Thursday, January 16 - "How Do I Email Recruiters?"

Happy Thursday,

Here’s what’s on the job description for today:

1. New roles from a global software and networking company.

2. Today’s question: “some applications ask for me to email my resume to recruiters. How should I format these emails?”

IN HIRING

Ciena

• A networking and software company, Ciena is one of the world’s largest players in optical connectivity.

• ~140 jobs are open from all over world with many project/project manager roles available.

• Here are a few of the most interesting roles available

  • Project Manager - Click here for full details

  • Commercial Manager - Click here for full details

  • Market Intelligence Associate - Click here for full details

Click here for the company’s career page

TODAY’S QUESTION

Chong asks, “some applications ask for me to email my resume to recruiters. How should I format these emails?”

Recommendation: this recruiter must have the roughest looking inbox. Here’s how I’d consider emails to recruiters:

• First, let’s consider what is important to recruiters before we decide what to type:

  • Where do you live

  • The role you’re applying for

  • Whether you’re relevant or applicable

• Second, I would write out a very brief explanation of your answers to these questions. No more than a few sentences explaining where you live, the role, and your relevant school and work experience for the role.

• Finally, consider that your email will be floating in the sea of other emails this recruiter will get. It wouldn’t surprise me if they got many hundreds of applications. Given that:

  • Skip AI or LLMs as it may look obvious.

  • Use bullets to make yours more readable.

  • Make the name of your attachment easy to understand.

  • Keep it short, concise, and don’t over think it.

Conclusion:

Don’t let yourself get tricked into sending a full cover letter, unless asked. Keep it short and include what’s relevant or what is asked of you.

The 2-Hour Job Search: A book I used during and after the MBA to find my first interviews. It’s a foundational resource for anyone who wants actionable steps to get more interviews.

Atomic Habits: One of the most recommended books of all time, I personally have found great long term value in the direct steps laid out in this book. It is one of the only books that stays on my shelf with sticky notes even after reading it.