Cold calling is one way of accessing the many job vacancies, that are filled before they are advertised. Cold-calling or cold-canvassing is when you contact employers directly to either express your interest in working for them or to see if any vacancies are coming up in the future.
Many employers rely on this approach to save them time and money. This method shows that you have initiative and are committed to finding a job and working - two qualities highly regarded by employers. There are several ways you can approach an employer, including over the phone, writing a letter, by email, or visiting. Before you go ahead, take a look at the tips below so your efforts make the right impression.
sections within this page
Writing to an employer
Phoning an employer
Writing to an employer
Writing to an employer is often a good idea before phoning them. The employer is more likely to accept your call, know what it’s about and know a little bit about you. You can send a letter or email to an employer about any jobs they have now or might have available in the future.
- Research the company before writing.
Get an understanding of what they do and the types of occupations in their organisation.
- Decide if email or letter is more appropriate, from what you know about the organisation.
- Consider what you are sending.
If it's just an enquiry about whether they have any jobs currently, an email is okay. If you want to include samples of your work, you need to send them a written application with your work attached.
- Make an initial call to find out the best person to write to.
Get their postal address or email, depending on how you are going to contact.
- Say you're enquiring about any vacant positions.
Mention the sort of job you are after.
- Sell yourself, based on what you know about the organisation.
- Highlight key skills, qualities, experience and qualifications that you know are going to appeal to the organisation you are writing to.
- Say that you are very interested in working for the organisation and why.
- Thank them for their time and invite them to contact you.
Make sure you can be easily contacted.
- Keep the letter/email to no more than one page.
Employers are generally very busy and want to know pretty quickly what you are writing about. You should also attach your résumé as additional information.
- Before sending it check it through to ensure there are no mistakes.
Ask someone else to look at it for you, preferably someone who is good at writing. They can advise you on ways to improve the letter and offer you some extra ideas on how to make it more interesting. Always use the spell check function on your computer.
- Ensure your letter is well presented.
For example, if mailing a letter, make sure it is typed, easy to read and the paper you use is in good condition. If sending an email, make sure you use an email address that won’t deter your employer (for example, use peter.smith@hotmail.com rather than hotstuff@hotmail.com).
- Follow up the employer with a phone call within a few days of sending your letter/email.
Phoning an employer
Before making the call
- Make sure you have researched the organisation.
So you know what you’re talking about.
- Prepare a brief introduction to explain to the person answering the phone why you are calling.
So they can direct you to the right person (for example, Hello, my name is Sarah Brown, may I please speak to the manager or your HR area regarding possible vacancies in your organisation?).
- Plan what you are going to say.
Introduce yourself and what you are calling about. Briefly state what your skills are (for example, I have just finished a TAFE course in Information Technology and two weeks of work experience with a local IT services company, and I’m calling to see if you have any vacancies).
- Practice what you are going to say.
To help you sound natural, friendly, confident and professional. Use everyday, conversational language without being too informal.
- Think about answers to any questions the employer might ask you. For example, about your skills, qualifications and experience. Keep your résumé close by.
- Make sure you won’t be interrupted when you call and are somewhere quiet.
- Have a pen and paper ready to take notes.
During the call
- Put what you have practiced into effect.
Show that you are a good communicator - something that is highly valued by employers. Make sure you speak clearly and they can hear you. Say ‘thank you’ for any help they give you.
- If there is a vacancy, ask how you can apply or arrange an interview. If not, ask if you can arrange some work experience instead. Or if you can send them your résumé for any future jobs.
- If they're too busy, ask if there’s a better time to phone.
They may prefer you to email or write to them (if you haven’t already).
Ending the Call
- Thank the person for their time.
- Summarise any action you are going to take.
For example, ‘Thank you very much Mr Jones and I’ll see you at your office at 10am on Monday with my résumé and the contact details for two referees’.
After the Call
- Go over the call and write down any notes.
These notes may help you in the future. You might have been asked questions that you want to be prepared for next time.
- Make sure you do what you said you would.
Phoning an employer
Before making the call
- Make sure you have researched the organisation.
So you know what you’re talking about.
- Prepare a brief introduction to explain to the person answering the phone why you are calling.
So they can direct you to the right person (for example, Hello, my name is Sarah Brown, may I please speak to the manager or your HR area regarding possible vacancies in your organisation?).
- Plan what you are going to say.
Introduce yourself and what you are calling about. Briefly state what your skills are (for example, I have just finished a TAFE course in Information Technology and two weeks of work experience with a local IT services company, and I’m calling to see if you have any vacancies).
- Practice what you are going to say.
To help you sound natural, friendly, confident and professional. Use everyday, conversational language without being too informal.
- Think about answers to any questions the employer might ask you. For example, about your skills, qualifications and experience. Keep your résumé close by.
- Make sure you won’t be interrupted when you call and are somewhere quiet.
- Have a pen and paper ready to take notes.
During the call
- Put what you have practiced into effect.
Show that you are a good communicator - something that is highly valued by employers. Make sure you speak clearly and they can hear you. Say ‘thank you’ for any help they give you.
- If there is a vacancy, ask how you can apply or arrange an interview. If not, ask if you can arrange some work experience instead. Or if you can send them your résumé for any future jobs.
- If they're too busy, ask if there’s a better time to phone.
They may prefer you to email or write to them (if you haven’t already).
Ending the Call
- Thank the person for their time.
- Summarise any action you are going to take.
For example, ‘Thank you very much Mr Jones and I’ll see you at your office at 10am on Monday with my résumé and the contact details for two referees’.
After the Call
- Go over the call and write down any notes.
These notes may help you in the future. You might have been asked questions that you want to be prepared for next time.
- Make sure you do what you said you would.
