This is a super helpful post from David Perez (great recruiter who has helped MANY alums over the years) re his advice when reaching out to recruiters…
This is my annual post where I say the things I think would help you navigate the job search.
This is truly in the spirit of being helpful. I got a ton of emails asking for advice so here it is in one place.
Emails should be quick, concise and compelling. Use that real estate wisely. Long winded can be tough for a person who gets 200 emails a day.
Creatives: I know this sounds obvious – but send a link to your work. I have 50 emails to respond to today that don’t have a link. Same with everyone else – attach a resume!
Tell me what you do. I got an email that just said “Hey David, I am looking.” Never met that person. Context is crucial.
Remember there is a human on the other end of your inquiries. I try to respond fast and to everyone but things inevitably fall through the cracks for all of us. Sending a mean email will 100% guarantee I won’t rep you.
When a recruiter says “I don’t think this is a fit” it’s not personal. Our job is to run the role we were briefed on against your work. Remember we have a ton of criteria we are balancing. And it’s impossible for me to write back to everyone with feedback. I wish I could give candid feedback to everyone. That would be a full time job.
They way you negotiate is indicative of how you will collaborate. I have seen SO many offers fall apart by performative “hardball.” You can advocate for yourself without being mean.
I know I harp about this – truly read the post before you respond. Most of us are pretty clear about our criteria for each role, and when you ask a question that has been answered in the post, or submit for a role that you are not right for – it becomes admin on our end.
If you hate your job, and you are interviewing, don’t talk harshly about that job. Listen, I have hated some jobs, and I love to vent -but remember its data you are giving your potential collaborators.
Remember that recruiters don’t decide the criteria. When people are angry at me that a place won’t offer remote, sponsor visas, do relo etc – I have to remind them that none of that is really ever our call.