The world of professional headhunting is highly competitive.  The competition for highly skilled candidates can be  fierce.  Here is a legal recruiter who put his own spin on the phrase “aggressive recruiting”.  This is a real email sent to me that is a road map on everything not to do when cold calling or emailing potential candidates for a position.   No in-depth analysis is needed as the email speaks for itself.  The attorney’s retort is classic.  The only changes to the email is the redaction of the attorney’s name to protect his/her privacy and “Dicks” email address to save him any further embarrassment.   If it is any consolation to “Dick” the world needs ditch diggers too.

Start at the bottom of the page.

From: Irritated Attorney(real name redacted)
Sent: Wed 8/20/2008 5:27 PM
To: redacted@earthlink.net
Subject: RE: DALLAS CANDIDATE SEARCH

And, I only have time for serious recruiters.  Perhaps you should invest in something other than an earthlink address.  Maybe a web page is too much to ask?

You know, Dick…  Is it okay if I call you “Dick”?  While we are tossing around suggestions…  You should probably rethink your approach to client development.  I don’t think making demands, insulting practicing attorneys, and not respecting the privacy of potential clients is the right road to travel in the promising world of legal recruiting.  But, hey, what do I know?  I’m just an unserious attorney who doesn’t hop to it when some random guy with a gmail address (sorry, “earthlink”) demands that I create a curriculum vitae on the spot.  Yep.  Not at all serious…

All the worst,

Irritated Attorney

________________________________

From: redacted@earthlink.net [mailto:redacted@earthlink.net]
Sent: Wed 8/20/2008 4:26 PM
To: Irritated Attorney
Subject: Re: DALLAS CANDIDATE SEARCH

I only have time for serious attorneys. Perhaps you need to get back to your
billing.

REPLY APPRECIATED
RICHARD K. EASTBURN
PROFESSIONAL CONSULTATION
Legal Recruiting Professionals
Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Washington DC
redacted@earthlink.net
—– Original Message —–
From: Irritated Attorney
To: “redacted@earthlink.net” <redacted@earthlink.net>
Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 2:17 PM
Subject: RE: DALLAS CANDIDATE SEARCH

Your email below implies that you have a “new practice opportunity”
available.  I’m willing to listen.  That’s all.  I don’t have an updated CV.
I’m not going to take the time to create one until I hear what you are
offering in the way of a “new practice opportunity.”

Call me tomorrow.  Please stop emailing my work address regarding this or
any related matter.

Thanks,

Irritated Attorney

________________________________

From: redacted@earthlink.net [mailto:redacted@earthlink.net]
Sent: Wed 8/20/2008 4:16 PM
To: Irritated Attorney
Subject: Re: DALLAS CANDIDATE SEARCH

Please forward a CV and I will be happy to discuss further.

REPLY APPRECIATED
RICHARD K. EASTBURN
PROFESSIONAL CONSULTATION
Legal Recruiting Professionals
Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Washington DC
redacted@earthlink.net
—– Original Message —–
From: Irritated Attorney
To: “redacted@earthlink.net” <redacted@earthlink.net>
Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 1:29 PM
Subject: RE: DALLAS CANDIDATE SEARCH

Call me tomorrow. (number redacted)
________________________________

From: redacted@earthlink.net [mailto:redacted@earthlink.net]
Sent: Wed 8/20/2008 3:18 PM
To: Irritated Attorney
Subject: DALLAS CANDIDATE SEARCH

If you are in the market for a new practice opportunity, this is an
excellent time for discussion.

REPLY APPRECIATED
RICHARD K. EASTBURN
PROFESSIONAL CONSULTATION
Legal Recruiting Professionals
Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Washington DC
redacted@earthlink.net