Your Job Search Super Power – Step 5: Brush Up On Your Phone Skills

November 28, 2019|Miriam Jobin
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phoning about a job

Picking up the phone and speaking with the appropriate managers and supervisors at the companies you’ve researched is the best way to tap into the hidden job market. But it can be a big challenge.

When I send texts, emails and DMs, not only can I write and rewrite a message as many times as I want but I can also take my time, use autocorrect and even look up synonyms if I’m feelin’ it.

When I dial a number and the phone starts to ring, I have one chance to say what I want and get it right.

Talk about nerve-racking. How do I overcome these nerves?

Instead of relying on myself to remember what to say, I write an opening that guides me through the call. The best part is, I can re-write it as many times as I want!

Here are my opening rules, colour-coded to the example beneath.

1) Start by introducing yourself. In a world where we are overwhelmed with information, be personable. This will help alleviate defensiveness in the person you are calling.

2) Explain why you are calling them.

3) Explain why you are calling them. Them first, you second.

4) End the pitch with an open-ended question. Something that leaves no room for 1-worded answers.

Note: Keeping this opening under 20 seconds will display your respect for their time and keep their attention.

Here’s a sample opening for your job search:

“Hi Johanne, This is Miriam Jobin calling. The reason for my call today… I was reading about your company in the Chamber magazine and I realized you have an outbound sales team. I have extensive experience in outbound sales and I’m wondering, when are you hiring next?“

Do you ever write scripts for your calls? What helps you feel less nervous?

#InspireConversation

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What's The Phone Lady doing?

  • One-on-one coaching with 6 amazing entrepreneurs - info about sales coaching here
  • Designing a sales campaign - that includes phone conversations - for a waste management consulting firm
  • Creating client communication module for college students
  • Delivering remote learning on essential business communication skills for job search
  • Remote learning experience on sales and customer service skills for vet equipment company
  • Remote learning experience for financial advisors
  • In-person learning experience with new business owners on creating a sales process
  • Remote learning experience on essential skills to reach and inspire conversations with C-suite executives
  • Team coaching for a firm representing natural products for arthritis in dogs
  • Remote learning experience on sales and customer service skills for a transportation company
  • Remote learning experience on both discovery and sales calls for new startups

Do you or your team want to improve your communication skills? Do you have a communication question or challenge you'd like to discuss? This quick-to-fill-out form is easy to use and you'll hear from Mary Jane very soon.