Spam Words to Avoid in Candidate Communication

Spam filters evaluate many factors when determining whether an email should be delivered to a recipient's inbox. While no single word will automatically cause an email to be marked as spam, using certain words or phrases too frequently—or without appropriate context—can increase the likelihood that your message is filtered.

When communicating with candidates, focus on writing clear, professional emails rather than promotional or sales-oriented messages.

Tip: Sell your company through your job posting, not through your candidate emails. Keep recruiting emails informative, personalized, and relevant to the recipient.

Before You Begin

Keep these best practices in mind when writing candidate emails:

• Write naturally and avoid exaggerated marketing language.
• Personalize messages whenever possible.
• Use urgency only when it is genuinely necessary.
• Avoid making unrealistic promises or guarantees.
• Review your message for spelling and grammar before sending.

Words and Phrases to Use Carefully

The following examples are commonly associated with spam or marketing emails. These words are not prohibited, but they should be used sparingly and only when appropriate.

Sense of Urgency or Pressure

Avoid creating unnecessary urgency with phrases such as:

• Act now
• Apply now
• Become a member
• Call now
• Do it today
• Don't regret it
• Don't delete
• Don't click away
• Don't miss out
• Get started now
• Important information regarding
• Information you requested
• Instant
• Limited time
• Please read
• See for yourself
• Take action
• This won't last
• Urgent
• What are you waiting for?
• You won't believe your eyes
• Winner / Winning
• You have been selected
• Offer expires

Over-Sensationalizing or Over-Promising

Avoid language that sounds promotional or attempts to reassure recipients that a message is legitimate.

Examples include:

• Not junk
• Not spam
• This isn't a scam
• This isn't junk
• This isn't spam
• We hate spam
• Completely legit
• Real thing
• We promise
• Believe me
• Trust me
• 100%
• Congratulations
• Confidentiality
• Dear friend
• No catch
• No gimmick
• No obligation
• No questions asked
• No strings attached
• Offer of a lifetime
• Opportunity
• Opportunity of a lifetime

Finance, Money, and Compensation

Use extra care when discussing compensation or financial incentives.

Examples include:

• Fast cash
• Get out of debt
• Earn more
• Income
• Extra income
• Big bucks
• Make money
• Get paid
• Get rich
• Cash bonus
• 100% of employees make bonus
• 100% commission
• Sign-on bonus
• Financial freedom
• Earnings
• Potential earnings
• Millionaire
• $1,000,000
• Profit
• Join 10,000 earners
• #1

Other Common Trigger Phrases

The following phrases may also increase the likelihood that an email is filtered when used excessively or without context:

• Work from home
• Be your own boss
• Never work hard
• Easy job
• Join the movement
• Join us
• Amazing opportunity
• You're in luck
• We've got just the thing for you
• In the meantime, check our social media
• Take a peek
• Award-winning

Best Practices for Candidate Emails

To improve email deliverability:

• Use clear, descriptive subject lines.
• Personalize messages with the candidate's name.
• Keep the email focused on the purpose of your communication.
• Avoid excessive capitalization, punctuation, and promotional wording.
• Proofread your email before sending.
• If you're unsure whether an email may trigger spam filters, consider using an email spam checker to review the content before sending.

Additional Information

Spam filtering is based on many factors, including message content, formatting, sender reputation, and the recipient's email provider. Using one or more of the words listed above does not automatically cause an email to be marked as spam. Instead, use these examples as general guidance when writing professional candidate communications.