Job seekers know there is more to a job search than want ads and e-mails. But when i.comes time to make that phone call, are you really prepared? You might think leaving a message isn’t a big deal, but it really is. Look at it this
way; first impressions are always important, and sometimes a phone call is the first impression people have of you. So make the most of the phone calls you make. Job searching is a process, so take every aspect of it seriously. You never know what just might seal the deal.
Speak With Confidence
There’s not a lot you can do on the phone to sell yourself, so set out to perfect the basics. To start with, prepare what you’re going to say and then make sure you feel confident saying it. The phone call should be brief but factual. You want to leave the most informational message possible without talking their ear off. If they’re bored of you on the phone, they probably won’t want to wait to see what you’re like in person. Be clear and concise and tell them what they need to know. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
= Leave a message for a specific person. Anyone can call and say they’re simply calling about a job or possible opening. If you do a little research to find out who you should speak to, it will only pay off. It will show that you have a sincere interest in the job and you’re not afraid to go the extra mile to get what you want
= Always know your employer. Find out about th.company you’re applying for so you ca.communicate to them ho.compatible you are as a candidate.
= Practice what you’re going to say. You don’t want to sound like you’re reading a script, but the more prepared you are, the more confident you will sound. Not to mention, if you’re prepared to leave a message and you get a person instead, your delivery will be that much better.
Whatever you do, don’t let an answering machine or voicemail scare you. You may be eager to get the ball rolling, but don’t think of it as a blockade. Instead, consider yourself lucky. If you don’t get a “live” person, you’ll have more time to prepare what you want to say. This will give you time to get all your thoughts in order and make little or no mistakes.
About the Author
Scott Brown is the author of the Job Search Handbook (
JobSearchHandbook.com). As editor of the HireSites.com weekly newsletter on job searching, Scott has written many articles on the subject. He wrote the Job Search Handbook to provide job seekers with .complete yet easy to use guide to finding a job effectively.
