What is a telephone script? It’s a condensed version of your resume to use during a telephone contact. The script should include your strongest skills, best transferable skills, and finest personal traits. A script will follow a general pattern such as education first, hard skills second, soft skills third, and personality traits fourth. The script should take no more than 40 seconds to present.

• The script has to be short and easy to read so you can use it during your telephone conversations.
• Keep your script short so the person will listen. You don’t want to create a long monologue.
• Don't rush, you can say a lot in 40 seconds.
• Be friendly and confident, this is your opportunity to demonstrate professionalism and your ability to communicate.

  If you hesitate or sound unsure of yourself, the person you’re calling will interrupt your presentation. Be confident about your skills and abilities. Communicate this confidence through a clear and pleasant voice. One technique to assist you in becoming more at ease using your script is to practice with a friend first. Then try it on your closest network contacts. Here is a sample script for someone with little actual work experience:

• Hello, is this ____________________?
• My name is Sally Somebody
• I have recently completed a degree program in Marketing and Public Relations at the University of North Dakota, which includes two years of specific course work in Public Relations and Marketing.
• In addition, I have experience working with IBM and Macintosh computers. This includes working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, and graphic software.
• As a team member I helped to develop and complete from start to finish, a marketing plan proposal for a Plastics Company. I learned and can use my knowledge to effectively develop and implement marketing plans.
• I am energetic, punctual, and can be counted on in a pinch to work overtime.
• Can we get together to discuss my skills and abilities further. I could meet with you this afternoon at ____ or ___.
• (time 40 sec.)

  By practicing your script, you will develop a conversational tone and improve the timing of your delivery.

  Remember, the goal is to get an interview, not a job (right now). It’s important to give the listener enough information so they can decide whether to visit with you and/or give you additional network contacts.

  Conversation Directions

  The telephone conversation will flow in one of two directions following your presentation. The first could be more questions about your skills and abilities (be ready to answer). However, it is in your best interest to lead the interviewer back to setting an interview time. The face-to-face interview is your main goal so you can present your winning smile and professional appearance in person. Lead the contact person back as quickly as possible without being offensive.

  The second direction the conversation can flow is, "We don't have any job openings at this time thank you for calling". Here you have at least three options, it’s possible to use any or all of them:

• Ask if the person knows of a business that can use "someone who is energetic, punctual, and can be counted on in a pinch". If this is said in a confident, energetic manner the employer may reconsider and decide it may be possible to meet with you. If you get a company name, ask for a contact there. Then make a networking call using the person's name who referred you.



• Ask if it is possible to send the person your resume. If yes, send a resume and cover letter immediately. Plan a follow-up call and ask again for an interview at that time.



• Ask the person for information on what they look for in a new employees; if the skills you have outlined are compatible with the direction the industry is taking; how could you improve yourself to be a more competitive applicant.

  A script for someone with more job experience:

• Good morning Mr./Ms. ________________
• I am Sally Anybody, Bill Jones at XYZ company mentioned your name and suggested I call you.
• I am an experienced engineer with work experience in applied heat transfer, thermodynamics, and computer aided drafting.
• My experience includes the ability to work with blueprints and electrical schematics.
• I can also work with IBM and IBM compatible computers, and have knowledge of Auto Draw, GeoKey, and database software. As well as some computer programming ability.
• My experience is supported by a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of North Dakota.
• Can we get together and discuss my skills and abilities? How about this afternoon at _____ or ___?
• (time: 40 sec.)

• The script you develop should include words and phrases that are similar to your everyday speech.
• Don’t use "big" words or "fancy" language thinking it may make you sound important, it won't.
• It will also slow your delivery and affect your timing.
• To reduce your delivery anxiety and feel more comfortable, just be yourself.
• Be careful using jargon or acronyms, unless you are sure the listener will know what you are taking about.

  Practice, Practice, Practice

  Read your script out loud to get a feel for the sound. Does the script outline your best skills and personal work traits? Read the script to someone else until you feel comfortable with the content. Also, time the presentation to ensure it is under 40 seconds. Ask yourself, "does the script convey energy, clearly outline abilities, and is it in a conversational tone? "

  It is possible to have only one script. However, you may wish to develop at least two different scripts. One script could have a more generalized skills presentation, such as "working knowledge of computers which includes desk top publishing". This allows the listener to judge your skills in a broader range. Another script could detail specific skills, such as "developed a 75 page Business Directory using Power Pen software and a Windows based word processing software." Use this type of script when you know the company can use specific skills you possess.

  Always have a secondary goal for each call, if all else fails, ask if the person knows someone who could use a worker that can be counted on in a pinch to get the job done. Then, send a thank you note with your resume and plan to call back at a later date.