How to Avoid Cold Emailing in your Job Search
Cold emailing can sometimes feel as if you’re shouting into a blank, empty void, but so many of us do it.
You dedicate time and energy into crafting the perfect compelling message, you hit send with your hopes high, and then you wait for a reply which often never comes.
It can be an endless and time-consuming cycle.
Although the cold outreach approach can sometimes work, it’s rarely the most effective way to stand out from the countless number of emails in someone’s inbox.
Networking, human contact and finding a trusted recruiter who specialises in your niche, are all solutions which will help increase your chances.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks which aim to boost your career chances and opportunities.
1. Network Before You Apply / Relationship Building Online & In-Person
Rather than waiting for the job to be posted, take the proactive step of building relationships early. Connect on platforms such as LinkedIn to reach out to people both within and outside of your field.
Send a short message alongside your connection request to establish a connection and to make a good impression.
Attend events.
Within a connection message, you could mention a relevant event and if they are attending.
If they are, consider joining up and if they’re not, it’s a straightforward way to start a conversation.
Face-to-face meetings can often feel more natural and provide room for an informal discussion.
When people know your name and what you’re looking for, it can be easier to make a good impression and to get your foot in the door.
2. Use Referrals Whenever Possible / Prior Connections
Referrals still remain one of the strongest ways for you to be noticed.
Companies will more than likely prioritise candidates who already have a connection to someone within their organisation and the evidence proves this.
So, ask your network, and don’t be afraid to reach out to contacts and let them know what kind of roles or opportunities you’re looking for.
Even if they themselves cannot provide direct help, they may be able to forward you on to someone who’s relevant to what you’re after.
3. Get Your Foot in the Door with a Temp Role or Internship / Short Term to Long Term
If you’re struggling to land a permanent role, consider shorter-term roles or internships.
These can often lead to long-term positions, and with internships they often provide valuable training which can boost your credibility within the company.
Many temporary roles turn into permanent – even if you’re there for a matter of weeks, it could be the perfect gateway into the job.
During your temping-time, remember to try and make connections on the job as these can also provide outside opportunities.
4. Do Your Homework and Personalise / Go Behind-The-Scenes
Prior to reaching out to someone, ensure you’ve done your research.
Take the time to learn more about them, such as their achievements or goals, and take time to learn about the organisation, such as its values or when it was founded, for example
Going behind the scenes not only shows that you’ve gone the extra mile, but it also extends your credibility as a candidate as you’re willing to put in the time and effort to do the research.
Candidates who have undertaken thorough research and understand the company are proven to have better results.
5. Follow Up Thoughtfully / Careful Persistence
One message doesn’t always do the trick, and a follow-up can often provide the results.
If you aren’t hearing back after a reasonable amount of time, follow-up, but with care. Avoid spamming or being inconsiderate, as doing so will instantly prevent you from furthering the conversation.
Instead, keep your tone professional and polite, and most of all, brief.
Rather than repeating yourself, sending a long message or questioning their lack of response, add something of value.
A relevant article, a genuine question or an update on your skills. This will also help in gaining the attention of your recipient, as you’re providing them with something that’s unique and personal to your own achievements or interests.
Although persistence does show commitment, thoughtful persistence will be the key to conveying respect.
6. Create Content / Engage in Online Spaces
If you’re hesitant to cold email, consider letting the opportunities come to you by posting thoughtful content and engaging online.
Comment on industry trends or discussions, share your own insights, or post a question to get a conversation going.
LinkedIn can help you get noticed by the right people, so consider joining a group or community which post and discuss the content you’re into.
Over time, having an online presence and visibility can lead to direct messages, invitations and job offers without the need of sending a cold email.
7. Speak to a specialist
Speaking to a specialist recruiter is a highly effective step in your job search.
A specialist recruiter is extremely well connected and will most likely have recruited into an organisation previously so could be on their preferred supplier list or be given the inside track on a role that hasn’t even been published yet.
Not only this but a specialist recruiter will have deep knowledge of specific industries and understand what employers are really looking for. This allows them to guide you on how to present your skills, what salary to expect, and which roles are the best match for your experience.
Specialist recruiters often have personal relationships with hiring managers who trust their opinions. They can recommend you directly and give valuable feedback at each stage of the process.
Get in Touch
If you would like to reach out to discuss your next career move or you have seen one of our current company secretary roles at BWW Recruitment, visit: https://bwwrecruitment.com/candidates/latest-roles/
Email us on team@bwwrecruitment.com
Alternatively, call our professional team on 020 7593 0010.