You Need to Make Phone Calls to Find a Job

It is time to start making phone calls to find people in each of those companies who you would potentially be working with.

Before you start calling, you need to have a good set of questions ready. There is always a chance you could reach the person you are looking for on the first call. Here are some example questions (you can come up with your own):

• What is the culture like?
• How do you employ people with “blank” skills?
• Where else would you like to use people with “blank” skills where they are not currently being utilized to improve your business?
• What are some of the major problems you are trying to solve?
• Is there anyone else you recommend I talk with?

Start by calling the main number and ask for the manager whom you would most likely be working for. You could ask questions like “Who is the manager of the blank department?” “Could you give me their contact information?” You may be asked about the purpose of your call. I recommend explaining that you want to learn more about the company.

It may take several tries when calling the manager to reach them. Don’t call more than once a day (unless you are told to) and only call that often if you are unable to reach the person. After about the third day of calling and not making contact, you can leave a voicemail. Be sure to state the following:

• your name
• why you are calling (you want to learn more about the company)
• when you will call back (you have to actually call back and don’t make this sooner than 2 days out)
• thank them for their time
• tell them if they would like to call you give them your name again and number
• repeat your name and number to help them when writing it down

A few years ago I was living in Tennessee and I wanted to return to Kansas City. Before I could move I had to have a job to move into. I followed the process I have been describing here.

In one of the calls I made I asked to talk to someone about the company and they asked me some questions about myself. They then offered me an interview. I did not need a resume and I did not need to apply. I scheduled the interview and following the interview I was offered a position.

When you get the manager on the phone, always start out with “My name is ‘your name’.” “I am interested in your company and would like to learn more about it, is this a good time to talk?” They will typically ask a couple of questions about you. This is the time to tell them you are exploring career opportunities and want to learn more about their company to find out if they are a good fit. Do not ask them for a job, interview, to send them your resume, etc. You are gathering information at this point.

I have always had great luck by being clear to state I am trying to find out if the company fits my skillset and experience. I believe this sets me apart because everyone else is asking “can I have a job”, and I am saying “maybe you cannot have me”