2
0 Comments

Automation ≠ Robotic | Email from a recruitment agency

A few weeks back, I received an email from a recruitment agency. It reeked of 'template.'

No ego here - just one dude's opinion.

Email automation can be hugely successful. But, the most successful emails, automated or not, need the appearance of being inefficient/ personalised; as if they came from an actual person.

The email was obviously automated. Sent to re-engage contacts after a period of inactivity. But, just because it's automated, doesn't mean it can't be human.

Automation ≠ robotic.

The email:


"Hello Sol,

Your account with XXX is about to expire.

You previously set up an account with us to apply for a job or to be notified about our latest vacancies.

As it's been a while since you last logged in, we wanted to check you are still happy for us to contact you should a suitable vacancy arise.

KEEP ACCOUNT or DEACTIVATE

Kind regards,
The Recruitment Team at XXX."


Notes:

  • Impersonal, abrupt and not in keeping with the current landscape.
  • No direct contact
  • Was linked way too many times

Essentially, it feels more like a nudge from a piece of software. Which it is, granted, but it doesn't have to feel like it.

This is the route I would've taken:


" Hey [first name],

There are still companies looking for people just like you. Are you still looking for them?

There's no doubt people are losing faith in the current job market. Interviews are hard enough without having to deal with Zoom audio delays. Add to that the increase in 'skills' people are miraculously finding to pop on their LinkedIn profile and no wonder we're feeling a bit left behind.

We've written some useful resources (LINK) on staying relevant in the new job landscape that might prove useful?

Anyway, the reason for my email is we have you on down as 'actively looking' for work - is that still the case? If not, first of all, congratulations on the new role! Second of all - we'll stop our vacancy updates, for now, just opt-out and sign back up when/ if needed.

Either way all the best, [first name]. Stay safe.

Regards,
Sol

P.S. My phone is always on should you be looking - I came across a role that would suit you handsomely - 07504687802"


Empathetic, personal, added value, asks the relevant/ right questions. Most of all, it's conversational and feels HUMAN! A small tweak in copy goes a long way.

Just write how you speak, drop the corporate BS and whether it's automated or not, make sure it sounds Human.

I had some thoughts on their opt-out page, but this is long enough I reckon. I'll save it for the next one ✌🏻

Trending on Indie Hackers
How I grew a side project to 100k Unique Visitors in 7 days with 0 audience 49 comments Competing with Product Hunt: a month later 33 comments Why do you hate marketing? 28 comments My Top 20 Free Tools That I Use Everyday as an Indie Hacker 15 comments $15k revenues in <4 months as a solopreneur 14 comments Use Your Product 13 comments