> And that's where things fall down. If someone currently has a job, then emailing them out of the blue to ask if they want to come and interview for something

> And that's where things fall down. If someone currently has a job, then emailing them out of the blue to ask if they want to come and interview for something vague is hoping that they're either looking, and just haven't come to you yet, Agree with this point, but > or not looking but unhappy enough with their current role that all they needed to start was an email asking them to submit a recent CV. this is also valid, but not addressed in OP. Consider an employee who is working at a large corporation or consulting firm, who is talented but not particularly attached to his/her employer. There are many of these people. This email out of the blue from Google (or whoever) is pretty nice, and really could be the impetus to make a career move.