Taking control of your job hunting

Cold calling can be one method to contact an employer to pro-act your job search and get instant results. Here's some tips.

Cold calling is the process of approaching organisations and arranging an interview. It can be more successful than other job hunting techniques as it is more targeted, more personal and allows you greater control.

1. Research
Find out fully if the company is hiring. Look at the job description and see if you are qualified. Research the employer fully and have the information to hand before you pick up the phone.

2. Focus
There are thousands of companies who recruit graduates. Try to focus on one sector or one location simply to make the task more manageable and identify around 600 to contact.

3. Speak to the right person
Identify the recruitment manager and ask to be put through. Don't bother leaving a message move onto the next company. Email maybe preferred and if this is the case explain that you will call a designated time in the next couple of days.

4. The call
Remember to make an outline of what you intend to achieve from the call and a list of questions. Have this, your background research on the company, the job, description and your CV to hand. Once you have prepared this only then pick up the phone.

- Introduce yourself
- Always ask the person if it is convenient to call
- Describe the reason for the call
- Ask questions about what they are looking for and make sure your answers meet those requirements
- An employer may wish to see you sooner than you think so be prepared and flexible
- Remain polite throughout and reiterate your interest in the role wherever possible
- Listen carefully and don't interrupt
- Ask if they have any reservations about your application and if so reply with constructive reasons why they needn't be concerned
- Finally thank them for their time and express your interest in seeing them at the interview

5. Your strengths
This is your one opportunity to impress the recruiter so make sure you leave a good impression. Focus on your strengths and why you are different to other graduates. Leave the caller with no option but to arrange an interview. If you had positive feedback from one of their competitors it would do no harm to mention this as it may encourage them to take you more seriously.

6. Timing
Friday afternoons are usually a good time as people tend to be a bit more receptive as the weekend is just starting! Alternatively try before 9am on a weekday before a secretary has arrived who may screen your call.

7. Be persistent
Research has shown that you are more likely to get results if you continue to call people at least 5-8 times! Remember competition is fierce for jobs and you will be up against candidates who have come from various sources such as online advertisements or recruitment agencies.

8. Follow up
Make sure you email a covering letter referring to your telephone conversation with a copy of your CV. Contact the employer the day before to finally confirm the interview and then it's over to you!