Step1
**Don't be afraid**
Fear is the number one reason why job-seekers don't contact employers directly and simply wait for an ad to appear. They're afraid of rejection. Yes, nobody likes being rejected, but that's just part of job-hunting.
Yet having the courage to face your fear of rejection and call an employer will improve your chances of success. How? First, it shows you aren't afraid and had the guts to make the call on your very own. Second, you're doing something many others are not, which makes you stand-out in a good way. Third, you're a voice on the phone and so an employer can hear what a capable person you are. That cannot come across nearly as well on paper or in an e-mail. And lastly, you showed initative!
So an employer cannot help but be impressed with you! And because first impressions are lasting ones, you're going to be remembered. In fact, your chances of getting hired are vastly improved when you make the first move!
Step2
**Keep your call short**
Employers can get pretty busy and they didn't ask you to call. You just called them on your own! So you need to keep things rather short, unless they're willing to talk longer. Most times however, they're not. How short is short? Well that varies from person to person, but generally around 3 to 5 minutes.
Now you may be thinking how can this really work? Well by taking the time to contact an employer, you've shown initative! In other words, you didn't just wait for an ad or posting to appear.
No, you had the guts to pick up that phone and contact me. That's something I'll remember because not everyone has the courage to do it! The more prepared you are, the better you'll do. This means having a very good idea in advance what you plan to say. Not the exact words, but ideas and important points you wish to make.
Step3
**Speak with confidence**
You may be shaking on the inside, but you have to be calm on the outside. In other words, the employer cannot hear your fear in your voice. So I suggest taking some deep breaths and relaxing yourself before you pick-up that phone. This will help ease the nervousness and make you sound more relaxed and natural.
Remember, you want to sound professional and not stumble when speaking. I definitely suggest practicing before you make that first call. A little bit of nervousness is all right, but not a lot! Remember, the employer didn't call you, you called them. This means you weren't caught by surprise but decided when and whom to call. So you're in control here!
Step4
**Who you are and why are you're calling?**
I've know many applicants who call an employer and then immediately go into their "sales pitch." That's a mistake in my professional opinion! Why? Because it's customary and professional to say who you are and explain to someone why you're calling.
In business, letters begin with your reason for writing. Phone calls begin with who you are and why you're calling. That's important to understand and demonstrate!
So you want to let them know your name and the fact that you're seeking employment and want to know if they could use someone with your background.
Step5
**Briefly discuss your background**
Think of this as your cover letter--brief and to the point. You won't have a lot of time to go into lots of details so you have to convince them to consider you in a short moment in time. There's your "sales pitch!"
Pick out those things that you feel would really grab their attention and want them to know more. Your goal is to get them interested in you and hope for an interview!
I suggest having a bulleted list of points handy that you can refer to when speaking.
Step6
**Don't simply read your cover letter**
This is a big mistake because you'll sound "scripted." You need to sound more natural. Remember, they'll picture you on the job and you don't get to write everything down. So you have to be able to think on your feet.
Your cover letter can be good for bulleted points, but you have to put things into your own words and style. Your voice shouldn't be monitoned, but rather have peaks and valleys. In other words, you should vary the tone of your voice, speak with confidence, and let things flow naturally.
That way, you won't sound scripted. You'll sound more like a live person who's professional and capable!
Step7
**Don't forget the thank you!**
You want to thank the person you've spoken to for taking his or her time to discuss things with you. After all, he or she could have simply hung up on you, but instead took the time to actually speak with you.
It's common curteousy to thank someone for doing this and the professional thing to do!
Step8
**Comply willingly with whatever they tell you**
If the employer tells you to send a resume or check the website and apply online, then don't argue with them. That's a mistake I've seen applicants make time-and-time again! You're being combative and argumentative, which aren't positive qualities nor impressing me. So be the professional you are and simply accept it.
If they give you someone else you should speak with, then once again, accept it gladly. And if they're willing to have you come in, fill-out an application, or meet with somebody, then wonderful!
These mean you were successful and convinced them enough to consider your application. And that's a major positive!
Authority 
