Cold-calling is one of the time-tested techniques of job hunting. Traditionally, jobseekers have always tried to cold call various companies for possible job openings. Not only does this work as an effective networking tool and widen your contacts, but can also generate successful employment opportunities. What’s more, if you are persuasive enough, you can even get a job custom-created specifically to your skills and experience!
To begin with: You need to list out the companies you want to work for. Make a nice, long list as the more you ask, the more are your chances of getting lucky.
Then, use your contacts or directly call the company to get the name of the hiring manger or executive in your targeted department who can get you a job. You have to doggedly seek information on the decision-makers and not get sidelined by HR who does not possess real hiring powers.
Next gauntlet: As intimidating as it may seem, you have to overcome your fear of calling and try to get in touch with the decision-maker.
Here, you can either choose to send an introductory cover letter/email or directly get on the phone and contact the decision-maker. Experts advise that you should not send a resume beforehand or request an interview/job; your goal is to simply arrange a ‘meeting’.
Get the ball rolling: Once you have initiated the contact, always address the contact by name and introduce yourself. Be well prepared to make ensuing conversation as it does not make sense to ask for a job outright.
The hiring manager will instantly dismiss you as a desperate jobseeker and most probably bang down the phone. A smooth entry is the operative word.
So, do your homework so that you can knowledgeably speak about the organisation’s history, needs, challenges, goals or future plans. Illustrate a well-planned value proposition to prove the benefits that you offer like helping solve a current problem, assisting in specific goal achievement or even being a recognised expert in the field. Explain your background and experience before requesting to meet him in person.
Else, you can warm up the cold call by mentioning the name of a contact that knows the manager or even begin enthusiastically with some good news about the company.
Preparing such a sales pitch beforehand will arouse interest and make the person more receptive to listen to you.
Smooth talk: Cold calling calls for good communication and people skills. Being shy or timid will not do. You have to be aggressive and persistent in your approach, but without appearing rude or pushy. Be friendly, polite and warm so as to establish a good rapport.
Rejections: The contact is obviously not expecting your call and may refuse you saying there are no immediate openings or try to sidestep you by directing to HR. You have to be resourceful and say that you only want to speak for a while.
Try to tenaciously angle for a meeting, yet be prepared to receive umpteen rejections.
You have to maintain a positive attitude and not let the rejection get to you. Believe in yourself and your abilities and persevere in the cold calling, as your goal is to contact as many employers as possible. And remember that all it may take is one positive response to strike gold.
Further contacts: Even if the call reaches a dead end, you can either seek an informational interview to gain more knowledge/advice of the field as well as source job leads and referrals to other departments/companies that may have job openings available. Also, continue to network with the initial contact as a future resource.
To sum up, cold calling is not fun; the hard work can be tiring and frustrating. You will be discouraged more often than not. But, such unsolicited job prospecting should form an essential part of your overall job hunt strategy as it helps you to bypass HR and get a foot in the door of organisations on your way to your dream job.
Not only will it get you face-to-face with decision-makers but if you are lucky you may even reach them just before they make a public hiring announcement!
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