The telephone is probably the most under utilized of the job search tools. Using it effectively will give you personal contact with potential employers and immediate answers to your questions. Employers find it difficult to ignore a ringing phone; a resume does not demand the same attention. A polite professional phone call brings a resume to life and invests the employer in your job search.

Know what you want to learn from the phone call. You can effectively gather information, develop a network, or follow up on a previous job lead by phone. Script the conversation before placing the call so that you are certain to quickly get your message across. Practice aloud so that you sound natural and relaxed, then start dialing.

Information Gathering

With a simple phone call you can learn a lot about a company or position for which you are applying. You can contact someone in a position of interest to learn more about the skills required of someone in that position. Make sure the two or three questions you have prepared require fairly short answers and will be beneficial to your job pursuit with this company or a related company. This type of call may also be used to get the name and correct spelling of a contact person for mailing your resume.

Networking

A networking call might sound like this:

"Ms. Jensen, my name is Chris Sanderson and I am a senior at Manhattan College. I heard you speak at the Career Symposium and was very intrigued by some of the suggestions you gave about pursuing a career in publishing. I have experience with the campus paper and a summer internship with Reader's Digest. I am looking for an entry-level position and thought you might have some suggestions on where to begin my search...I understand you are not hiring, but I know you have some ideas about the breadth of experience someone needs to be successful in publishing..."

Never ask for a job. You are seeking advice on where to begin your search, not soliciting for jobs. Suggest how the person can be helpful; they may not know what you need or how they can help. Ask permission to use this person's name when contacting the name or names you are given. As you continue to ask these people for advice and referrals, your network grows.

Follow Up

Have you ever sent your resume to an employer and wondered what became of it? A follow-up phone call can allow you to verify receipt s of your correspondence and to determine the company's interest in you. If they are interested, clarify information or requirements of the position and ask for an interview. If they are not interested in someone with your qualification at this time, ask that your resume be kept on file and for a referral:

"Thank you for your time. Do you know anyone who may be interested in someone with my background? I would appreciate a referral...May I use your name?"

The telephone can seem a bit overwhelming or intimidating for the beginning job hunter, however, with practice, the telephone can be a very effective and rewarding tool. Remember to script the dialogue ahead of calling and get at least one piece of useful advice.

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