By Sally A Horsey
"Know How to make Cold Calls and why they work.
Why cold call?
Very few people like cold calling, and resultingly, very few people actually do it. However, a clever cold call to a targeted employer can quite simply be an extremely fast and effective way of getting the job you want.
It can knock months off your job search. Most people apply only for jobs they see advertised, along with hundreds of other people each day. Instead of waiting weeks to hear if you have secured an interview, this method can get you an interview and job offer in a matter of days.
Why does cold calling work?
It shows top levels of initiative, drive, motivation, and confidence- crucial skills virtually all employers look for in potential employees, across any sector. Future bosses will admire and respect anyone who has the bravery to call them. You stand out from all the other applicants who don't call up but merely wait for the company to advertise.
This job search method has been much researched and thoroughly proven to be highly effective. (This is how all those recruitment agencies get their vacancies).
How to cold call
Make a list of companies to call; search internet job sites for the hundreds of Companies advertising; search online business directories for Company listings in your sector.
Do your preparation. Know what you want to say before you pick up the phone. Research the company and be able to say why you want to work specifically for them - what is it about them that makes them successful, what is their mission statement and philosophy. You can usually find all the information you need from a quick search of their website.
Speak to the right person. You need to get through to the Boss. It doesn't have to be the CEO, but try to speak to the Manager of the department you would work for, who will be the decision maker. Don't ask for Personnel, they rarely take speculative calls. Try to research his/her name - look on the company website, LinkedIn, Facebook. If you are not able to get through to them (and it's unlikely with the first attempt) try to get a good time to call them back.
Know your Resume inside and out - have it in front of you when you make your calls. Be ready to answer any questions about your work history and skills.
Write a script if you feel it would help you, that way you will never be caught out off guard by possible questions. Prepare your opening line. Keep it short and to the point. You really have the first 30 seconds to explain why you are calling and get their attention. Don't ask if there are any vacancies. Introduce yourself, and tell them about your experience in the job you would like to do for them- in a couple of sentences only. Then ask if you would be able to pop in and see them for a "quick chat" which "would only take 5 minutes". The objective here is to really try to get that quick face to face meeting. With the over reliance of Personnel asking for all applications to be online, this may not always be possible, however smaller companies do tend to be more flexible and open to the suggestion than perhaps the multinational organizations.
Make calls when you are in the most positive frame of mind. Smile when you are talking, people recognise that, even if you do feel nervous. Feeling nervous and scared of making that call is natural -even top sales people have their off days when they dread making those calls.
Why cold call?
Very few people like cold calling, and resultingly, very few people actually do it. However, a clever cold call to a targeted employer can quite simply be an extremely fast and effective way of getting the job you want.
It can knock months off your job search. Most people apply only for jobs they see advertised, along with hundreds of other people each day. Instead of waiting weeks to hear if you have secured an interview, this method can get you an interview and job offer in a matter of days.
Why does cold calling work?
It shows top levels of initiative, drive, motivation, and confidence- crucial skills virtually all employers look for in potential employees, across any sector. Future bosses will admire and respect anyone who has the bravery to call them. You stand out from all the other applicants who don't call up but merely wait for the company to advertise.
This job search method has been much researched and thoroughly proven to be highly effective. (This is how all those recruitment agencies get their vacancies).
How to cold call
Make a list of companies to call; search internet job sites for the hundreds of Companies advertising; search online business directories for Company listings in your sector.
Do your preparation. Know what you want to say before you pick up the phone. Research the company and be able to say why you want to work specifically for them - what is it about them that makes them successful, what is their mission statement and philosophy. You can usually find all the information you need from a quick search of their website.
Speak to the right person. You need to get through to the Boss. It doesn't have to be the CEO, but try to speak to the Manager of the department you would work for, who will be the decision maker. Don't ask for Personnel, they rarely take speculative calls. Try to research his/her name - look on the company website, LinkedIn, Facebook. If you are not able to get through to them (and it's unlikely with the first attempt) try to get a good time to call them back.
Know your Resume inside and out - have it in front of you when you make your calls. Be ready to answer any questions about your work history and skills.
Write a script if you feel it would help you, that way you will never be caught out off guard by possible questions. Prepare your opening line. Keep it short and to the point. You really have the first 30 seconds to explain why you are calling and get their attention. Don't ask if there are any vacancies. Introduce yourself, and tell them about your experience in the job you would like to do for them- in a couple of sentences only. Then ask if you would be able to pop in and see them for a "quick chat" which "would only take 5 minutes". The objective here is to really try to get that quick face to face meeting. With the over reliance of Personnel asking for all applications to be online, this may not always be possible, however smaller companies do tend to be more flexible and open to the suggestion than perhaps the multinational organizations.
Make calls when you are in the most positive frame of mind. Smile when you are talking, people recognise that, even if you do feel nervous. Feeling nervous and scared of making that call is natural -even top sales people have their off days when they dread making those calls.