Direct outreach is a proactive recruitment strategy where companies identify potential candidates and approach them directly to gauge their interest in open positions. This approach can yield high-quality candidates, but it often requires persistence and strategic follow-ups. Vouch can enhance your direct outreach efforts by transforming initial rejections into opportunities for referrals. This playbook will guide you on how to integrate Vouch into your direct outreach strategy effectively.

Why direct outreach?

Direct outreach allows recruiters to target specific candidates who fit the job description perfectly. By taking the initiative to contact these individuals, you can:

• Access passive candidates who might not be actively looking but are open to new opportunities.
• Build relationships with high-quality professionals.
• Gain referrals and expand your candidate pool through personal networks.

The power of Vouch in direct outreach

When a candidate declines an offer, Vouch can turn that rejection into a referral opportunity. By asking the candidate to vouch for someone else who might be a good fit, you can tap into their network and potentially find a suitable candidate. Vouch simplifies this process by managing the referral system, including reward payments and communication, ensuring a seamless experience for all parties involved.

Steps for using Vouch in direct outreach

1. Identify potential candidates:
   • Use LinkedIn, job boards, and other professional networks to find candidates who match the job requirements.
   • Leverage advanced search filters to narrow down your search to the most relevant candidates.
2. Craft a compelling outreach message:
   • Personalise your message to highlight why you think they are a good fit for the role. Clearly explain the opportunity and why it’s worth considering.
   • Or go softer and start by asking if they know anyone that could fit the role? And add that they should ask someone to vouch for them if they are indeed interested themselves. This has proven to be a good way of gauging interest in a less salesy way.
3. Follow up on rejections with a referral request:
   • If a candidate declines, follow up with a request for referrals.
   • Use Vouch to incentivize the referral process by offering a reward for successful hires. Include a direct link to the Vouch listing in your follow-up message.
4. Track and manage referrals:
   • Use Vouch to track all referrals and for Vouch to manage admin communication with the referrers.
   • If it leads to a hire, Vouch handles everything related to the reward.

Templates for direct outreach

Initial outreach message (less direct – works for both referrals, and if they are interested they may refer themselves):

Subject: Know anyone for [Position]?

Body:

Hi [Candidate Name],

I came across your profile and was impressed by your experience in [specific area]. I bet you know someone with a similar profile that could be open to an exciting opportunity at [Company Name] for a [Position].