No Cold Feet When You Cold Call
Posted: 12.02.2015
Yes, it can be nerve-wracking and, yes, it's a great challenge even for non-shy people but one of the most successful strategies for finding work is cold calling. This is the practice of calling the company you want to work for and asking to speak to someone about a job that interests you. The catch is that there may be no job opening so you're actually calling specifically to find out about a job, not for it.
No Job? Why Do It Then?!
Good question. According to the Career Development and Employment Centre at Ryerson University, cold calling helps you to conduct company research, set up information interviews, network and learn about potential job openings. It lets the potential employer know that you're out there; it's an opportunity to make a positive impression or sell your skills. It lets you hear industry jargon and company challenges even if this doesn't result in a job right away, you may be remembered if anything comes up in the future.
Stage I: The Rehearsal
Before picking up the phone, prepare so you sound professional. Here are a few tips for a great warm-up:
In the article Cold Calling Tips That Work the foremost advice is to build a good relationship with the receptionist. This is the person who will be able to put you in touch with the potential employer or, instead, direct you to the cafeteria (just kidding). Stay on his or her good side. To do this, you need to be prepared too. The Ryerson Career Development site suggests doing research on the companies you plan to contact and having an introductory script and response ready when the receptionist asks you for the purpose of your call. (The Cold Calling Tips article suggests telling a fib like saying that you're updating your database or preparing correspondence -- we say: well ... it's your call).
Stage III: The Employer
Showtime! If you haven't found it online, you've asked the receptionist for the name of the person you will be speaking to so you know who's on the other end when you place the main call. Ensure that you are calling from somewhere quiet and private. State your name, say something positive about the company and tell the potential employer about your qualifications. If you can tell that the potential employer is busy -- and you should be able to -- ask when it's okay to call back (according to the Ryerson Career Development site, it's best to call mid-week). A few other tips to remember:
Sometimes cold calls lead to an information interview. According to CanadianCareers.com: "Information interviewing involves speaking to people who work in the field you want to learn more about." As with cold calls, information interview allows you to make industry contacts. According to Information Interviews: Purpose & Procedures (PDF), the two main goals for these kinds of interviews are getting information on working in the field of your choice and determining what sorts of challenges you might encounter before landing that dream job.
Information interviews are also great in that they provide first-hand current information. They build your confidence for real job interviews. Another outcome of the information interview is that you may learn you actually don't want to work in that specific field (or company), which may save you a lot of effort and heartache in the future.
Mastering the Information Interview
The Conducting an Information Interview article outlines a couple of points in setting up and having a successful information interview.
First, you need to find someone to interview. You can do this by cold calling or talking with someone you already know in the field. (Networking can often result in getting contacts; explain how you know the person who referred you.) Let him or her know that the interview won't take more than 20 minutes and you can do it over the phone or in person -- whatever is the preference.
You have to explain the purpose of this interview -- not all employers may be familiar with it. Another thing to remember is to not ask for a job at any point -- let the employer know you’re interested but don’t be pushy. Before your interview, prepare some questions that will show your interest in the company. Since you’ve done your research prior to talking to your interviewee you don't need to ask about things like the main product of the company, its size and competitors. But an information interview is your chance to find out more specific information. For example, ask:
If you do get to meet with the interviewee face-to-face, dress appropriately and have a copy of your résumé with you. The Conducting an Information Interview article says to always stay on a positive note – who knows, the person you are talking to may be your future employer. It is also a good policy to follow up with a thank-you note that shows your appreciation for the person’s time. Stick to the promised timeline -- if you said 20 minutes don't drone on for an hour!
By Jowita Bydlowska, Staff Writer at Possibilities, www.poss.ca. Jowita Bydlowska is a Staff Writer with Possibilities (www.poss.ca), an online magazine for job seekers. This Employment Ontario project is funded in part by the Government of Canada.
Possibilities, Toronto's Online Employment Resource Centre An online magazine for job seekers -- www.poss.ca. This Employment Ontario project is funded in part by the Government of Canada.
No Job? Why Do It Then?!
Good question. According to the Career Development and Employment Centre at Ryerson University, cold calling helps you to conduct company research, set up information interviews, network and learn about potential job openings. It lets the potential employer know that you're out there; it's an opportunity to make a positive impression or sell your skills. It lets you hear industry jargon and company challenges even if this doesn't result in a job right away, you may be remembered if anything comes up in the future.
