If
you wish to be successful making calls to the hiring manager it is wise to prepare
and internalize scripts that will navigate you through the gate keepers and engage
the Hiring Manager. These are the key things to do:
The
call objective: The overt objective is to get an interview, overt because
blurting out that you are a job seeker will put the hiring manager in a
defensive mode, so don’t do it. The right approach is to establish rapport,
gain knowledge of what the hiring managers pain is, speak to how you can help,
and get his/her email information so that you can send a resume and cover letter
that have been edited to be responsive to his/her pain directly to him/her.
Ask
the hiring manager if he/she has time for the call. Don’t give up with a
negative answer. Set expectations; establish a better time to call; then do it.
When
you get a yes answer, begin establishing rapport. Use words that will cause the
recipient of the call to be receptive to it. Do some research. Do you have
anything in common with him or her? Google his/her name. Look at his/her
LinkedIn profile.
Be
crisp and concise. Get to the point quickly. Once you have established that it
is ok to talk, don’t abuse the privilege. Resist building background. Time is
important to the recipient. Lengthy dialogue is likely to motivate the hiring
manager to get you off the phone, politely or otherwise.
Try
to maneuver the conversation toward setting up an interview (your objective).
Always
be looking out for objections and how to overcome them in real time. Learn to
be ‘fast on your feet’.
Karl has been reviewing resumes for people at no cost since 1999. He has been counseling job seekers since that time as well. If you would like his help, email him at kl@hoochresumes.com