Examples of how to send meaningful Broadcast Messages, and what to avoid.
Broadcast Messages are one of the best ways to connect with candidates on ClearanceJobs.com. You should be applying filters, sending them frequently, and including links. But here are a few additional tips to consider:
1. DON’T Send a Half-Baked Message.
Some recruiters are sending Broadcast Messages with nothing but a title and a link to a job. It’s great to include a link, but don’t waste your time sending a half-baked message! Your Broadcast Message should NOT be an essay - but it should contain something to attract a candidate’s interest. Do you have a job opportunity in a hot location? Do you have a need for a specific major or skill? Unpack that briefly in your message.
And don’t forget - often the best Broadcast Messages aren’t promoting a job at all, but providing company information, event invitations, or other news.
2. DON’T Send CAN-SPAM.
Cleared candidates today are likely receiving dozens (if not hundreds!) of messages from recruiters looking for their in-demand skills. They can spot spammy recruiting messages from a mile away. Here are a few signs your messages look straight out of SPAM city:
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Using ALL CAPS. STOP SHOUTING AT CANDIDATES! THEY DON’T LIKE IT! (Some capitalization is okay - but it should be limited, and applied with care.)
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Beginning your message with ‘This is a broadcast message’ or ‘This is a message for xyz candidates’ - candidates know it’s a message - don’t waste your character space telling them!
- Avoid Jargon and Waste Words
There are benefits to beginning with a common set of truth in sending a message. But with so many recruiting messages being sent today, yours are likely getting auto filtered out by the candidate’s brain if they begin with ‘Immediate’ ‘We are seeking’ ‘Apply today!’ or other recruiting jargon phrases. If you’re sending Broadcast Messages frequently, you can afford to try a few messages that are a bit more creative.
Here are a couple of Broadcast Message Hall of Fame candidates:
HOT JOBS: Cyber Security Operations Manager - Beltsville, MD (145k-155k), SOC Analyst- Arlington, VA (125k-135k), SQL DBA -DC (3rd shift- 80k), For more info about the client you can contact me at email or text 555-555-5555.
Why we like it - it includes salary and location up front (critical elements for any candidate), along with recruiter contact information. This is the kind of message you could test sending at different times, with different jobs or switching out key details to see what gets the best response for YOUR network.
Are vehicles your passion? We have the perfect part-time gig for you if you have 3 years of installing radio equipment on rail cars & safety vehicles! Click the link for more info on our Install Tech position in DC! [link] 🚓🚞
Why we like it - it starts with a question - an important one! - what is your passion?! It includes the basic requirements (3 years of experience), and a link for more information. Bonus: the recruiter is getting creative with emojis!
Software architect position in Aurora, CO. GORGEOUS work-place with great work-life balance (some telework) and GREAT pay. Long term contract. Great team and mission. [link]
Why we like it - It highlights a perk beyond the position, and addresses contract continuity.
And a few from the Hall of Shame:
OUR COMPANY IS HIRING. Check out this engineering position. Secret clearance required. Apply today!
Why it misses the mark - it’s full of jargony recruiting phrases, and little substance. There must be something appealing about the message that makes a candidate want to learn more.
Hi, my name is Bob Jones with XYZ company. We have many current openings. Check them out here. [link].
Why it misses the mark - you waste space by introducing yourself with your name, title and company - that’s already clear in your recruiter profile. A generic link to your company’s hiring page - without any context - doesn’t garner a reply and is highly unlikely to result in a flood of resumes.
Your Broadcast Message should be a call to action. Even if the action is just for a candidate to stay in touch, or visit a link to learn more about your company. If a candidate can’t tell if a message is for them, or what its purpose is, it misses the mark.
Broadcast Messages are one of the best recruiting tools in your arsenal today - don’t waste them by sending spammy, deletable messages. Remember, the purpose of a Broadcast Message isn’t just to get a person to apply to a job, but to connect with you and your company. Make sure to target your messages. If you wouldn’t read it and find something interesting to engage with - don’t expect a candidate to, either.