Cold calls are
another technique to be used in your job search. Many job seekers find it very
difficult to “knock on doors” and there is no doubt it may not work for all of
us.
However, it is still
another method of getting interviews and your resumes out there.
1. Target firms that
you know will use your skills. Use the same sources that you would for
targeting a company. Peers, friends and former co-workers can also guide you as
to where to visit. Also examine business directories, yellow pages,
manufacturers lists etc. Visiting cafes, coffee shops etc. close to the firm
you are going to visit may give you the chance to find names of key persons to
contact on the cold call
2. Phone calls
beforehand to a company can often give you the names of
HR managers, Dept.
heads, Sales personnel and other key personnel.
You can also just
drop by unannounced and try to meet with key personnel.
Always take numerous
resumes in case you have the opportunity to leave one with a key person.
3. DO TRY to set up
an interview OR informational interview. Getting the name{s) of key persons you
need to talk with or to call is critical.
4. It is also helpful
if you can get someone in the company to refer you OR permit you to say that ______
has suggested you call them.
5. Depending on the
level of the job you are applying for - cold personal calls may not be
appropriate. Some professional and managerial positions may not lend themselves
to this technique.
WHAT DO I SAY ON A
COLD CALL?
* Introduce yourself and
indicate your are looking for a job in OR
give your 30 second elevator speech AND ask if the firm is hiring in the field
that you are working in.
DO TRY TO SELL
YOURSELF AND YOUR SKILLS
* Attempt to get an
interview if possible
* Also ask what other
firms may be hiring
* Leave resumes for
key persons and follow up with a phone call
* See if
the gatekeeper has any information about the company and their needs as well as
if she is aware of other firms that may be hiring
* The sales dept. may
have some information on co. needs and other firms hiring
MAKING COLD TELEPHONE
CALLS
(You may want to
script what you want to say so that you can engage them in a meaningful
manner.)
* Get a gatekeeper or
receptionist to give you information as to:
Who are the key
persons?
Is the organization
hiring?
The best time of day
to reach a key person you have learned about.
Who else may be
hiring?
Persistence and
patience are the key because it may take many calls to get an interview.
COLD CALLING IN PERSON OR BY PHONE IS NOT FOR ALL OF US. HOWEVER, IT MAY PRODUCE FOR YOU. IF YOU HAVE NOT TRIED IT, WHY NOT SEE IF IT CAN WORK FOR YOU?