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May 04, 2005

Getting Personal

Last week I wrote an article for The Ladders (an executive job search newsletter) in which I interviewed a headhunter who fills senior-level positions in the entertainment industry.

The newsletter's editor had asked me to provide his readers with some 'inside scoop' on what to do (and what not to do) when contacting influential recruiters.

During our conversation, Tom told me that he doesn't like to receive mass e-mailed resumes and he hates to receive resumes addressed to "Dear HR professional" (since he's not an HR professional!) He pointed out that the only way to get his email address is to visit the company's website and if you got that far, you could also find his bio and his name. He told me that he deletes most emails that start with a generalized greeting because he's already overwhelmed with resumes.

His recommendation was a) personalize correspondance and b) find someone else to refer you if at all possible. (A personal introduction from someone he respects goes a long way.)

I thought this was interesting info and I included it in my article.

WOW! Was I was unprepared for the angry reaction! I received numerous emails from newsletter readers - all were angry at Tom and some were angry at me for not putting him in his place.

Now Tom may or may not be right ... but it doesn't matter. The fact is that he deletes non-personalized emails (as do many other recruiters.) You can either get mad, or you can deal with the reality.

My advice is this: Instead of sending 100 resumes to nameless, faceless people, do some research and some networking and then send 5 resumes to a carefully targeted audience. Use the person's name, say something about the firm (e.g."I know your firm specializes in placing marketing executives...") and if at all possible, get an introduction from someone else.

Job search can be a frustrating experience, but it doesn't do any good to get angry about the way things are. It's much better to take the information and turn it to your advantage.

Posted by Louise at May 4, 2005 11:29 AM