Your “perfect” LinkedIn profile still isn’t attracting opportunities. Why not? Brace yourself because I am going to tell you that you should be putting out LinkedIn Posts. Today’s podcast pulls back the curtain on what really gets job seekers noticed in a LinkedIn 360Brew world. And it is beyond just polishing your headline and calling it a day.

I get it…you don’t feel qualified to write LinkedIn posts. But before you tune out because you will…absolutely…not…create…LinkedIn Posts, give me just a minute. Why? Because simply having a profile is no longer enough, and strategic posting can drive two to three times more of the right traffic to your page.

We describe how easy it is to create posts that position you as an expert. And, we outline why you should avoid the generic, copy‑paste “inspiration” posts that scream “bot” instead of “credible professional”.

We dig into how LinkedIn’s new 360Brew algorithm actually “reads” your content. And, we also explain how LinkedIn compares your posts to your headline, About, skills, and experience to assign you a professional persona. And this is all important when it comes to attracting the right traffic.

Are your posts reinforcing the niche you want to be known for? Or are you confusing the system with cat memes and vague career platitudes?

You will also pick up practical tactics you can apply immediately:

• How to write hooks that trigger that crucial “see more” click.
• Why dwell time matters more than likes.
• How to pull real achievements from your resume and turn them into engaging, human posts (with help from AI tools that don’t make you sound like a robot).

Learn to start posting with purpose, and turn your feed into a magnet for recruiters in your niche. Press play and let’s get you found.

Listen to Secrets of a CRA Recruiter on Your Favorite Channel! 

Related Blog Posts:

• Roundtable: LinkedIn About Section Examples
• Roundtable: Why Your LinkedIn Headline Matters
• Roundtable: Job Seeker LinkedIn Banner Crimes
• What is LinkedIn’s Search Algorithm Looking for?
• Why Other Job Seekers Are Landing Jobs on LinkedIn (and How You Can, Too)

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Let’s Talk About the Coffee LinkedIn Has Been Brewing

And no, not the kind you spill on your keyboard at 7:59 a.m. before your first conference call. I am talking about 360Brew: LinkedIn’s shiny search algorithm that is quietly changing who gets seen, who gets skipped, and who is still shouting into the digital wind.

Now, before you roll your eyes and blame “the search algorithm” for your post’s six likes, let’s dig into what is really going on. LinkedIn’s current algorithm isn’t just another tweak. It is an entirely new engine, and it is rewriting the rules for anyone trying to get found, hired, or heard on LinkedIn.

The “Before” Days: When Tricks Still Worked

Remember when throwing in a few hashtags and tagging three thought leaders could magically make your post “go viral”?

Those were the days.

All it took was one #MondayMotivation story or a “what my toddler taught me about leadership” moment, and bam… your visibility skyrocketed.

Back then, LinkedIn acted like a popularity contest. The game was rigged for tricks:

• Join engagement pods.
• Use every trending hashtag.
• Drop a few “so honored to announce…” humblebrags.

It was like chasing likes at the professional Olympics.

But LinkedIn finally sipped its own coffee and said, “Enough.” The 360Brew algorithm was created to stop the noise and start rewarding people who actually know what they are talking about.

The Algorithm Now: LinkedIn Got a Brain

Here is what changed: LinkedIn’s search algorithm doesn’t just count likes or keywords anymore. It reads your content and connects your posts to your profile.

LinkedIn studies what you talk about, how often you talk about it, and who engages with you. The algorithm isn’t just looking for engagement; it is mapping your expertise.

And if you are all over the place, the algorithm tunes you out. Think of it like a friend nodding politely through your endless topic-jumping… “Uh-huh… sure… wait, what are we talking about again?”

On the other hand, if you are consistently showing up with relevant, focused insights, LinkedIn says, “Aha, this one is for the people who care about that topic,” and pushes you forward.

From Clicks to Credibility

Here is the big twist: 360Brew rewards depth, not noise.

• Likes are cute.
• But saves? Gold.
• Meaningful comments and revisits? Pure platinum.

It is no longer about how many people react. It is about who is actually paying attention.

In other words, it is quality over quantity. The algorithm is rewarding people who build community, not just attention.

