Key Takeaways

Cold emailing or cold-messaging via email or LinkedIn is essential to expanding your network and marketing yourself to recruiters.

According to Recruiter Central, recruiters have many responsibilities but not limited to:

• Running searches of potential candidates through databases
• Reviewing resumes
• Setting up and conducting interviews
• Preparing job seekers for interviews with the employer (and sometimes sitting in on those interviews)
• Following up with candidates
• Providing feedback
• Extending offers
• Cold emailing clients

This means that recruiters have little time for significant back and forth with potential consultants.

As consultants, we must ensure we reduce as much friction when reaching out to recruiters.

Cold Emailing is a great way to reduce 95% of the friction which often occurs between contractors and agencies.

This post will provide you with the 5 key details to include when reaching out to recruiters:

Cold Emailing Introductions – Who are you?

Start with a brief and engaging introduction that includes your name and the position or industry you’re interested in.

Mention how you found the recruiter’s contact information, whether through a job board, LinkedIn, or another source.

In your introduction, you should include the following data points:

• Name
• Position of Interest
• How you heard about the recruiting agency?

Your Value – Why Should we Work Together?

Explain why you’re a valuable candidate. When cold emailing, it is best to make no assumptions that the recruiter will look at your LinkedIn. Highlight your relevant skills, experience, and qualifications so it is at the forefront.

Be concise and specific about what you bring to the table.

This is not your time to give your entire resume but to provide the elevator pitch of your skills and experience.

Be sure to attach your latest resume when emailing so that it is in their hands.

Your Work Preference

Always remember working with recruiting agencies is a collaborative effort.

Explain your work preferences so the recruiter can identify if you would be a fit.

For example, you should mention if you’re open to remote-only positions or if you primarily focus on C2C/1099 roles.

Availability and Contact Information:

Provide your availability for a brief introductory call or meeting. Including your contact information, such as your phone number and email address, makes it easy for the recruiter to reach out to you.

Also, include your LinkedIn profile as many recruiters will want to connect with you.

Call to Action – What do you want to happen next?

Encourage the recruiter to respond or take a specific action, such as scheduling a call or sharing relevant job openings. End your email with a polite closing and your name.

Example Cold Emailing Template:

Subject: Exploring Exciting Opportunities in [Your Field/Industry]

Dear [Recruiter’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I recently came across your contact information on [Source].

I am a highly motivated consultant with [X years] of experience in [Your Industry/Field]. My expertise lies in [mention your key skills or achievements, e.g., project management, software development, marketing strategy], and I am passionate about [mention what excites you about your field, e.g., leveraging data to drive business growth].

I am reaching out because I am interested in exploring new contract opportunities in [specific type of roles or industries you’re targeting]. From my research, I believe your agency is well-connected in this space and could help me find the perfect match.

I am primarily focused on remote C2C/1099 contract opporuntities , but i am flexible to navigate to local clients.

I am available for a brief introductory call at your convenience. You can reach me at [Your Phone Number] or via email at [Your Email Address].

I look forward to the possibility of working together and discussing how I can contribute to your client’s success. Please let me know if there are any suitable positions currently available, or if we can schedule a time to chat further.

I have included my resume to this email for your references.

Thank you for your time, and I appreciate your consideration.

Best Regards, [Your Name]

If you have not started your C2C journey, take a look at our C2C guide to get started.