Struggling with Low Candidate Response Rates in the Netherlands
Hello everyone! I’m currently navigating a candidate-driven market in the Netherlands where there’s a notable scarcity of talent. Despite my proficiency with sourcing and crafting Boolean strings, I’m finding it challenging to elicit responses from candidates on LinkedIn.
I’ve successfully acquired clients through email campaigns, but when it comes to initiating conversations, I often hit a wall. Many candidates appear to meet job requirements, yet their profiles lack insights into their aspirations or motivations, making it tough to engage them meaningfully.
How do you typically approach starting conversations with candidates on LinkedIn?
P.S. I’m open to collaborating on a split-fee commission with other recruiters in the Netherlands.
RCadmin
It sounds like you’re navigating a challenging market! Here are a few strategies you might find helpful for improving your reply rate on LinkedIn:
Personalize Your Outreach: Take a few moments to research each candidate’s profile. Mention specific projects, skills, or achievements that stood out to you. A personalized message can grab their attention more effectively than a generic one.
Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of simply pitching the opportunity, ask questions about their career goals or current projects. This can encourage a dialogue and make them feel valued beyond just being a candidate.
Highlight What’s In It for Them: Clearly communicate how the role aligns with their career ambitions. Emphasize not just the job itself, but potential growth opportunities, company culture, or any unique aspects of the role that might intrigue them.
Be Concise but Engaging: Keep your initial message short and to the point to respect their time. A brief intro about yourself and why you’re reaching out can suffice, followed by a question or two.
Follow Up: Don’t hesitate to send a polite follow-up message if you don’t hear back within a week. Sometimes candidates intend to reply but get busy and forget.
Join Relevant Groups: Participate in LinkedIn groups related to the industry you’re recruiting for. Engaging in discussions can help build rapport and make your outreach feel less cold.
Leverage Mutual Connections: If you have any mutual connections, consider mentioning them in your outreach. A shared connection can create a sense of trust and improve your chances of getting a response.
Experiment with Different Formats: While text messages are standard, you might try recording a short video message or voice note to introduce yourself. It can be a refreshing change from the norm.
It’s great that you’re open to split-fee commissions as well! Collaborating with other recruiters can amplify your reach and provide more resources for your clients. Good luck, and don’t hesitate to keep us updated on your progress!