Phone Networking

Phone networking works much the same way as in-person networking:

1. Prepare your introduction and a brief outline of your agenda
2. Prepare your questions
3. Ask the person if this is a good time to talk
4. Tell the person why you called and/if someone referred you to him/her
5. Summarize your background
6. Ask your questions
7. LISTEN VERY WELL
8. Thank the person and ask him/her if they know of any other people you should talk to
9. Send a thank you note!

Remember

ALWAYS send a thank-you to every network contact whether the meeting was a face-to-face contact or a telephone conversation.
If you didn't give your resume to the person during the meeting and they offered to take your resume, enclose one with your thank you letter and ask him/her to pass it along (if appropriate).

Handling Phone Contact ObjectionsDuring Your Job Search Process

One of the hurdles to effective phone contacts is being faced with objections or rejection. Spend some time thinking about overcoming common objections. The following are some tips:

OBJECTIONS and Responces

1. No time to talk: Empathize with heavy workload, then schedule a more convenient time to talk

2.No time to meet: Empathize with heavy workload, then attempt to schedule a more convenient time for an extended phone conversation.

3.Not enough experience: Acknowledge your understanding of objection. "I can understand why you may want someone with a minimum of 3 years' experience, but it would appear that your need for strong skills in sales and customer relations is in line with my accomplishments. Would you be open to further exploring my "fit" for your opening?"

4.No current openings: Ask about scheduling a meeting anyway for information purposes. Then gently explore the likelihood of future openings.

5.Send me your resume: "I would be happy to send my resume. Could you give me a little information on the specific skills required for this opening? Who will be screening the applicants? What is your time frame for filling this position?"

6.Call personnel: "I would be happy to. Can you tell me whom I should speak to? What specific job title should I be referring to? What are the hiring prospects for your area?"Objections Reactions

BCC, UGH: Miscellaneous Phone Call Scripts