How to Cold Call about Job Openings

Cold calling can get you in the door.

In a sparse job market, employment seekers have to think outside the box to find a steady paycheck. With hundreds of qualified applicants emailing their resume to every advertised job lead, it can take months before your name pops to the top of the interview list. Try cold calling potential employers to get ahead of the competition. Choose companys to which you'd be perfectly suited, based on your education and experience. Even if they're not hiring currently, you'll be foremost in their minds once hiring season comes back around.

Instructions

1. Do your homework about the company you're calling. Read up on their history, their mission statement and values, and any publicized changes or accomplishments they've made recently. Analyze their needs and compare them with your skills and experience, to come up with reasons why hiring you would be a smart decision.

2. Prepare what you're going to say before you start dialing. Remember that you only get one chance to make a first impression; if you pepper the conversation with "um" and "uh," you won't be taken seriously as a potential candidate.

3. Find out the name of the person you need to speak with beforehand; either look up their contact information on the company's website, or get the receptionist to tell you. If you have to get the name from the receptionist, don't ask to speak to your contact person in the same conversation. Call and say, "Hello, can you please tell me the name of your hiring manager?" Write the name down (clarify spelling,) and then call back when you're ready and ask to speak to the hiring manager directly.

4. Allow the conversation to flow naturally. Be yourself. Keep your agenda in mind, but remember that you'll be more likely to get the job if you establish a comfortable rapport. Remain professional, but don't get so caught up in your spiel that you sound like you're reading a script. Keeping the conversation spontaneous will also help you think quickly on your feet to answer questions your potential employer might throw at you.

5. Don't take no for an answer. If you can't get an employment interview, ask for an informational interview to learn more about the company, the industry and potential employment opportunities in the future.

6. Have your cover letter, resume and references ready, in case the hiring manager asks you to email or fax them over.

Tips & Warnings

• Always be polite when cold calling. If the person you called does not wish to speak with you, thank them for their time and move on.

References

• AICPA: Cold Call Your Way to Your Next Job
• Quint Careers: Cold Calling
• MSN Careers: Try Cold Calling in Your Job Search