Telephone Tips for Job Seekers

By Wendy Weiss

Author

Cold Calling for Women: Opening Doors and Closing Sales

In today's economy many people are looking for work. Here are some ways that you can use your introductory calling skills to help find that perfect dream job.

 

First, go through your address book, Rolodex, database or however you keep your contacts, and make a list of your friends, acquaintances and business contacts. We all know more people than we believe we do. If you take the time to do this, you will be astonished at the number of contacts you have!

 

Then look at your list and determine what help, advice or resources each contact could provide. All of your contacts may not have the help, advice or resources that you seek, but a lot of them will. Determine who on your list is most suited to help. Under each person's name write down all of the items that you believe they may be able to help you with. Then prioritize those items. For each contact, choose the most important item on the possible help list. You may only be able to ask once.

 

Develop your script using the following formula:

•  Introduce yourself. “Hello Jane. This is (your name goes here).”

•  If your target does not know you well, remind her how you met. “We met last year at (fill in the blank).”

•  Briefly explain your situation. “I am planning a career change…”

•  Then say, “I was hoping you might be able to help me.” The word “help” is very powerful. People like to help

•  Ask for what you want.

•  Whether or not your contact is able to help you, thank them profusely.

•  Move on to your next contact.

 

If you follow the above instructions you will greatly enhance your ability to network, develop new business contacts and ferret out career opportunities.

 

Wendy Weiss , “The Queen of Cold Calling,” is a sales trainer, author and sales coach. Her mission: To empower people to achieve their highest sales goals in their own unique style. Her book, “Cold Calling for Women: Opening Doors and Closing Sales” is available through D.F.D. Publications and can be ordered by calling toll free: (888) 522-8212 or through her web site: http://www.wendyweiss.com . To contact Wendy directly: (212) 463-8212 or email wendy@wendyweiss.com . To sign up for the free, e-mail newsletter on sales and marketing go to http://www.wendyweiss.com .

 

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

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