The Human Factor: Real Beats Perfect

Now, before you panic that AI is judging your every post like a robot English teacher… breathe. LinkedIn isn’t trying to eliminate personality. But it is trying to amplify authenticity.

360Brew loves creators who:

• Stick to a consistent set of expertise pillars
• Speak like real humans, not polished press releases
• Share meaningful stories, not motivational wallpaper

If you are a job seeker, this is your opportunity to be seen for your actual strengths, not just your network size or how many emojis you use.

Quick Comparison: Before vs. After

The Wake-Up Call (and Opportunity)

But here is the good news: for job seekers, this shift means the loudest isn’t always the most visible. The consistent, informed, and thoughtful ones are quietly rising to the top.

Said differently, if you have been posting solid insights without gaming the system, congratulations. 360Brew just became your greatest ally.

Final Thoughts: Less Noise. More Substance.

The takeaway? The 360Brew Search Algorithm doesn’t punish you, but it does protect quality.

So, stop chasing viral tricks and start choosing authentic topics. Let your expertise speak louder than your engagement count. Because for the first time in years, LinkedIn isn’t chasing the loudest voice in the room.

It is finally listening to the smartest one.

The post What is LinkedIn’s Search Algorithm Looking For? appeared first on craresources.

In clinical research hiring, AI and one-way video interviews are flattening talent into checklists. But top Directors of Clinical Operations say that isn’t how real fits happen. In Part 2 of our podcast series on resource strategies, Brian Dempster and Lyle Gee reveal how job seekers break through the noise in this employer-driven market using smart networking tactics.

They tackle AI screening frustrations head-on. Their advice? Treat it like any process-driven gatekeeper by showcasing your unique story, not just credentials. Stand out by proving impact, such as system fixes, study rescues, and team integration, while asking sharp questions that flip interviews into bidirectional conversations.

Oh…and job seekers: forget discussing your potential. In today’s market, companies demand proof of results, backed by reputable work history and strong references.

Smart networking emerges as the ultimate differentiator. The key? Build genuine connections now, not just when job hunting. Find networking opportunities at conferences, on LinkedIn, or with existing contacts. For example, your leaders love sharing war stories and career signposts, so approach seniors boldly with curiosity: “How did you navigate that challenge?”

One panelist emphasizes: don’t wait; network where you are. All agree: your reputation is your next job, even in entry roles.

This isn’t fluffy advice. It is battle-tested from the hiring side. Job seekers should learn to humanize their candidacy amid AI floods, hybrid teams, and buyer’s market realities. Whether you are a CRA, ops lead, or breaking in, these nuggets equip you to land roles by being memorable, adaptable, and trusted.

Tune in to transform how you pitch yourself beyond resumes.

Listen to Secrets of a CRA Recruiter on Your Favorite Channel! 

The post Podcast: Beating AI with Smart Networking appeared first on craresources.

Today’s roundtable explores how daily behavior on the LinkedIn platform can shape opportunities, trust, and long‑term career momentum. The episode opens with a clear message: professional reputation is not only about a polished profile, it is about consistent, intentional conduct that reflects sound judgment and respect for the community. This conversation tees up practical rules of engagement and everyday habits that hiring leaders notice.

Listeners will hear why a LinkedIn profile should function like a focused professional resume. We also discuss how the tone of your posts and topic choices influence credibility. And importantly, we reveal why clients and hiring managers review activity before deciding to engage. The discussion covers where personal posts fit, what to leave off the feed, and how to anchor content to an authentic career story that supports a positive professional reputation. The team also breaks down profile photo essentials, from recency and recognizability to framing, attire, and approachability, so first impressions align with the brand shown on the resume.

The episode then moves into outreach etiquette: connect with intention, add a brief note, avoid pushy messages, and skip the value dump that buries the ask. The guidance is simple: be concise, be specific, and include a respectful call to action that invites dialogue rather than demands attention, which strengthens Professional Reputation over time. Finally, the hosts explain why showing up daily matters, especially for passive candidates who are not actively searching but want to stay visible for better‑fit roles in the future. Consistency compounds, and professional reputation grows when actions match the story the profile tells.

