Sending one or more reminders is an integral part of active sourcing communication. Even if there are other opinions and approaches that can be quite successful: It is important that the first approach to the candidates is done in an appreciative manner and that no mass circular mailings are sent.
You would like to formulate a reminder, but are unsure about what to consider? Here are some valuable tips to help you write your reminder in a friendly but effective manner.
1. Make your request clear in the subject line
When you write a reminder, you should already announce this in the subject. When the candidate skims the mailbox, your mail will activate the attention, because the importance is already expressed by the subject.
You can use the classic "Reminder: Pending answer / Open question" etc. for this purpose. From this, it is immediately clear what your mail is about and that it is important.
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Try a different way of saying goodbye. In a last message, you say goodbye with the information that you will not write to the contacted person again. Recruiters then have just had the experience that this final goodbye brings the answers.
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2. Do not focus on unanswered message
The worse the candidate's conscience, the less willing they are to respond to an email. Therefore, merely follow up loosely on your previous message and focus on your actual concern.
3. Get to the heart of the message
When composing a reminder email, keep it short. In the first sentence after the greeting, thematize what the issue is. Don't beat around the bush, but express your message in concrete terms. It can be helpful to include a prompt - especially if the matter is urgent.
4. Remain persistent
High potentials in particular get a lot of messages every day. Prove that you really mean business by not letting one or even several unanswered messages turn you away. Show that you have genuine interest in this person.
5. Use friendly greetings
When writing a reminder email, keep it polite. This includes using common greetings. So don't start your message with a call to action right away. Instead, use a common greeting.
You should also remain friendly at the end of your message and use a suitable closing phrase. Simply use the previous contact with the recipient as a guide.
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Try a different closing formula and a new call-to-action. For example, if you asked for a meeting last time, try calling back now.
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6. Give the candidate enough time to answer
Don't put pressure on the candidate by sending a new email the very next day. This is not persistent, but quickly comes across as desperate. At least a week should pass before you contact again.