may put good people ‘out there’, who may not be candidates actively looking but could be willing if the offer is good enough. Get to work in customizing those emails, and it will take your recruitment to another level.
Shahzad Ahmad Mirza is a web developer, entrepreneur, and trainer based in Lahore, Pakistan. He started his career in 2000 and founded his web development agency, Designs Valley, in 2012. Mirza also runs a YouTube channel, “Learn With Shahzad Ahmad Mirza,” where he shares his web programming and internet marketing expertise. He has trained over 50,000 students, many of whom have become successful digital marketers, programmers, and freelancers. He also created the GBOB (Guest Blog Posting Business) course, which teaches individuals how to make money online.