For a deeper dive into building a powerful LinkedIn presence, sign up for our free 3-part series on the topic. The last session is this Thursday, but if you register, you gain access to all of the replays.

Listen to Secrets of a CRA Recruiter on Your Favorite Channel! 

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Today’s episode highlights the power of authentic networking in clinical research. We welcome Ashley Liggion, CRA, and founder of The Research Social. Ashley shares her journey and vision for community building. She created The Research Social to address isolation in clinical research. As we know, many CRAs, coordinators, and researchers often feel alone in their roles. Ashley saw this gap and chose to act.

At The Research Social, networking takes place in relaxed, real-life settings. There is no need for business attire or scripted introductions. Attendees simply connect over activities like bowling, karaoke, or casual hangouts in cities nationwide. Real friendships form here, making professional connections feel easy and natural. Events often leave members recharged and inspired to support each other.

Ashley shares how she manages the demands of a CRA career while running her platform. She discusses her motivation and highlights the fulfillment that comes from building something meaningful. The group then examines larger industry challenges. Barriers to entry and fake certification programs often confuse newcomers. As a result, mentorship and honest guidance are essential for navigating clinical research.

We discuss how The Research Social offers a solution. It provides not just camaraderie but also resources for newcomers and seasoned professionals. Listeners receive clear advice on joining supportive networks and growing within the clinical research field.

The Research Social shows that networking need not feel forced. One city, one event at a time, this community brings research professionals together. Listen today and learn more about this organization as well as receive actionable insights into the power of community-driven support, the importance of peer mentorship, and strategies for tackling the hidden hurdles in clinical research careers.

Listen to Secrets of a CRA Recruiter on Your Favorite Channel! 

The post Podcast: Real Connections – The Research Social appeared first on craresources.

He is an exceptional CRA. My team and I have worked with him multiple times, and I was quite surprised that he was struggling to find a new assignment. But as I reviewed his LinkedIn profile, it became evident that he didn’t understand why networking is important…especially when conducting a job search.

Job searching through traditional methods, such as submitting resumes and online applications, often leaves many candidates lost and overlooked. Those approaches tend to rely heavily on automated systems or large applicant pools. The real power lies in networking. Networking connects job seekers directly to people who can open doors and reveal opportunities that remain hidden to many.

The Hidden Job Market

The majority of job openings never reach public job boards. Estimates show up to 70–85% of jobs get filled through networking and internal referrals. Networking reveals this hidden job market by providing early access to roles before they go public. A connection in the know can share insider information and recommend candidates ahead of time, greatly increasing chances of success.

Benefits of Networking for Job Seekers

Networking offers far more than just job leads:

• Access to unadvertised positions

• Learning industry trends and company culture from insiders

• The ability to demonstrate personality and skills beyond the resume

• Building trust through personal recommendations

Unlike a cold application, networking humanizes the process. And let’s face it, hiring managers prefer candidates who come recommended by someone they trust. Referrals tend to advance faster and often enjoy longer tenures. This makes networking not only important but essential…for the candidate and hiring team alike.

Building Meaningful Relationships and Reciprocity

Networking works best as a two-way exchange. Job seekers should approach it with a mindset of offering value, such as sharing advice, offering help, or making introductions. Genuine relationships grow through consistent communication and care, not through transactional interactions. This approach builds a reputation of reliability and support that naturally attracts opportunities.

The Role of Referrals and Insider Endorsements

A referral often outweighs the best resume. Candidates referred internally have a higher chance of interview invitations and job offers. Employers see referrals as pre-vetted, reducing hiring risk. Studies indicate referred candidates get hired four times more often and faster than those who apply cold. Building and nurturing these endorsements will accelerate job search success.

Networking Strategies for Career Growth

Begin with existing connections, such as friends, family, former colleagues, and industry contacts. Expand thoughtfully by attending professional events, joining organizations, volunteering, and engaging on LinkedIn with meaningful interactions. Focus on shared interests and goals to build authentic connections. Networking consistently over time helps grow a supportive, resourceful professional community.

Overcoming Networking Challenges

Networking may feel uncomfortable at first, especially when asking for guidance or referrals. Stay authentic and avoid aggressive or transactional tactics. Maintain relationships with ongoing engagement unrelated to job requests. This builds trust and makes it easier to seek help when needed. Remember, effective networking is about giving and receiving support over the long term.

