How to Call a Prospective Employer

There are certain rules to follow when making what could be a crucial contact.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Address Books
• Phone Books
• Phone Books
• Telephones
• Spiral Notebooks
• Writing Pens

1. Consider any contact with a prospective employer an interview situation.

2. Talk to the receptionist, secretary or assistant as you would your possible boss.

3. Make your call from a quiet place. Shushing crying children or dealing with rambunctious pets during the call is awkward, as is having your current boss suddenly appear in the middle of the conversation.

4. Be prompt if your prospective employer requested that you call at a certain time. Punctuality will never go out of style.

5. Prepare yourself to be on a speakerphone or part of a conference call. It's almost like addressing a crowd.

6. Have your notes handy if the call will be a working situation, or about a problem you've been asked to solve.

7. Have paper, pen and any other necessary materials (résumé, references, phone numbers) on hand.

Tips & Warnings

• Focus on having a calm demeanor, an audible voice and relaxed attitude. These may be critical matters in the hiring process.
• Don't ask the prospective employer to hold while you pick up call waiting.

[willowman1]

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on 4/12/2008 I've had very good luck using this as one of my conversation starters. If business isn't good, they won't want another employee and you probably don't want to work for them anyway. If business is hopping, this question will lead them directly to the conclusion that they need to be hiring, even if it hadn't occurred to them and they hadn't been advertising.

on 11/22/2005 If possible, when you call have your resume, list of accomplishments, and work history handy so you can more easily answer any specific questions about your background.

on 11/22/2005 Calling a potential employer can be difficult if the call is not in reference to an advertisement or job posting. If you are cold-calling, don't ask for an interview right off the bat. Make the purpose of the call an interest in finding out more information about the company and the field. If the potential employer offers information, you can bring up interviewing at that time. If they do not want to give out information, it may not be the company you want to work for anyway.