The Cold Calling Process

You will need to prepare a employment profile of your state or regional area.

Researching newspapers - From a different perspective

Also note vacancies placed by employment agencies/search firms and see what their specialist areas are

 Other sources for cold calling research include: -

·          The Internet - Most companies are online. Look for companies who have employed people with your skills in the past.

·          Company Profiles/Business Reports – usually available through the company's office

·          If it a listed company you can find information at the Stock Exchange

·          Employer Associations.

·          Unions

Government websites.  Refer to Career and Employment Opportunities for the full list.

Ensure the company is one you want to work for

Remember that all companies, and some more than others, have an organisational culture that is results driven. You need to be able to fill a company's needs.

This is why research before cold calling is so important. If you are quiet and just like to get on with your job and have other qualities like experience, consistency and reliability, you need to ensure you do not apply to companies who are results driven to an extent that all employees are required to be “go getters”. 

Don’t try and be what you are not.  It will become apparent if you get an interview or during the three-month trial period, which will result in extreme disappointment and loss of self-esteem if they do not keep you on after the trial.

It all comes down to you knowing your weaknesses and strengths

Some skills can be learned and if it is important to you and you think you can benefit by further training or personal development, then you should consider investing in your future.

Take the Free Career Assessment Test  Future Proof Your Career.  It is a "Personal Career Analysis" to assist you find fulfilling work. This test creates a personalised career strategy for you that works with the latest employment trends of the knowledge age". 

Cold Calling Letter - called prospecting letter.

A Cold calling letter must have these components:-

     ·          A purpose

·          Contribution you can make

·          Your qualifications and experience

·          Ask for an interview

Note: Your resume must back up your prospecting letter. The employer must be able to see in your resume, the knowledge, skills and experience that are relevant to the job.  If you are changing your career your resume should still be relevant, however, the application letter should spell out how your skills are transferable to the position you are seeking.  The companies you are cold calling must be researched and well targeted, otherwise it becomes a meaningless operation.

The purpose of a cold calling letter

·        Is to get the employer to meet you in the event that positions may become available in the future.

    ·         Don't ask the if the company if they have any current vacancies.

Letter writing tips

Use a strong opening statement  - See Application letter for full details on opening statements.

You will  impress the employer if you say for example "I saw in the newspaper an interview with your CEO who stated you will be expanding into....area"  You might also say you "saw in the situations vacant that you are looking for executives for you new....project and therefore I presume you will also be recruiting. xxx in the near future". 

Always use an active voice rather than a passive voice.  i.e.  “I can”” I have” “I am capable of” Avoid “I am reasonably” ” I should/will be able to”.

Employers are afraid of committing themselves, and may get you in for “a chat”.  If they like you they will either refer you on or retain your details for future jobs. Treat this as a job interview.  Because it appears to be a casual chat, do not be tempted to divulge negative information or facets of your life that you wouldn’t want an employer to know, i.e. talk in detrimental terms about your former employers and colleagues, your previous company’s policies or financial position or your plans to travel or retire.  

Who do you address the prospecting letter to?

Your cold calling letter should be addressed to the Section Head if appropriate.  This will depend on the company as many sections of a company operate independently or the Recruitment Officer or Human Resource Manager.  This will require a phone call to find out the name of the appropriate person and their title.

Note:  In many cases the Recruitment Officer is the last option.  Many are only interested in positions that they advertise and do not look at future needs, or may not be well informed about potential human resource needs. Whereby, for example, a Section Manager or Project Manager may be in a better position to evaluate your potential and they know what human resources they will need in the future. 

This is relevant for any work that has been tendered for Mining and Engineering companies.

Letters via leads

In the case of an introduction from a friend or any other source this then becomes the outcome from doing some networking - planned or otherwise.  Again see our full workshop on networking. This is a slightly different process. You would not normally ask for a your friend for a job, but as stated, this is the outcome, and it is now a cold call but with a difference. 

You also need to mention who referred you. If someone did refer you, you will know specifically what areas they may be looking for someone or more about the company.

Utilise all section on applying for a job on this site

 Sample Cold Calling Letters   and   Letter Writing Guide

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