Let’s face it – cold outreach can be a real pain, both for us and the folks we’re trying to reach. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to suck. By borrowing a few tricks from the sales world and doing our homework, we can actually make our outreach something people want to respond to.
Research is important for customization. Look, I get it. Research takes time, and time is money. When you show you’ve actually put in the effort to understand someone’s background or a company’s needs, you’re not just another annoying email in their inbox. You’re someone who might actually have something valuable to offer.
Three Ways to Get Personal (Without Being Creepy)
- Get to Know Your Candidates
This isn’t about stalking someone’s Facebook. It’s about understanding what makes them tick professionally:
- Did they just finish a big project? Give them a high five for it.
- Are they always posting about a particular tech? Show them a job where they can use it.
- Have they mentioned wanting to switch industries? Let them know you’ve got an opportunity that fits the bill.
- Know Your Client Companies
- Don’t just skim the “About Us” page:
- Set up Google Alerts for all target clients
- What’s new with them? Product launches, funding rounds, big hires?
- What problems are they trying to solve?
- How can your candidate help them get where they want to go?
- Get a Grip on the Industry
- What’s keeping people up at night in this sector?
- Any new regulations or tech shaking things up?
- How can your candidates help companies navigate these choppy waters?
Putting It All Together: Tips for Not Screwing It Up
- Write like a human: If it sounds like a robot wrote it, start over.
- Know your stuff: Don’t fake expertise. If you don’t know, say so.
- Share war stories: People love hearing about real successes (and failures).
- Follow up, but don’t be a pest: There’s a fine line between persistent and annoying.
- Keep learning: The industry doesn’t stand still, and neither should you.
Wrapping It Up
Look, at the end of the day, we’re all just people trying to connect other people with opportunities. By doing a bit of legwork and showing that we actually give a damn, we can cut through the noise and make those connections happen.
It’s not about being slick or having the perfect pitch. It’s about showing you understand what candidates and companies need, and you might just have a way to bring them together.
So ditch the copy-paste templates, roll up your sleeves, and start getting personal. Your candidates, clients, and commission checks will thank you.
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Tricia Tamkin, headhunter, advisor, coach, and gladiator. Tricia has spoken at over 50 recruiting events, been quoted in multiple national publications, and her name is often dropped in groups as the solution to any recruiters’ challenges. She brings over 30 years of deep recruiting experience and offers counsel in a way which is perspective changing and entertaining.
