Stop ghosting. Start conversations. Make placements.
You’re searching for standout talent. But let’s face it, the best candidates aren’t always easy to reach.
Your email goes unread.
Your call goes to voicemail.
Your LinkedIn request gets ignored – or worse, declined (awkward).
Sounding familiar?
Engaging top candidates takes more than firing off a message or two and praying that it sticks. You need the right message, at the right time, across the right channels.
That’s where our blueprint comes in.
Built using data from 100+ million outreach messages sent through the SourceWhale platform, this step-by-step multichannel sequence is designed to help you connect with more candidates and spark real conversations – without the ghosting.
Just personalize it, plug it into your workflow and start seeing results.
The Cold Outreach Sequence Top Candidates Actually Respond To
Get your hands on the cold outreach template top agencies are using to engage talent faster and make more placements.
🤝 Step 1: LinkedIn Connection Request
Start light. Build the bridge.
- Stay under 250 characters.
- A “let’s connect because of X” or “I’d love to add you to my network because of Y’ message works – no pitch needed.
- Human-first = more connections. Don’t come across as salesy or with an agenda.
📧 Step 2: Email
When? 1 day later
Offer value and relevance.
- A/B test your subject lines to help define best practice.
- Open with a reason why you’re reaching out, such as relevant career opportunities or industry trends that may interest the candidate.
- Avoid generic outreach. Address them using {{firstName}}. You could also use {{company}} or {{role}} variables to add personalization (though avoid using variables in your subject line as you risk going into spam).
- Aim for an “I:You” ratio of 1:2 – talk more about them than you.
📞 Step 3: Phone Call
When? 1 day later
Confident and candidate-centric.
- Prep insights about their skills or career highlights relevant to the roles you’re targeting. This will help you confidently position the candidate as a valuable asset.
- Use guiding questions to explore their interests.
- Keep it structured, not scripted.
📬 Step 4: LinkedIn InMail
When? 2 days later
A fresh angle.
- Keep the content unique, don’t duplicate what you’ve already sent over in an email.
- Personalize to grab attention.
- Consider links or helpful content, if allowed.
📝 Step 5: General Task
When? Same day
Be where they are.
- Like or comment on a recent post to build rapport.
- Drop a short voice or video message expressing your interest in discussing their career goals..
- Set reminders to stay consistent.
📧 Step 6: Follow-Up Email
When? 3 days later
Add value, not pressure.
- Send as a reply – keep the thread alive. No need for a new subject line.
- Avoid spammy words like “opportunity.”
- Don’t withdraw yourself from the conversation, avoid phrases like “i’ll leave you alone after this”, leave the door open for future prospects.
💡Pro tips for success
- Multichannel > Single channel. Candidates’ communication preferences will differ – be present across all channels so they can meet you where they’re at.
- Stay personal, not generic. Make each message feel tailored by providing relevant content.
- Content builds trust: share career tips, salary guides, or industry insights.
- Follow up! 71% of responses come from the third touchpoint onwards.
- Test and tweak. Keep learning what works using A/B testing.
