Sample Letter to Head Hunters

By Kim Grant

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy

Letters to head hunters differ from more traditional letters.  Before we look at them in a little more depth, here are a few things to keep in mind.    First, try to target only those agencies that specialize in your field.  Resumes and letters sent to agencies who don't deal in your field aren't likely to get a good read and you may never hear back from them again.

Second, the recruiter letter will likely be in the form of an email so be sure to keep it short.  One or two paragraphs at the most is what most recruiters will take the time to real. 

Third, do NOT offer to follow up.  Recruiters are there to help you and they will contact you if and when there is an opening that suits your resume.  Don't antagonize them by offering to call them.

Let's take a look at the differences in recruiter cover letters and solicited cover letters.  Although letters to headhunters are typically short, you need to be even more careful when writing them.  Paying attention to the differences between the types of letters will get you off to a better start down the road.

Recruiters want to see five pieces of information from applicants:

     **Complete contact information (this is NOT different from any other cover letter.

    **The reason that you are on the job market.

     **What position(s) you are interested in and what industry.

     **Your salary history and salary requirements or expectations.

     **Geographical location preferences.

You should know that various recruiting agencies may have additionally information that they require.  Be sure to check carefully with each recruiter and be sure to provide ALL of the information that they need. 

Much searching of candidates is done via computer these days.  This includes the use of databases.  Knowing that, you need to be sure to load your cover letter (and your resume) with keywords.  This means that you need to stuff your letter full of phrases that will locate you based on experience, skills, certifications, licenses, awards, and so on.

Be sure that you frame your letter in terms of what you can do for the employers and not what they can do for you.  List bullet points of accomplishments that will show how you can improve performance or meet company demands.  Bulleted formats are often easier and quicker to read.

Here is an example of what such a letter might look like.

Jody Parker

123 Peabody Lane

TypicalTown,  IA    12345 

Jeffrey Masters

Recruitment Director

ABC Company

879 Magnolia Dr.

MyCity, GA   56889

June 19, 2010 

Dear Mr. Masters, 

With all of the current downsizing and mergers in the business sector, I imagine that you are getting thousands of resumes from people like me.  My work in business-to-business international branding and marketing has enhanced the reputations of such firms as CitiBank, Korea Telecom, and XYZ Corp. among others.

I believe that the following will be most useful in the current business climate:

     **demonstrated strategic ability including launching of web sites, PR programs,  and branding campaigns.

     **proven leadership skills in the motivation and management of teams and projects.

     **successful creative applications including advertising campaigns and  managing press relations.

I am most interested in positions on the west coast with a salary range of $100,000-$150,000.  I prefer work in venture capitalism firms entailing leveraged marketing opportunities where I can advise on branding and marketing strategies.