Stage I: The Rehearsal
Before picking up the phone, prepare so you sound professional. Here are a few tips for a great warm-up:
- Make a list of companies you plan to call and -- if possible -- get names of the people you want to speak to.
- Have an outline ready of topics you want to discuss with the potential employer. You can even follow a written script if it makes it easier for you (but keep in mind that you can be easily thrown off your script if the employer asks a question you haven't anticipated).
- Have a copy of your résumé in front of you for reference.
- If you've got a friend who is willing you can even role-play your first conversation.
In the article Cold Calling Tips That Work the foremost advice is to build a good relationship with the receptionist. This is the person who will be able to put you in touch with the potential employer or, instead, direct you to the cafeteria (just kidding). Stay on his or her good side. To do this, you need to be prepared too. The Ryerson Career Development site suggests doing research on the companies you plan to contact and having an introductory script and response ready when the receptionist asks you for the purpose of your call. (The Cold Calling Tips article suggests telling a fib like saying that you're updating your database or preparing correspondence -- we say: well ... it's your call).
Stage III: The Employer
Showtime! If you haven't found it online, you've asked the receptionist for the name of the person you will be speaking to so you know who's on the other end when you place the main call. Ensure that you are calling from somewhere quiet and private. State your name, say something positive about the company and tell the potential employer about your qualifications. If you can tell that the potential employer is busy -- and you should be able to -- ask when it's okay to call back (according to the Ryerson Career Development site, it's best to call mid-week). A few other tips to remember:
- Smile when you talk -- it makes you sound friendly.
- Stand up and speak clearly -- no, the employer can't see you but it helps you sound confident.
- Keep the call brief and thank the person for his or her time. You can send an email or even a thank-you card -- remember it's all about leaving a positive impression.
- Leave your number and ensure that you have a professional sounding message on your answering machine.
- Take notes during the phone call and keep a calendar close by.
- In case of rejection (or even a hang-up!), remember that it is not personal.
Sometimes cold calls lead to an information interview. According to CanadianCareers.com: "Information interviewing involves speaking to people who work in the field you want to learn more about." As with cold calls, information interview allows you to make industry contacts. According to Information Interviews: Purpose & Procedures (PDF), the two main goals for these kinds of interviews are getting information on working in the field of your choice and determining what sorts of challenges you might encounter before landing that dream job.
Information interviews are also great in that they provide first-hand current information. They build your confidence for real job interviews. Another outcome of the information interview is that you may learn you actually don't want to work in that specific field (or company), which may save you a lot of effort and heartache in the future.
Mastering the Information Interview
The Conducting an Information Interview article outlines a couple of points in setting up and having a successful information interview.
First, you need to find someone to interview. You can do this by cold calling or talking with someone you already know in the field. (Networking can often result in getting contacts; explain how you know the person who referred you.) Let him or her know that the interview won't take more than 20 minutes and you can do it over the phone or in person -- whatever is the preference.
You have to explain the purpose of this interview -- not all employers may be familiar with it. Another thing to remember is to not ask for a job at any point -- let the employer know you’re interested but don’t be pushy. Before your interview, prepare some questions that will show your interest in the company. Since you’ve done your research prior to talking to your interviewee you don't need to ask about things like the main product of the company, its size and competitors. But an information interview is your chance to find out more specific information. For example, ask:
- What are the types of positions most in demand in the industry?
- What are the skills and qualifications that I need to get a job in this particular field? To gain an entry-level position?
- What does the typical day look like?
- What type of people do you need both now and in the future?
- How did you get involved in this type of career?
- What values are important in your company?
- Is there growth in the field?
- Do you hire from within?
- Are there industry courses, training or programs I can take?
If you do get to meet with the interviewee face-to-face, dress appropriately and have a copy of your résumé with you. The Conducting an Information Interview article says to always stay on a positive note – who knows, the person you are talking to may be your future employer. It is also a good policy to follow up with a thank-you note that shows your appreciation for the person’s time. Stick to the promised timeline -- if you said 20 minutes don't drone on for an hour!
By Jowita Bydlowska, Staff Writer at Possibilities, www.poss.ca. Jowita Bydlowska is a Staff Writer with Possibilities (www.poss.ca), an online magazine for job seekers. This Employment Ontario project is funded in part by the Government of Canada.
Possibilities, Toronto's Online Employment Resource Centre An online magazine for job seekers -- www.poss.ca. This Employment Ontario project is funded in part by the Government of Canada.
