Communication is not the intent but the response. How you communicate can leave a great impression on the hiring person trying to fill the position. Who knows they might have another position that you qualify for.
As a staffing firm we sent out a mass email to our top candidates if their resume had “keyword” skill that matched our job specification. Our goal is to find the right person fast, since we too are in competition to fill the position with the most qualified candidate.
In these times, we do not have the time to initially review everyone’s resume. We do not know what is their current working status. They might have a new job since the last time submitting. Maybe they moved. Whatever! We need someone available immediately. Therefore, we send out the email to gage response.
If you have the skills, great, you will be considered. You will also be noted on your response to the question. This email did not require a response and still we had many.
Here is a section of the email we sent
I have a downtown Help Desk phone Support position currently available. My client is looking to interview immediately. This is a contract to hire position. Hourly rate is $17/hr. THE HOURLY RATE IS NON NEGOTIABLE. 40+ hours a week.
If you are qualified, available, interested, planning to make a change, or know of a friend who might have the required qualifications and interest, please reply or forward this email. In considering candidates, time is of the essence, so please respond ASAP. Thank you
Seems straight forward.
What is the response you should have to this email? Let us consider a few:
• Accept it – you feel you are a good match and you attach a resume, write up a cover letter letting us know why you fit and drop a phone call to make sure we got it.
• Delete it – maybe you make too much , still working, don’t have the skills
• Decline it --with future prospect – So you send a thank you for considering, maybe a highlight of what you do, and what expectations you have and let us know what is your current status.
Here is an example of what we look for in a response:
“I am still working xxxx, so I don't think this opportunity is for me, but please keep me posted on new openings in the future.”
Or, you can respond as some people did to our email:
“The rate for this position is to low my min is $40/hr I am not sure if you reviewed my resume. Thank you.”
(your pay isn’t listed on your resume…)
“A little on the low side for me - can the work be done remotely?”
Does it matter if it remotely or not, I have $17.00 an hour downtown.)
“I would like to have at least 22 an hour”
(thanks for the long answer, that convinced me I should give you more money.)
“what is the length of contract”
(hmmmmm Contract to hire as listed in the email)
"No thanks.. pay rate is too low for my experience."
(and what is your experience, or required pay or any thing. Really, this was the reply I got.)
What is your intent?
Your intent should be to get a positive response from the hiring manager. Something that makes me want to review your skills more. Something that makes me consider you for another opening. Or reply with positive intent, just to keep the lines of communication open. So when a great opportunity does arrive, I have YOU in mind and at the top of the list.
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