6: HOW PEOPLE FIND WORK
When you make the initial phone call, try to avoid being transferred to the human resources department unless you have been told it is the hiring authority. When you contact an employer, you might reach a receptionist before speaking with a manager or executive. Think of receptionists and other “gatekeepers” as the eyes and ears of decision makers. Receptionists may put in a good word for people who treat them with courtesy and respect. Once you reach the hiring manager or other contact, you can try to make a quick pitch on the phone. You may hear a grunt and a “Sorry, we’re not hiring” or a “Hey, why don’t you come in. Let’s set up a time.” Even if the employer isn’t hiring, ask if you can schedule an informational interview either by phone or in person. Better yet, if the person with whom you are speaking has the time available, you can ask them your questions during the initial call. If the hiring manager or other contact is not open to a conversation, but the employer is hiring and you are instructed to submit an application, say you will do so and then say that you will call back to check on the status of your application.
Caller: Hello. This is John Smith. I interviewed for the computer programmer position last week. I’m just checking to see if the hiring decision has been made. Receiver: Not yet. We anticipate making our final selection this Wednesday. Caller: I’m very interested in the position. You’re doing some very innovative multimedia work that’s cutting edge. You have a bright and energetic technical staff and working with them really appeals to me. I look forward to hearing from you on Wednesday. A MODEL FOLLOW- UP SCRIPT
121 Creative Job Search | CareerForceMN.com/CreativeJobSearch
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