Picking up the phone to inquire about a job can be a good way to make a strong first impression.This will allow you to learn more about the company and establish a relationship with the person on the other end of the phone.Prepare yourself for the call by doing your research, practicing what you say, and setting yourself up for a pleasant phone call.
Step 1: You want to apply to a company that has the best contact.
The company website can be used to find the hiring manager's contact information.Try calling the company switchboard.If you want to reach a specific person, they will give you direct numbers or extensions.
Step 2: Find out more about the company.
Do your homework and learn as much as you can about the company.Understand what their goals are by reading their mission statement.You can learn more about the kinds of people they hire and what their responsibilities are by looking at the descriptions of current employees.The company website and other social media can be used for this research.In case you are asked why you want to work for them, identify the things that appeal to you first.
Step 3: You should organize your information about the companies you are researching.
If you want to reach out to more than one company, you should organize your information in a spreadsheet.You can easily access the contact information if it is prominent.You can refer back to this spreadsheet for any follow-up if you include the dates of each call, the outcomes, and the person you spoke with.
Step 4: Write what you want to say down.
Bullet points are used to cover the main things you want to say.The phrases you plan to use to introduce yourself, some information about your experience, and the type of position you are seeking should be included.If you want to sound natural when writing a script, use words and expressions that reflect the way you speak.Introduce yourself.You should use your full name.Good morning, Ms. Smith.Discuss your accomplishments if they are relevant to your inquiry.Say why you're calling, for example: "I am an experienced web designer and IT specialist with ten years experience, looking for new challenges."I would appreciate a minute of your time to ask about vacancies in your IT department.
Step 5: List your questions.
List the questions you have about the company.You can ask about the types of positions that are available in your field and the best ways to follow up with an application.The company might need more information from you.Prepare your answers for the questions you might be asked.You might be asked why you are applying with them, where you heard about the company, and what salary range you want.
Step 6: It's a good idea to practice for the call.
If you want to practice making the call, sit down in a quiet place with your script and list of questions.Try different ways to say something.Try to keep your main points under a minute.Speak clearly.Practice smiling when you speak.This will make you sound more confident.Listen to how you sound.Fix anything you don't like about how you sound, like saying "um" a lot or speaking too quickly.
Step 7: When is the best time to call?
You can use the company's website to find out when is the best time to call.At the beginning of the workday, place your first call.Don't call during busy times in the middle of the day.Don't call during lunch.
Step 8: There is a quiet space.
You can focus on a professional conversation if you make your call from a quiet space.You should not be distracted by noise on the street or in your building.If there are other people around, tell them that you need peace and quiet for a phone call.
Step 9: Take care of your space.
If you want to quickly reference a spreadsheet with contact and company information, you need to lay out a pen or pencil and paper in front of you.The risk of calls or texts being interrupted is reduced by using a landline.If your mouth gets dry, have a glass of water with you.If another call comes through, don't put the hiring manager on hold.Don't eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum while on the phone.
Step 10: During the call, keep your resume next to you.
When answering questions about your experience, refer to your resume.The information you give during the call will be in line with what the hiring manager sees on your resume.If you don't update your resume before the call, the information you share will be outdated.If you are nervous during a call, having your resume handy will help you answer questions more quickly.
Step 11: Take your notes.
You should record every detail during the call.You should include who you spoke with, their title, the time and date of the call, what they said, and what you promised you would do for follow up.If you have questions that surprised you, write them down so you can research them and be prepared for your next call.You can put this information in a spreadsheet.At the end of the call, you should confirm the person's contact information from your notes.Say: "As promised, I'll follow up with my resume and list of references in the next two business days."
Step 12: It's a good idea to set up specific times for the interviews.
Don't reply to suggested times for interviews or follow-up meetings with a tentative "whenever." Directly answer about when you're available, for example: "I am free until noon on Tuesday and Wednesday and in the afternoon on Friday."Determine your availability for the two weeks following the call.Unless you have a legitimate emergency, don't change appointments after you've made them.
Step 13: Good phone manners can be used.
Administrative staff and assistants should be polite to you.If you are rude, the boss could hear about it.Unless they tell you otherwise, you should address the person as Mr. or Ms.Don't interrupt when they speak.Even if you aren't successful, thank them for their time and attention at the end of the call.Ask if the person has time to speak with you.If not, ask the best time to call back.
Step 14: Thank you.
You can thank the person for speaking with you by writing them an email.You will make your phone call the same day you send this.You should send the thank you by one day after the call.Attach your resume and a tailored cover letter with information you learned from the phone call if you haven't been told not to pursue a job with the company.