Are you serious about getting
ahead in your career? The best solution for you might be doing some cold
calling to potential employers.
What is cold calling?
A better expression might be
bold calling, as it takes a certain degree of boldness for an employee to
contact an unknown, potential employer. In reality, cold calling is anything but
cold, as it can warm up the receptiveness of a potential employer. A lot
depends upon the nature of the cold call made by a prospective employee.
Inc.com offers suggestions, but also states,
“Let's face it—cold calls are hard.” Often, a cold call has the
possibility of rejection.
In any kind of marketing
process including marketing one’s self, in order to get a job and get ahead in
one’s career, cold calling is by telephone. The potential employer does not
request, expect or anticipate a cold call. The person seeking a job makes the
cold call based upon his or her own initiative.
In an era when jobs are scarce, particularly for baby boomers and seniors, cold calling employers is a
good idea. It holds the possibility of getting you ahead in your career
because in doing cold calling, you are one step ahead of everyone else.
Here is an example of a cold
call.
“Good afternoon, Ms. Maxim. My
name is Pierre Pierpoint. How are you today? The reason that I am calling is I
understand that your company, Marginal Marketing will be hiring in the near future. I have an
extensive background in computer telemarketing. Placing an application with
your company appears to be appropriate for me, at this time.”
“Sold,” Ms. Maxim thinks to herself. “Just the person I need.”
At the same time, Ms. Maxim is
surprised to receive your cold call. She may wonder who gave you her company
name and phone number. You may have to disclose your source of information.
“May I ask who suggested
calling me, please?”
Be aware that there is a certain
amount of anxiety, fear and trepidation associated with cold calls for both the
potential employee and employer. An employer confronted with a cold call may
appear skeptical at first. Having jumped the gun in
marketing, may place a potential employee in a position that has a distinct
advantage over other candidates who apply later, using more conventional
methods of application.
This cold call may go further,
if there is a receptive employer.
“Ms. Maxim, I will be in your
area on Tuesday morning, at eleven am. Would it be possible to come into your
office for an interview, at that time?”
The cold caller may have
succeeded in setting up an employment interview that might have taken months to
get otherwise.
Having sufficient boldness to do to cold calling in a possible employment scenario works to the advantage
of a potential employee, as the prospective employer may recognize motivation
and initiative on his or her part. There is enthusiasm with respect
to the prospect of getting a job. The person making the cold call wants the job badly enough to make a cold call.
An interview may be exactly
what the employer wants too, even though he or she has not stated it yet.
When making cold calls,
telephone etiquette is important. Addressing a potential employer politely and
with respect shows him or her that the person who is calling about a job is
serious and able to communicate effectively. Revealing marketing skills to the
employer may prove to be to the employee’s advantage.
“Thank you, Ms. Maxim. I will
be there for the interview, with a resume. I do appreciate your time. Good
afternoon.”
Simple cold calling is not
necessarily easy for someone who is discouraged about finding employment, but
it does work. Perhaps this particular, potential employee has just succeeded in
marketing himself or herself into a job. He or she will likely receive a
position that is above others hired later through regular employment channels.
Is cold calling employers a way
that can get you ahead in your career? Yes. Try it, as it works. It gets easier all the time.
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