Artwork by: Alexandra Shevchenko
Are you looking for a new job and think that a recruiter might be what you need to open the right doors? Getting their attention can be a challenge. Luckily, with this blog, you can discover some examples and templates of emails that will get a recruiter’s attention.
Working with a recruiter comes with a great number of benefits. For example, you may be able to unlock hidden opportunities that you didn’t have access to before. They can also help to save you time by offering you tailored job matches and insider knowledge. When you have landed that interview, a recruiter can help you prepare for it and provide you with negotiation support when you are offered the job.
You first need to get a recruiter’s attention by crafting a great email. If it isn’t attention-seeking, however, your email to a recruiter might go ignored. If you have been sending out emails to recruiters only to have them ignore your requests, this article is here to help. Here are some of the things we will be covering that will be sure to catch the attention of your next recruiter:
When should you email a recruiter?
Tips for writing a good email to a recruiter. With examples!
Finding the right jobs with a recruiter
One of the great things about working with a recruiter is that they can be helpful in various stages of your job hunt process. Here are some of the times you may want to consider emailing a recruiter.
Reaching out to a recruiter at the beginning of your job hunt can help open you up to better and more lucrative opportunities. A recruiter can also help you better prepare for the application process and ensure your resume is the best it can be.
Some job seekers prefer to do a little work on their own before reaching out to a recruiter. Waiting until you’ve updated your resume, researched the market, and gotten your LinkedIn profile ready is a great option because it gives you time to decide what type of job you are after.
Another great time to reach out to a recruiter is when you are ready for a promotion or the next step of your current career. A recruiter can help you find the best opportunities for your level of experience and can negotiate the best salary package for your next position.
Before we take a look at an example of a good email to a recruiter, let’s cover a few tips. Keep these in mind when you are writing your initial email to a recruiter:
Use your subject line to be direct and identify yourself quickly. Since recruiters receive so many emails daily, this can help ensure your email isn’t lost in the shuffle.
Use the recruiter’s name when writing your email’s greeting.
Give a brief explanation to let them know how you found them, and what it was about their experience that led you to reach out to them.
Keep your email concise and to the point, and be professional at all times.
Give the recruiter anything they might need to help in your job search right from the start, including your resume, cover letter, work examples, and portfolio.
Now that we’ve covered when to send an email and learned some of the things you should do when writing an email to a recruiter, let’s take a look at some examples. The first example will cover some of the things you might want to include when reaching out to a recruiter before you have any job prospects.
Hi (Recruiter’s Name),
I am an experienced (Job Title), and I am currently searching for a new role. Based on the information I found on (website where you found the recruiter’s contact information), you have experience helping job seekers in this industry.
For the past XX years, I have worked as a (Job Title) with (Company Name). The type of work I have enjoyed most with (Company Name) has been (example of work you’ve enjoyed). I am attaching my resume to this email but wanted to highlight my qualifications, experience, and achievements below:
Add a handful of bullets that cover some of your top achievements in your career and how they will benefit you in your next role.
I am currently interested in pursuing (add details about the types of roles you are interested in).
Please review the information and contact me to discuss what roles are available in my industry. I look forward to working with you during my job search.
Best regards, (Your Name)
If you’ve run across a job that you are interested in, and a recruiter is responsible for filling it, you will also need to send an email. However, there are some changes you will want to make. In this example, you can see what you may want to write if you already have a specific job listing in mind when you are reaching out to a recruiter.
Hi (Recruiter’s Name),
I have recently reviewed some of the roles you have listed and am interested in sharing my resume with you.
I have worked as a (Job Title) for the past XX years with (Company Name). Some of my greatest achievements include:
Go over a few of your top achievements.
I am attaching a preliminary copy of my resume to this email for you to review. Currently, I am hoping to apply for (Job Titles) in the (name of industry) industry.
I am excited to talk to you about the opportunities you may have that I am suitable for. Please contact me at (phone number, email address) as soon as possible.
Best regards, (Your Name)
After you have sent your initial email to a recruiter, you will need to follow up after a certain amount of time or following any response you receive from the recruiter. A good rule of thumb is to send an initial follow-up email in five business days if you have not heard from a recruiter after your first email. Here are some examples of what to send.
Hi (Recruiter’s Name),
My name is (Your Name), and I recently sent you an email regarding the potential to work together while I search for a new job in the (industry name). I am still very excited to work with you and wanted to see if you needed any further information from me regarding the types of positions I am searching for.
I have attached a fresh copy of my resume to this email for your review. Once you’ve reviewed my resume, please contact me at (phone number, email address).
I look forward to learning more about the positions you think will work best for my skills.
Best regards, (Your Name)
If you have already sent an application for a job listing you saw on a recruiter’s website, how you approach a follow-up email will need to be a little different. The following email example shows you some of the things you should include when you are inquiring about a specific job you have applied for.
Hi (Recruiter’s Name),
I applied for a (Job Title) position with (Company Name) about (days since you applied) ago. I am still very excited about this opportunity and wanted to ask if you’ve heard any feedback regarding my application.
I feel my experience and work history can provide great value to (Company Name), especially my knowledge in (skill 1), (skill 2), and (skill 3).
Please reach me at (phone number, email address) with any information you have regarding my application, including what the next steps in the process might look like. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards, (Your Name)
Once you have found the right recruiter and have opened the door to a collaboration with them, there are some things you can do to gain more benefits from the relationship. Working with a recruiter can provide you with more opportunities, but you will need to do a little work on your end first.
Here are some tips that can help make your collaboration with a recruiter go smoother and to ensure that you get the most value out of your relationship with them.
One of the most important things you can do when working with a recruiter is to keep an open line of communication. Stay in contact with your recruiter, check in regularly, and respond to their emails or calls as soon as possible. You should also be honest about the job opportunities they are sending your way and what other jobs you are interested in.
To help make your recruiter’s job easier and more efficient, spend some time going through your resume and making changes. You will probably need to update your resume to reflect your most recent role, and you may even need to change the format to match the current resume trends.
Finding the right job can take a little time. Don’t expect your recruiter to find you the perfect position in a couple of days and for the first job opportunity to come along to be everything you ever wanted. Instead, be patient with the process and be open to suggestions your recruiter is giving you.
While working with your recruiter, you should spend time every day practicing for interviews so that you are ready when a job opportunity comes your way. Taking this step will help ensure the work your recruiter is doing for you won’t go to waste because you aren’t adequately prepared for your interview.
Our goal is to help you on your journey to finding the perfect job. Learn more about our job search strategy tool by visiting our website today!
When contacting a recruiter, you can send an email as you are starting with the job search process, after you’ve updated your documents, or even when you have advanced in your career and are ready for a change.
When writing your email to a recruiter, be concise and professional, but make sure your recruiter has all the information, such as your resume, that they will need to use to find you the perfect opportunity.
To work most effectively with a recruiter, keep your lines of communication open and be responsive to any requests they have.