Due: Monday, 11/6
One helpful skill when looking for a job (or explaining research in graduate school) is being able to explain quickly and succinctly to potential employers what you do and why you’re qualified to work for them. Sometimes, you may have to leave a “cold-call” voicemail about a job you are interested in (or you may need to leave phone messages in general!).
First, read this article from Forbes, “How Cold Calling Can Land You a Job.” In this article, the author explains tips for approaching an employer about a job.
Then, imagine that you are cold-calling a potential employer to follow up on a resume you sent on LinkedIn in response to a job posting. Follow steps 6-9 of the Forbes article. Choose any company (or general employer) you might be interested in (or make one up!). Use the suggestions from the Forbes article, and practice a 30-second “cold call” that includes:
- Your name and call-back number
- An explanation of why you’re calling: (e.g. “I was calling to follow-up on my resume which I emailed a few days ago…”)
- A very brief “elevator pitch” about yourself: (e.g. “I’m interested in working with you in the position of [position], because of my [skills and qualifications] . . . I think I would be an asset to your company because [reasons] . . . “
- A reminder of the call-back number and a “thank you.”
Try to pay attention to clearly pronouncing plurals, verb endings, and other sounds you’ve received feedback on. Speak slowly and clearly!
Record your cold call in a private Kaizena recording labeled “Cold Call.”
Sample scripts
Calling for an industry job
“Hello. My name is [your name] and I’m calling to follow up on an email I sent last week in response to a job posting I saw on LinkedIn. I’m a [senior at NC State University, majoring in finance and interested in the entry-level position working with auditors]. I have [two years of experience in auditing] and I [completed an internship last summer with Fidelity], so I think working with [the company’s name] would be mutually beneficial. I hoped you might be the right person to speak with, or that you might direct me toward someone else. My number is [your phone number]. Thank you very much for your time and help!”
Calling for an academic position
“Hello. My name is [your name] and I’m calling to follow up on an email I sent last week about the [research assistant position]. I’m a [junior at NC State University, majoring in civil engineering] and I’m interested in [working in Dr. Bradshaw’s research lab]. I have [completed all my coursework] and I [had an internship last summer with GoRaleigh], so I think working with [the university’s / professor’s name] would be mutually beneficial. I hoped you might be the right person to speak with, or that you might direct me toward someone else. My number is [your phone number]. Thank you very much for your time and help!”