The telephone is the most effective tool that the job seeker can use in
contacting potential employers. It allows the job seeker to contact several prospective employers within a shorter period of time than could possibly be
contacted through personal contacts or letters.
The
main message which you have to convey over phone is your
benefit statement. A few additional things which go with it you'll learn here.
Purpose of Cold Calling Employers
To inform employer of qualifications you offer
through your benefit statement
Gather information about what employers are looking for when hiring
Gather information about the company
To obtain job leads for current
or future job openings
Find names of key people/companies you can contact
Effectiveness of Telephone Calls
Calls to employers are part of your networking strategy. Eighty percent of
the jobs available are not advertised
A high percentage of calls are put through, so be prepared
By calling employers you place yourself ahead of your competition for
unadvertised jobs
If employer is not hiring, keeping doors open for possible future
opportunities and other job related information keeps you in the game
Checklist to have when making cold calls
Your benefit statement
Résumé
Paper and pen
Calendar
Company information you have collected
Quite place with a telephone
TIPS
Always be courteous to everyone you speak to including the
Receptionist
Listen for verbal cues (e.g. tone of voice)
Always establish a Follow Up Plan
Follow through with instructions given by employer (e.g.
fax
your résumé today)
