Making Killer Cold Calls

Job searching is an exercise in self marketing. In effect a job seeker is selling their skills to a potential employer. Sales people use a variety of tools to market their products. For example, sales people often use cold calling as a way to connect with potential customers. Job seekers can use cold calls to connect with potential employers and see if your skills fit their environment.

Here are some example steps for cold calling:

1.        Make a list of potential employers with phone numbers and contact names (if possible). Having a pre-made list allows the job seeker to continue momentum with their calls, rather than stopping after each call to look up contact information for the next call.

2.        Make your first call to a friend or family member that is in the industry you are interested in. This step serves two functions:

a.        This first call will allow you to explore information about the industry with an individual you already know. This individual might have additional contacts at other companies in the industry, and/or be able to point you in the right direction of important questions to ask about other environments.

b.        Calling an individual you already know decreases the pressure of the first call and better prepares you to talk to others in the industry.

3.        Ask employers, “How often do you hire?” or “What is your hiring cycle?”, rather than “Are you hiring?” The immediate answer to Are you hiring? might be “No.”, without letting you know that there is likely to be work available in about six weeks.

4.        Ask, “Who should I forward my resume to?”, rather than “Are you accepting resumes?” This question serves two purposes:

a.        The answer should be “Send it to me.”, if you have reached the right person.

b.        If you receive another name, it gives you the direct contact name of the individual you should be speaking with.

5.        Keep a log that states the company name, when you called, who you spoke with, and any other additional steps, (i.e. call back Jennifer on the 15^th of December).

Start with these strategies to help manage your cold calls and to keep track of what you have done. Why not challenge yourself to call 3 new employers this week! If you need assistance in making cold calls, please drop by VCCS and meet with an Employment Counsellor!