January 26, 2011

Can you find what's wrong with this job-seeker's e-mail?

• 7 Comments |
• E-mail |
• Print
• • Share:
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

When I do one-on-one coaching with my clients, I try to think of connections in my network who can help them in their quest to find new employment. When making connections, I have my clients write me an e-mail that they want me to send as part of my introduction. This gives them a chance to articulate their positioning, while giving me a chance to see if their method is aligned with our teaching.

A recent client made some mistakes, and we were both grateful that they were caught on our end before going out to someone in my network. This is the letter my client drafted to my connection, who works at the company my client was targeting. (This connection is not a hiring manager at the company). Here is how the e-mail read:

"Happy New Year! I met with Paul recently and he mentioned that he thought you would be a great connection for me, and specifically I would like to be connected to you for a couple of reasons. I am very actively pursuing positions at (your company) and so far I have had a promising interview .... The hiring process seems to be a little complicated and I would like to have you as a resource so that you may be able to provide me with insight when things seem confusing. In addition, I have been networking with jobseekers in the area so I may be able to help connect you if/when you are looking for jobseekers with specific skill sets. Thanks for your time!!"

How would you critique this letter?

It may help to look at a more succinct summary of what this letter essentially says: "The hiring process looks complicated so I would love to have you dissect that for me. In return, I know a ton of people out of work and I can introduce you to them!"

As I mentioned, the person addressed in this letter isn't a hiring manager, so the generosity of meeting other unemployed people isn't going to be very appealing. Second, this person isn't an expert on the company's hiring practices, so asking for that expertise would be outside her jurisdiction.

In addition to these two issues, the e-mail isn't personable (it's about the job seeker, not about the contact). It's cold and network-like.

Finally, it includes a quid pro quo -- if you give me something, I'll give you something -- which is one of the things people dislike so much about networking.

So, how could my client fix the e-mail above?

Primarily, he should make it about the other person and employ genuine flattery. An example would be:

"Happy New Year! I met with Paul recently and was very impressed with your background. He shared how hard you've worked to advance your career, build your personal brand, and get connected within your company. I am looking to step into your shoes someday and would love to hear your thoughts on how you made yourself successful. May I contact you for a brief informational interview at your convenience? Thank you for your time."

Even though my client is asking for help, he's also flattering my connection and has a much higher chance of getting a response. Second, he's not offering anything to her yet because he hasn't met her. Finally, this message is personable and all about the other person.

Next time, before you send an e-mail, ask yourself, "Is my message about the person I'm trying to reach, or is it about me? Am I offering something prematurely when I haven't yet met this person? If I decide to offer something (to peak their motivation to respond), is it of high value and do I understand their needs?"

Generally speaking, I would not offer to provide something in return until much later down the road when you have a clear understanding of the other person's objective.

Do you have another idea for my client? How can he tailor his message to get more responses from introductory e-mails?

Paul Anderson of ProLango helps professionals in transition find their desired employment.

• 7 Comments |
• E-mail |
• Print
• • Share:
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

Read more
connections, flattery, introductions, networking

7 Comments

Pat on January 26, 2011 1:03 PM | Reply

Great article, Paul, and I think very useful to others in the position your client is in. I did have one thought.

You said, "Generally speaking, I would not offer to provide something in return until much later down the road when you have a clear understanding of the other person's objective." Nothing wrong with this, but might it increase the chances of a response to say something along the following lines:

"Additionally, I would love to discuss how I might be a resource to you at soem point."

This lets the recipient know you want to and are willing to be a resource, to give something in return, without being specific about what that might look like. Because, as you mentioned, you haven't met them yet and don't know what they might need.

Just my two cents.

Paul Anderson on January 26, 2011 2:06 PM | Reply

Great suggestion Pat,

In my experience folks saying they would want to be a resource can get branded as the generic networkers that are trying to entice you to do them a favor. They're also sending a message of scratch my back, I'll scratch yours as well.

There is a mutual understanding that what goes around comes around and most senior level professionals are so interested and generous in helping others with no expectations in return.

Your background, qualifications, and connections (found on your LinkedIn profile for example) are an indirect way of showing what you might be able to provide them in the future (for the folks that are only helping you with an expectation).

Maria on January 27, 2011 11:01 PM | Reply

As a person who may be more inclined to be one sought after than a seeker, I definitely agree with your assessment, Paul.

A simple request to share some "secrets to my greatness" makes me feel good about being generous. An offer of quid pro quo from someone who has no discernible way of possibly doing anything for me negates the generous impulse by turning the flattering request into an offer for a "bargain", which is then easy for me to dismiss as not a good deal for me.

CSK on January 28, 2011 5:43 AM | Reply

I wouldn't use the phrase "step into your shoes someday." It's off-putting to me. It makes it sound like he wants my job specifically.

nwgal on January 30, 2011 12:32 PM | Reply

I had the same thought. I would also be put off by that comment, because it sounds too "gee-whiz, you're awful smart and everthin."

Debby on February 3, 2011 9:27 AM | Reply

I agree also - a better phrase than "step into your shoes" would be to "follow in your footsteps."

Rod Mattson on February 3, 2011 1:58 PM | Reply

From where I sit, we could dissect and critique the sample email forever. I believe you (Paul) are on the right track; if the job seeker is genuine and sending the message about what he could do for the organization and how he would be of value to the organization, not what the organization could do for him, he will be OK. The rest is just style and we have to be true to and confident in our own style.

Rod Mattson

Leave a comment

* required field

Your name: *

E-mail address: (Will not be displayed)

Your comment: *

Captcha:

Type the characters you see in the picture above.