-Responding is so much easier and convenient for the recipient.
-People carry their smart phones all and night. Some candidates have responded at 3am.
-It’s quiet and less intrusive yet checked constantly.
-I write “headlines” in the subject to say a a lot before they even open the mail.
-My full contact information is now in their phone – often automatically added as a potential contact.
-Sometimes I get a referral to someone else without even asking.

The eventual voice conversation is usually schedule though email.

I’ve learned a lot from big billers on the business of recruiting but usually not on the tools.

Your posting gave me a good laugh reminding me of how, when I started in recruiting (also in 1998) we weren’t even allowed to have computers. And I was with a large and very successful firm. Once we did get them it was implied that sending an email was for lazy people. Our calls and time on the phone were also tracked and those with the most time (often spent talking to each other in the office to get time up!) were awarded.

I’m suprised to hear how many people don’t check voicemail so thanks for sharing that. I agree that an email as a first connection is the best. It gives the individual some background and prepares them for an eventual (and more likely) conversation with you.

Good stuff!

Lori

However, I am very interested in the efficiency aspect of this. Reading this has convinced me to try sending out a personalized looking email blast first and only then start working down the call list. It seems to make sense that this should reduce my very heavy “call load.”

Nice piece, Matt. I’m glad I read it.

Tom Keoughan
http://www.toyjobs.com

I just went to another training event last week where we are advised to ‘turn off your email during prime time’. The guy saying it is a producer so I guess there are still a few niches where that could work but there are many people now who handle calls exactly like Matt suggests AND many people specifically don’t want to talk on the phone.

Many industry washouts will continue to be people who can’t make connections but phone calls as introductory instruments might end up like using a buggy whip to make a car go faster. Or, being a Marine, Matt might prefer ‘bringing a knife to a gunfight’.
Thanks for the article and for your service.

Certainly Linkedin, Facebook and other Social Networking sites have changed the way we do business in this industry. I have to agree with you, calling up a pre-qualified lead or warm prospect is much better than calling out of the blue.