Recruiters, what is the best way to approach you directly?

[AgualusasL0ver]

I've got some things in the pipeline via general networks and various recruitment consultant agencies calling and putting me forward for things.

In the interests of all the info I am an EA, and targeting PE firms - my background is on the advisory side. A few where I know people I have already approached and they have put me in touch with Recruiting, but they have no roles at present.

I now have a working list of 50 firms, 25 names I know and research may demonstrate I know someone there or I have some idea about them; 25 that are new names to me and require more research.

I have done some research into my first few targets and would comment on a recent deal, an asset I might be familiar with, their culture if I have a sense of it.

As a recruiter receiving an unsolicited application, what is the minimum info you need and what should I call the Subject that encourages you to open it?

Plan is:

• cover email (Why them? Why me?)
• CV
• link to my LinkedIn where I have been collecting recommendations

Caveat that I know most will simply delete and move on, but I am hopeful that it will land where someone maybe is starting to recruit and thinks why not, or finds me interesting enough to keep on record.

I don't want to be massively annoying (accepting some will find this annoying regardless) so I don't plan to follow up and berate anybody, just hopefully get 3-4 leads from 50.

I think that sounds an excellent plan.

I’ve received a lot of unsolicited CVs in the past. A few have turned into something, either because they got lucky and was about to start recruiting; or because I knew someone who was and passed them on; or because they seemed interesting so I met them speculatively, and banked them away for when something came up.

So I’d say it’s definitely worth it, especially in a field like PE which is close knit and relies a lot on personal recommendations (I’m in a related world).

One thing on your cover email, is that I’d change the order. Start with ‘why me’, as they (hopefully) already think their company is great. You need to interest them before they read on. The ‘why them’ bit is almost a hygiene factor: are you plugged in enough to have a sensible feel of the place.

That’s the easiest bit to get wrong, so take a long time over it. It’s easy for you to look like an insincere arse licker - ‘I saw yesterday’s press release on the acquisition of a Preston widget firm and I knew I must work for you’. Instead, try to get a real feel for the firm’s values and strategy and align with those, not just recent news.

Good luck!

Thanks so much, that makes a lot of sense. I have already had one positive response, where I turned down an interview a few years ago.