Telephone Networking
Proactive Job Searching
One of the best methods of obtaining fast action in a job search is using the telephone. It is faster than mailing a cover letter and resume, which are subject to time lags beyond your control. While the mail method of job searching creates less anxiety and is less threatening, it is not a proactive method like the telephone which results in timely information responses.
The best feature of a proactive job search is that you take greater control over the events related to the job search. By using a proactive job search you can reduce time lags, determine what needs to be accomplished quicker, and beat the competition.
If you are using a mail method of job search you can reduce time lags and take control of your job search by following up with a telephone call. Make your job search efforts pay bigger dividends by being proactive.
Before you call anyone or follow-up a mail contact, you need to develop a telephone script to use during your contacts. A telephone script will assist you by creating a short presentation of yourself, your skills and abilities. For help developing a telephone script see brochure # 11 in this series"Developing a Telephone Script".
Using the telephone and clearly presenting your skills (which comes from reading your script) makes it possible to get interviews, instructions, and information more quickly, and/or more contact names with which to network.
The Networking Call
The following diagram is a sample conversation process if you have a referral from someone in your network or are following up a letter that you sent based upon information from a network contact. Before you call anyone, have these items ready:
- Job search tracking worksheet with basic information completed
- Pen and paper
- A job search calendar
- Your telephone script or a card resume
- Your complete resume
- Confidence in yourself that is reflected in your voice
Always know what you want to accomplish with your call. If your goal is to obtain networking names, plan how to get them. If your goal is an interview, decide if it is to be face- to-face, by telephone, etc. Set your plan and go for it, don't take anything less. For example; if your goal is a face-to-face interview, it’s not a good idea to let the person interview you over the phone. Instead, be friendly, discuss your skills, but lead the person back as quickly as possible to setting an interview time (the sooner the better, tomorrow or later the same day). Be clear in your mind what you want the call to accomplish, then go for it.
One reality is that sometimes it is not possible to accomplish your goal, such as a face-to-face interview. Be aware during the conversation when this may be happening. Always have a secondary goal in mind, such as asking if you can stop by just to meet the person and drop off your resume.
It may be possible to arrange an interview once you get there and the person has an opportunity to see you in person. A winning image and nice smile when seen in person, could tip the scales in your favor.
A possible goal for a telephone contact is to obtain at least two more contact names for networking purposes. Always be sincere and creative in your job search by practicing professionalism and ingenuity.
Even when you are unable to achieve your goals for the telephone call or get additional networking contacts, send the person a thank you letter or card the same day. A couple of days later follow it up with a cover letter and resume. Then within 30 days plan another follow-up call to "test the waters" for another shot at the goals you set for the initial contact.
To remember all of your job search contacts, use a job search tracking sheet and calendar to record actions that remain to be done and what has transpired. Track information related to your contacts, such as follow-up telephone calls, dates and what you have to yet to do.
Networking Telephone Diagram
Dial the number. Remember to sound friendly and confident.
If the number is a general information number, ask the secretary for Mr./Ms. _______. When his/her secretary answers, ask for the person by first name.
If the secretary asks what it is about or in reference to, indicate that _________ (the person in your network) asked that you call Mr./Ms.__________ today on a personal matter.
After you are transferred be ready to introduce yourself as an acquaintance or close friend of ________. Then read your script to the person.
Request an interview for later in the day. Mention two different times when you would be available. If your goal is an interview it’s in your best interest to meet with the person no later than the next day.
If the person is absolutely not available, consider a later date or ask to take a few minutes of their time in order to stop by and present your resume. You can possibly set up a telephone interview after the person has had a chance to see your professional image and winning smile.
If the person is absolute about not meeting with you or will not have any openings, ask if there is someone he/she could recommend who could use a person with your skills or someone with more information about the kind of work you are seeking. Don't get off the phone without at least one networking contact. You may have to rephrase the question and ask more than once.
If you have succeeded, get directions to the interview. Write them down. Don't be late.
Say thank you and hang up.
Complete your tracking form before doing anything else. Also, send a confirmation and thank you letter immediately, whether you are meeting tomorrow or at a later date.
For more information on Telephone Script Development, Job Search Tracking Sheets, and other job search topics see the other brochures in this series.