Conclusion

Networking is one of the most important strategies for job searching. It unlocks the hidden job market, provides valuable insights, and offers trusted endorsements that can fast-track hiring. Rather than viewing networking as a job hunt tactic alone, treat it as genuine relationship building. With consistent effort, authenticity, and empathy, job seekers can create a network that sustains their career growth and helps secure their next role efficiently.

Want expert guidance to accelerate your job search and achieve your goals? We’re here to help—no matter where you are in your journey.

Start by signing up for our free Career Coach & Job Search Mentoring Community. The current public community is designed to answer your basic questions with resources, worksheets, and group support at zero cost. Take advantage of regular office hours and webinars to keep moving forward.

Looking for more? Upgrade to our VIP Intensive community for a small monthly fee and enjoy everything the free group offers—plus extra office hours and exclusive webinars. With fewer members, you’ll receive more focused support and direct interaction with our coach to fast-track your progress.

Need truly personalized help? Book one-on-one coaching for tailored advice on resumes, interview prep, job search strategies, personal branding, and more. Choose a single session, a discounted two-session bundle, or reach out to discuss a custom multi-session plan at even greater savings.

Take your next step: sign up today, and let’s unlock your career potential together!

The post Why Networking is Important in Job Searching appeared first on craresources.

Welcome to our latest episode, where we dive deep into the world of Job Search Networking. In our most recent podcast, we focused on how job seekers can set clear, actionable goals to streamline their job search process. We highlighted the importance of identifying companies and roles that align with individual experience and credentials. Additionally, we outlined practical steps for setting daily targets that can make the difference in an effective search.

Building on that foundation, today’s episode explores one of the most critical aspects of an effective job search: networking and relationship building. Instead of covering networking in the abstract, we aim to examine targeted Job Search Networking strategies. Why? Because proper networking will directly support your job application efforts. Effective networking opens doors that often remain closed through standard application channels. It is essential for anyone looking to stand out in a crowded job market.

Throughout this episode, we will unpack methods for building authentic connections within your chosen industries. We also clarify how to approach informational interviews (and why this matters). Additionally, we discuss practical ways to nurture professional relationships. Moreover, we will share insights on how targeted Job Search Networking can lead to valuable referrals, help you access unadvertised opportunities, and draw positive attention to your candidacy.

Whether you are actively seeking new employment or preparing for an upcoming career transition, understanding the nuances of Job Search Networking will empower you to move beyond the resume pile. Join us as we break down proven strategies and actionable tips to help you establish and leverage a professional network that truly advances your job search goals.

Listen to Secrets of a CRA Recruiter on Your Favorite Channel! 

The post Roundtable: Targeted Job Search Networking appeared first on craresources.

Welcome to today’s podcast episode. We team up with one of our favorite guests, Lyle Gee, to discuss how to plan for unplanned downtime. This podcast is dedicated to all consultants who face the unique challenge of balancing work opportunities with financial stability. For consultants, the reality is clear: if there is no work, there is no pay.

But what happens when you cannot find a new assignment, or when a personal or medical emergency leaves you unable to work? These situations can arise unexpectedly and have a significant impact on your livelihood.

In this episode, we will explore practical strategies to help you prepare for periods of no work. We will discuss how to build a financial safety net, develop a proactive plan for downtime, and ensure that you can weather the uncertainties that come with consulting. Whether you are navigating a slow job market or coping with unforeseen personal events, this episode will provide you with the tools and insights you need to plan for unplanned downtime and maintain your peace of mind.

Listen to Secrets of a CRA Recruiter on Your Favorite Channel! 

The post Podcast: No Work? Planning for Unplanned Downtime appeared first on craresources.

Surprisingly, many don’t use their network when job hunting. However, it is one of the best tools at your disposal. Networks are important to nurture because they add a human touch to the application process.  From my experience, I see that between 60-80% of hires are due to “who you know”.

A network is, technically, everyone you know.  Here are some helpful tips on how to use your network when job hunting…or even prior in order to build your personal brand.

