Five steps to calling an employer
When making a telephone call to an employer, it is best to speak to the person who is responsible for hiring within your field of activities. Ask his or her name and title, and ask to speak to him or her. You may from time to time ask help from a receptionist to speak to your “target” person.
First step: Once you have the right person on the line, introduce yourself and briefly mention your education and professional experience in relation to the desired position (know how to generate interest). Ask for a meeting to discuss employment opportunities. If the person wishes to meet you, set up an appointment; if not, move on to the next step.
Second step: Request an information meeting to obtain professional advice by specifying that the meeting will only take between 10 and 15 minutes. If the person wishes to meet you, set up an appointment and prepare the questions you will ask. If the person declines your request, move on to the next step.
Third step: Suggest bringing your résumé to their office in person. This is your third opportunity to make arrangements for a face-to-face meeting. If this is not possible, move on to the next step.
Fourth step: Ask the person whether he or she would know of other companies that could make use of your skills. Ask for permission to mention his or her name when contacting a company. If the person cannot suggest potential contacts, move on to the final step.
Fifth step: Make arrangements to follow up on your call within three to four weeks and thank the person.
A word of advice… SMILE when you are speaking on the telephone.
Good luck to you!
The Club de recherche d’emploi du sud-ouest de Montréal (CRESOM) team