Top Tips for Sending Job Alerts & Mailshots

Best practices for sending branded, effective job alerts and mailshots.

Contents

• Overview
• What is the difference between Job alerts and Mailshots?
• What information should I send?
• How can I make sure my job alerts reach the right audience?
• Where can I update my job alert template?
• To whom should I target my mailshots?
• Where can I update my mailshot template?

Overview

Sending job alerts and mailshots is one of the most effective ways to promote new vacancies to your candidates. With Firefish, you can instantly reach the right people — but successful engagement comes from more than just sending an email.

To get the best results:

• Ensure the content reflects your brand voice
• Add visual elements like logos and brand colours
• Use customised templates to stand out in the candidate’s inbox

At Firefish, for example, we use our signature red for calls-to-action and weave in playful language to reflect our culture and branding.

What is the difference between Job alerts and Mailshots?

Job Alerts are automated emails sent based on the candidate’s subscription preferences. These preferences are configured in the Subscriptions tab of their profile and may include job type, location, sector, and frequency.

• Sent outside peak hours to maximise deliverability
• Controlled by the candidate
• Powered by job coding and candidate preferences

Mailshots are manual email campaigns sent by users directly from the Reach tab of a specific advert. They are ideal for targeting smaller, more specific groups quickly.

• Sent on demand
• Fully customisable per campaign
• Can be targeted using Saved Searches, Talent Pools, and more

What information should I send?

To keep candidates engaged and informed, each alert or mailshot should include the following:

Essential Details:

• Job Title
• Job Type (e.g., Permanent, Contract)
• Pay or Salary Range
• Location
• Main Advert Text (the job description or summary)

Optional Enhancements:

• Advert Image (especially for brand representation)
• Duration (if applicable to contract roles)

The goal is to create a quick, attractive snapshot of the role that encourages action.

How can I make sure my job alerts reach the right audience?

Success starts with good data. Ensure your job records and candidate profiles are accurately coded — this helps the Firefish system match roles with the correct audience.

Candidates who opt into Preference Alerts rely on these codes to receive suitable roles, while others may use custom alerts to monitor specific markets or opportunities for themselves or others.

Where can I update my job alert template?

To customise the layout and style of your job alerts:

1. Go to Settings > Candidate Portal
2. Click on the Job Alerts tab
3. Edit the following sections:
   • General Layout – Controls the body of the email
   • Advert Details – Sets up how job cards are displayed
   • Preview – Allows you to test how alerts will appear to candidates

Tailoring this ensures that even automated emails feel personal and professional.

To whom should I target my mailshots?

Mailshots can be sent to:

• Individual candidates
• Groups from Saved Searches
• Pre-built Talent Pools
• Lists like Potential Matches or Considering Lists

Where can I update my mailshot template?

To edit your mailshot layout:

1. Go to Settings > Email Templates
2. Select the Adverts module
3. Update the following templates:
   • Advert Distribution – Mailshot: Controls the main layout
   • Advert Distribution – Mailshot Insert: Defines how each job appears in the message