Jobs Search

Anyone in the market for a job right now knows what the challenges are. Job hunters already know it takes more than a good set of skills and a well-written resume to compete for a position in 2008. Searching for the right job today includes uncovering all the resources available that may lead to great career path with a solid company. Although there are hundreds ways to find a job, one of them is an often-untapped source.

Cold calling during a job search can be the most effective tool used to land a job, but people may abandon the idea for a variety of reasons. One reason is that it's much easier to read a classified ad than it is to go out and discover open positions on your own. Scanning the internet job boards doesn't require much effort either. Both of those methods are fine if your specialty skill or talent is in demand, recruiters may then be looking for you. For everyone else, reading the classifieds can be a lot less productive than cold calling.

Maybe the idea of cold calling is new to you, or you've never considered it before for other reasons. Now might be good time to revisit it. It may be worth stronger consideration if you've been out of work for a while or if everything else you've tried has failed.

Statistics show that many job openings are never advertised publicly. If they are not filled by a recruiter, they are filled either in-house or by word-of-mouth, or some other form of networking. This is especially true for many of the more desirable jobs. People want to work with people they know, so their associates are usually the first to hear about vacancies.

If you're already convinced that cold calling is they way to go but didn't know how to do it, here's a plan to help you get started:

Target the companies that fit well with your career plan.
The first phase is the research phase where you're looking at every business that may require your skills. It's an easy task in small cities but may take a bit more effort in larger metropolitan areas. The yellow pages, classified ads, trade magazines, and internet searches will help reveal the names of places where your talent can grow.

Everything begins with a list.
Prioritize the names of the companies you'd like to work for ahead of those who simply hire for the skills you have to offer. Almost every company has a presence on the internet with their own website. You'll be looking for the characteristics that are most import to you, whether it's benefits, paid-training, salary, or a location close to home.

It's sometimes about who you know.
Identify a list of contacts you have at each firm. Include every possible source you know, from the receptionist to the CEO. The next list includes the names of neighbors, friends, and relatives who know people at your targeted company.

Put the lists to work.
Contact everyone on your list to gather information and take careful notes. You're trying to find out who the decision makers are and who reports to whom. Ask for names and titles, and get phone numbers with extensions if you can.

Before you start dialing...
Have an idea of what you're going to say and write a script if it helps. The goal is to make the most of the conversation in the briefest amount of time. Prepare and rehearse a few open-ended questions so you can avoid getting all yes-no answers and end up with the dreaded dead end conversation.

It's time to start calling.
Reaching the right person may take more than one call. It's always advantageous to be able to open a conversation by mentioning the name of the person who referred you. It immediately establishes some common ground after you introduce yourself. It also helps to get by the gatekeepers whose primary purpose is to screen out calls like yours. You'll ask questions that tell you if and when positions are opening and what qualifications are needed. Whether you're speaking with the decision maker or a person who knows the decision maker, both are valuable. Anyone with information may want to share more than the actual decision maker is inclined to do at the time.

Ask for a meeting.
If things are going well, ask for a 10-minute visit to discuss what you could contribute to the company. Offer to forward your resume in advance or make an appointment for a second phone conversation. The point is to leave the conversation with something.

Do follow up and be persistent.
Sometimes everything falls into place with perfect timing, but don't be disappointed if it doesn't. The key is to be persistent and continue to explore all avenues. Follow up every call with a written thank you and remember to include your original sources of information on the list. One of those people could deliver the tip that will make your cold calling mission a successful one.

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