How to Effectively Build Your Network

As you consider your approach to building your network, don’t forget an essential golden rule as quoted by Napoleon Hill in his essay called “The Law of Success”:

“Before you can secure co-operation from others; nay, before you have the right to ask for or expect co-operation from other people, you must first show a willingness to co-operate with them.  For this reason… the habit of doing more than paid for is one which should have your serious and thoughtful attention.” (p8)

The best way to build your network is to freely contribute to causes within your field.  Market your strengths by positioning yourself in front of people who will be able to notice your skills and recommend you for career opportunities.  By genuinely and selflessly giving your time and talent, you will truly impress people. You will also build incredible alliances with those who will help your job search endeavor.

When actively building your network, consider relevant social media and online discussion groups. You should think about joining civic organizations or special interest clubs – especially if those organizations are within a relevant niche area (think ophthalmology or oncology groups, ACRP, SoCRA, etc).

And, don’t overlook the power of volunteering. Yes, you can effectively grow your network by volunteering at a local soup kitchen but don’t undervalue volunteering to help your project manager or a colleague.

Not only will participation in the above initiatives effectively expand your network but you will be able to add additional skills, experiences, and accomplishments to your resume.

Nurture your network

This step should be ongoing. The goal is that you are continually building and nurturing your network…long before you need your network when job hunting.  Consistently dialogue with friends and colleagues to keep rapport rekindled.  And as you build new connections, stay in contact with them so you create a long-lasting bond.

A network is all about relationships, and this takes time; however, the more people in your network who feel a connection with you, the more they will want to help you.

Along these lines, a robust and effective network is about quality relationships with quality people. It isn’t about quantity. 50 high-quality close connections will result in more referrals than 500 casual acquaintances.

Tell them about your situation

Don’t just contact people you think may be helpful in your job search, contact everyone!  You don’t know who your contacts know and anyone can help generate a job lead.  You can either take the direct approach by asking for their assistance, or a more indirect approach by just asking for friendly advice regarding your job search.  Renew connections by picking up the phone and calling your contacts; then be sure to follow up with an email or social media message so you stay in their mind.

Ask for advice, not for a job

Interacting with members of your network should never be transactional. For example, during a certain point in your job search, you may be tempted to reach out to a friend and ask them if they or their employer is hiring. Instead, you should start the conversation by asking that colleague for some job search or career advice.

We call this ‘warming a conversation’ and it basically means that you are engaging in a positive discussion in order to build or rekindle the rapport. After the rapport is built or rekindled, you should still ask your connection if they have a lead. This type of ‘warm’ conversation is more likely to lead to a job lead.

Trust me, if a colleague who feels connected to you can offer you a job or a lead on a job, she will certainly do that when providing the advice you have asked for.

Partner up 

Some of us aren’t comfortable meeting new people and struggle to nurture relationships. If this is you, find a friend or member of your network to assist you in meeting new people. Bring a partner to events like luncheons, dinners, or anything you would be uncomfortable attending by yourself. Networking isn’t something you have to do alone.

Don’t Forget Your Network After you Get the Job

Once you’ve found a position, there are a few essential things to keep in mind.

Continue to nurture your relationships

Having an extensive, reliable network doesn’t stop being important once you’ve found a position. Instead of neglecting these relationships once you’ve found a job, you should seek to provide new value to the members of your network. 

Provide your network job leads. Offer advice or mentoring. Share the experience and industry knowledge you gain in your new position. Keep your interactions warm so that rapport stays positive. 

Seek new relationships at your workplace

The most accessible place to build your network is your workplace. Building relationships with your coworkers facilitates a friendly working environment, and makes your job easier. These connections can prove to be valuable additions to your network in the long run, especially when it comes to securing references.

Volunteer to contribute to social events within your workplace and actively participate in scheduled lunches and other activities. Ensure that you’re actively engaging with your new coworkers and building relationships.

Be grateful

You should always show appreciation to valued members of your network, primarily when they assist you in finding employment or advancing your career. Acknowledge those who have assisted you in your career by letting them know how grateful you are for them!

Always be sure to send thank you notes and contact those who helped you find your current position. 

