What Do You Even Say During Cold-Calls?

I have heard that cold-calling recruiters is a great way to network and get your dream job, that is if you know how to do it properly. Yet, when I try to think about what exactly should I say during the call and how should I direct the conversation towards a potential meeting, I am, like many people, terrified and nervous of the uncertain direction the conversation might take.

Is there a recommended format to follow when cold-calling? How do I introduce myself effectively? Should I even bother planning or should I just go with the flow and keep up the conversation? How pushy should I be if the recruiter doesn’t pick up or refuses an interview?

 
Best Response

I wouldn't recommend cold calling, but if you wish to cold call recruiters, I have some tips.

1 Cold calling is extensively used in marketing and a lot of time and effort has gone into compiling what works and what doesn't work. I recommend you tap into these marketing resources. The basic principles are the same except that you're not selling a product, you're selling yourself.

2 What should you say during the call? I've no idea, but I would avoid small talk and time wasting chitter-chatter. Most people are busy. If your call is part of relationship building rather than to "close the sale", you could do some prior research into the person. Visit their LinkedIn profile, see what posts they've made and what they've liked over the last few months. Find their favourite charity. Whatever. But when making conversation with strangers it's easier to keep the conversation going when you talk about what's of interest to them rather than what's of interest to you.

3 Sign up for a course on cold calling. There are several good courses around. And you'll probably walk away with some good scripts as well ie. the kind of things you can open the conversation with and the kind of replies you need to have ready for the typical responses you might get.

4 For confidence building you could even take up a part time cold-calling job! It doesn't matter what you're selling - pet insurance, double glazing, legal services - actually being on the job and getting hit with rejection time after time kinda toughens you up, and develops your ability to think on your feet.

I'm not keen on cold callersmyself but I wish you good luck.

 

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