I get e-mails very regularly from recruiters asking for either a referral or for me to work for their client. Most, if not all, come to me in the form of a generic e-mail, very little personalization, and obviously no care for me as a developer. Here’s one I received today, and my response – it’s my hope that recruiters, which since they generally don’t Google us developers beforehand so probably aren’t reading this, will take this advice to heart. They will have much more success by doing so! (BTW, I’m very confused by this – first they say there’s an unemployment low, then they say timeliness is critical because employers grab candidates quickly. If you’re a developer, believe the first one – getting a job should be easy, and the power is in your hands.):
Good Afternoon All,
I’m writing to touch base with each of you, regarding your present employment situation. The unemployment low has continued in Utah and has created a tremendous need for talented IT Professionals across the state of Utah.
We current have open opportunities for .Net and Java developers, in addition to Technical Project Manager and Business Analysts. If you are presently looking or know anyone that might be, please contact me directly.
In this market timeliness has become critical, some employers are hiring very quickly to grab the best candidates available. If you have thought at all of looking, don’t delay, get in touch with me today.
All the best,
And my response:
First of all, I’m an individual, not an “all”. Secondly, I strongly suggest Googling the names of those you contact, get to know them, and approach them only if first, they fit the description, and second, you can personalize with them a little. I talk to developers on a daily basis, and they hate recruiters because of this. You will get much better response by doing so.
Without Googling me beforehand, I will respond with the above every time – please do your research before contacting me!
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I got that exact same email today… probably from the same guy.
I got that exact same email today… probably from the same guy.
I got that exact same email today… probably from the same guy.
I got that exact same email today… probably from the same guy.
I got that exact same email today… probably from the same guy.
Jacob, lol – you're an “all” too, eh? 😉
Jacob, lol – you're an “all” too, eh? 😉
As a 25 year veteran of recruitment, I am never surprised by the “knuckleheads” who enter the industry. Obviously, written by someone without formal writing skills or recruitment training. My guess, he's one of those young “superstar offshore talents” we hear so much about. I get dozens of emails daily from recruiters offering me their candidates. I guess they can't figure out that I'm the competition.
As a 25 year veteran of recruitment, I am never surprised by the “knuckleheads” who enter the industry. Obviously, written by someone without formal writing skills or recruitment training. My guess, he's one of those young “superstar offshore talents” we hear so much about. I get dozens of emails daily from recruiters offering me their candidates. I guess they can't figure out that I'm the competition.
Ah yes, the unfortunate blast e-mail. Meant to look like it's aimed specifically at you while not being so specific as to rule out the other 9,000 IT professionals that are bcc'd on the same e-mail. It's such an unfortunate waste of time for all parties involved.
Ah yes, the unfortunate blast e-mail. Meant to look like it's aimed specifically at you while not being so specific as to rule out the other 9,000 IT professionals that are bcc'd on the same e-mail. It's such an unfortunate waste of time for all parties involved.
Lou, Corey,
I agree completely – all I ask is just a *little* interest in me in the e-mails recruiters send. Heck, I may even blog about your job if you're nice enough to me (sharing the commission is nice too, of course). 😛
Lou, Corey,
I agree completely – all I ask is just a *little* interest in me in the e-mails recruiters send. Heck, I may even blog about your job if you're nice enough to me (sharing the commission is nice too, of course). 😛