Return the favor

Do you have a member of your network struggling to find a job or someone in desperate need of advice? Now that you’ve secured your position, you should assist your network to advance their careers. As mentioned before, relationships should never be transactional.  Jump at the opportunity to help friends in need, even if they haven’t had a chance to help you in the past.

Think long-term 

Becoming employed or finding a contract doesn’t mean the job hunt is over. Successful professionals will be constantly focused on advancing their careers and developing as individuals. The same ideology can be applied when thinking about your network. For maximum long-term benefit, you can’t just leverage your network when job hunting. You should always strive to improve, grow, and interact with your network whenever possible and appropriate.

Most importantly, please realize networking is not a quick solution to your job search challenge.  This approach can take time, but by sticking to building those relationships and contacts your efforts will pay off.

The post How to Use Your Network When Job Hunting appeared first on craresources.

Our digital world makes it easier to find relevant jobs. Our social media platforms, communication forums, and professional networking communities facilitate easy email correspondence with potential employers throughout the job application process. But because email correspondence is so easy, professionals should be aware of the unspoken ‘rules’ concerning business email etiquette. This article will provide several email etiquette examples to help job seekers leave a good impression. 

Keep in mind that email etiquette is more than just monitoring what you type within the email. 

Use a Professional Email Account

Using an unprofessional or inappropriate email address can raise doubts about your suitability for the company or role. As a job seeker, you should consider your email address as part of your personal brand. 

Enhancv just published an article stating that 76% of job applicants are ignored if the applicant’s email address is deemed unprofessional. 

So what is considered unprofessional? 

Don’t use a shared email account.

Don’t share your job search or professional networking email account with a roommate, sibling, partner, or spouse. Recruiters and hiring managers want to dialogue directly with you. Not only will they be unimpressed when they receive an email from jimmyanddiane@dontdothis.com, but they will also be concerned with sharing private information about your candidacy. 

Never conduct a job search using your current work email address.

This seems like a ‘no-brainer’ but we often see folks use their current work email address when contacting us for open positions. And we aren’t alone. According to Enhancv, 13% of those polled admitted to using their company email to conduct a job search in 2024. 

Why would you do that? 

Aren’t you (as the candidate) concerned that your current employer will frown upon that behavior? On the receiving side, I certainly frown on it. It raises serious concerns about your ethics and professionalism. 

Informal email addresses will reduce your credibility.

You also want to refrain from using email addresses that are too personal or extremely informal. For example, a candidate using divaprincess@domain.com reached out to me once. 

Maybe she thought she was being funny or quirky, but I found it quite negative. Perhaps my previous experience working with divas, mean girls, and princesses caused me to be immediately turned off by her outreach. Maybe she was an excellent candidate. But I never found out because I didn’t review her credentials. Ultimately, I couldn’t shake the concern I had about her judgment in using such an unprofessional email while attempting to network or job search. 

How to select a professional email address.

For those of you who have changed your name (married, divorced, etc), ensure the email address you use for the job search matches the name you go by.  

This includes the use of nicknames. Your resume, cover letter, social media profiles, and email address will better represent your professional brand if you are consistent in the name used across all platforms. 

You may want to consider setting up an email account just for job searching and professional networking. This will ensure your job search and networking emails don’t get mixed up with your personal messages.

Ideally, your job search or professional networking email address will be firstnamelastname@gmail.com. And yes, the use of gmail.com is on purpose. Unless you have a branded domain, we recommend using Gmail for better deliverability (and receivability).  

Include a Signature

All of your important contact information should be included in an email signature. At a minimum, include your full name, email address, and phone number. If possible, include a link to your LinkedIn profile and if you have created a branded style for your resume and cover letter, consider using the same style (fonts, colors, and graphics) in your signature. 

As a side note, steer clear of adding quotes to your signature as it may be seen as unprofessional. Worst case, it may distract or offend a potential hiring manager. Best case, it will likely detract from the point of the email. 

Format it Like a Business Letter

Emails should not be one long paragraph of words. Research shows that including a moderate amount of whitespace in emails improves readability and visual appeal. Therefore, the formatting should mirror that of a typical business letter. Use clearly defined paragraphs with spaces between. The entire message should be left-justified and either single-spaced or spaced at 1.15. 

And for goodness sake, proofread for errors. While the percentages of rejections vary across surveys, hiring managers consistently reject candidates due to misspellings, typos, and grammatical errors. 

Be Brief and Concise

Research from Litmus shows that people spend about 9-12 seconds reading an email. And a Boomerang study states that for an email to be effective, it should be between 50-125 words.  

The reality is that hiring managers will not read a long email from a job candidate. Most hiring managers use email services such as Outlook, which show an email preview that is usually the first 4-5 sentences of the email before it is opened. Therefore, focus on including all relevant and important information at the front of your email.

You want to hook your reader quickly, so they stay engaged throughout the entire message.

Salutations Can Be Tricky

If you know the person you are writing to, address your email directly to that person. But be formal. 

For example, you would send an email to me with the salutation “Dear Ms. Roberts” instead of “Good morning, Angela”. You should only use the hiring manager’s first name under the following circumstances: 

• I introduce myself as Angela on a call or interview. Therefore, you can call me Angela moving forward. 
• You call me Ms. Roberts and I give you permission to use my first name. 
• We build a relationship (which is the goal). 

Side note – never (never) revert to using a nickname without gaining permission from the other party. Angela is Angela (not Angie). Susan is Susan (not Sue). Robert is Robert (not Bobby). 

But what if you don’t know the receiver’s name?

I delete a couple of emails a week that are addressed to ‘Dear Sirs’. Why…why…why would anyone send me an email using such an egregiously incorrect salutation? 

The point of your email is to get personal. And when you trip over the opening salutation by being thoughtless and transactional, you show me that you aren’t a critical thinker. Even worse, by sending me an email titled ‘Dear Sirs’, you are showing me that even when you should be on your best behavior you revert to pattern and habit. 

Think. 

As a side note, some experts will tell you to address the email to ‘Dear Hiring Manager’. I don’t completely disagree with that advice, but I feel it is more efficient to just move into the first paragraph of your message if you don’t know the receiver’s name.  

And speaking of the first paragraph… 

Don’t Waste Email Real Estate With Meaningless Opening Phrases.

A list of email etiquette examples wouldn’t be complete without telling you to get right to the point of the message. While you want to be polite, don’t waste important space with phrases like “I hope you are doing well and staying safe”. 

You don’t care if I am doing well and staying safe. But you do care about the job I am offering. Be clear about the reason you are writing. In fact, I recommend you start the first paragraph with a sentence like “I am writing to you today to express my interest in…”.

Simple and direct. 

How do You Send Your Email?

Before you hit that send button, test it. Send the email to yourself and two to three colleagues so it can be thoroughly checked before you send it to the recruiter or hiring manager. 

Do not mass email your resume and cover letter to several employers at the same time. Do not use the Bcc option either. Your resume and cover letter should be tailored for each position to increase your chances of being selected for an interview.

I do, however, recommend you openly copy yourself when you send the email. File it, being sure to keep track of all applications, follow-ups, and responses.  

Other Common Failures

Here are some additional areas to consider:  

• Always include a clear subject line in your email. I recommend listing the position as well as your name so the receiver can either route the email to the right person or easily find it later. 
• Do not use your email’s “stationary” feature. Emails with background images or color make it hard to read. And unless you are applying for a graphic design position, colorful stationary emails will detract from your brand as a serious professional. 
• Avoid ornate or difficult-to-read fonts. Instead, use an easy-to-read font such as Arial. Also, make sure the font size is between 10 to 12 point and all words are in black or standard color. 
• Unless a word is grammatically correct in all capitals (IBM, as an example), refrain from writing words in all caps. Not only will spell check not identify misspellings when words are in all capitals, but it is unnecessary. 
• While you want to express enthusiasm in the tone of your email’s message, do not use bold or colorful font to indicate excitement or importance. 
• Never use slang, acronyms, or emoticons. You must represent yourself as a professional in every interaction.

In Conclusion

You have worked hard to build your resume and cover letter. You have also put a lot of effort into finding the right job for you. Don’t let these email etiquette examples negate your efforts.

Have questions? Contact us and we will help where we can.

The post Email Etiquette Examples for Job Seekers appeared first on craresources.