Cold-Calling for Job Opportunities - Job Search Advice

Dana Manciagli

20 Dec 201205:01

Summary

TLDRIn this video, Dana Monagle from 'Cut the Crap Get a Job' emphasizes the importance of cold calling as a strategy for job seekers. She outlines three scenarios where cold calling is beneficial: when you see a job ad without knowing anyone at the company, when you know someone but not the hiring manager, and when you want to work at a company but don't know anyone there. Dana offers practical advice on how to make effective cold calls, including reaching out to contacts, asking for referrals or references, and the importance of formal communication. She also stresses the need to apply and network simultaneously, and to avoid using social media platforms for job applications without proper follow-up.

Takeaways

📞 Cold calling is an essential part of a job search strategy.
🔍 Three scenarios for cold calling: seeing a job ad without knowing anyone at the company, knowing someone not directly related to the job, and knowing someone at your target company but not in the hiring process.
🤝 If you know anyone at the company, reach out to them for potential referrals or references.
📧 Always ask for permission before using someone's name as a referral or reference.
🏢 If you don't know anyone, try to get the name of someone who can forward your application to the hiring manager.
🔗 Both cold applying and building relationships are important in the cold calling process.
💡 Use LinkedIn to identify potential contacts within a company but follow up with a formal approach.
🙅 Avoid using social networking site emails to pursue a job or refer someone; instead, request a business email for a proper introduction.
✉️ Send a formal cover letter and resume after getting approval to contact a professional at their workplace.
💼 Maintain professionalism and follow proper etiquette when cold calling for job opportunities.

Q & A

What is the main topic of Dana Monagle's discussion in the video?
-The main topic is cold calling for job opportunities as part of a job search strategy.
Why does Dana Monagle suggest that cold calling should be included in a job search portfolio?
-Cold calling is suggested because it can help reach out to companies where one might not have any direct connections, and it can increase the chances of getting noticed by potential employers.
What are the three types of reasons Dana Monagle describes for cold calling for jobs?
-The three reasons are: 1) Seeing a job advertised but not knowing anyone at the company, 2) Seeing a job advertised and knowing someone at the company but not the hiring manager, and 3) Knowing someone at a target company but not knowing if there are any available positions in your field.
What is the first rule Dana Monagle provides for successful cold calling?
-The first rule is to contact anyone you know at the company through LinkedIn or personal contacts, explaining your job search goals and asking for a referral or to be a reference.
What is the difference between a referral and a reference according to Dana Monagle?
-A referral is someone who can refer your name to someone else in the company, while a reference is someone who can speak on your behalf about your skills and fit for a position.
Why is it important to ask for permission before using someone's name as a referral or reference?
-Asking for permission ensures that the contact is willing to vouch for you and that you are not misrepresenting their willingness to support your job search.
What is the second tip Dana Monagle gives for cold calling if you don't know anyone at the target company?
-The second tip is to try to get the name of someone who can forward your application to the hiring manager, preferably someone you can contact directly rather than sending it to a general HR email.
Why is it important to both apply and build relationships during the cold calling process?
-Applying shows your interest in the position, while building relationships can lead to referrals and a better understanding of the company culture and opportunities.
What is considered bad form in cold calling according to Dana Monagle?
-Using social networking website emails to pursue a position or refer someone else without a proper introduction and request for business contact information is considered bad form.
How should one approach someone on LinkedIn or other social networks for job search assistance?
-One should describe their job search goal briefly, ask for the person's business email, and then follow up with a formal cover letter and resume after getting approval to contact them at work.
What is the final piece of advice Dana Monagle gives for successful cold calling?
-The final advice is to be mindful of the dos and don'ts of cold calling and to approach it with the intention of building a network and applying your best efforts.

Outlines

00:00

📞 Cold Calling for Job Opportunities

Dana Monagle emphasizes the importance of cold calling as a part of a job search strategy. She outlines three scenarios where cold calling is beneficial: when a job is advertised but no contact is known at the company, when a contact exists but not in the hiring position, and when there's no knowledge of job vacancies at a desired company. She stresses the need to learn effective cold calling techniques. Dana offers advice on leveraging existing contacts through LinkedIn or personal networks, requesting referrals or references, and distinguishing between the two. She also advises on proper cold calling etiquette, such as not using social networking sites for formal job inquiries and always seeking permission before using someone's name for a referral.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Cold Calling

Cold calling refers to making unsolicited phone calls to potential clients or employers with the intent of establishing a connection and discussing job opportunities. In the context of the video, cold calling is presented as an essential part of a job search strategy, particularly when there is no existing relationship with the company. The speaker emphasizes the importance of cold calling even when a job is advertised, to increase the chances of getting noticed and potentially securing an interview.

💡Job Search Portfolio

A job search portfolio is a collection of documents and materials that a job seeker compiles to showcase their skills, experiences, and qualifications to potential employers. In the video, the speaker suggests that cold calling should be incorporated into this portfolio, indicating that it is a strategic approach to finding job opportunities beyond just applying to advertised positions.

💡Referral

A referral in the job search context is when someone within a company recommends a candidate for a job. The video explains that if you know anyone at the company you're targeting, you should ask them to refer you, either by mentioning your name to the hiring manager or by acting as a reference who can speak on your behalf about your skills and fit for the position.

💡LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that is often used for job searching and professional development. The speaker in the video advises using LinkedIn to find contacts within a company and to request their assistance in forwarding your application or providing a referral. It's also highlighted as a platform where one should not directly ask for a job but rather use it to initiate a more formal communication.

💡Hiring Manager

The hiring manager is the person responsible for overseeing the recruitment process within a company. In the video, the speaker stresses the importance of getting your application directly to the hiring manager, as they are the ones who will decide whether to interview you or not. Cold calling can be a way to bypass generic HR email addresses and ensure your application gets to the right person.

💡Voicemail

A voicemail is a recorded message left on a telephone answering system. The video suggests leaving a thorough voicemail when you cold call, explaining your job search goals and asking for assistance. This is a way to make a good first impression and provide information about why you are reaching out.

💡Network Contact

A network contact is a person within your professional network who can potentially help you with your job search. The speaker advises contacting these individuals first when cold calling, as they may be more willing to assist you. It's important to build relationships and not just use names without permission, as this is considered bad form.

💡Cold Apply

Cold applying refers to the act of applying for a job without any prior connection to the company or knowledge of open positions. The video encourages job seekers to not only cold apply but also to build relationships during the cold calling process, suggesting that both actions are important for success.

💡Business Email Address

A business email address is a professional email used for work-related communication. The video instructs job seekers to request a business email address from their contacts on LinkedIn or other social networks to conduct a more formal and appropriate job search communication, rather than using the casual platform-based messaging systems.

💡Formal Cover Letter

A formal cover letter is a document sent with a job application that introduces the applicant and explains their interest in the position. The video suggests that after establishing initial contact through a platform like LinkedIn, job seekers should follow up with a formal cover letter and resume to demonstrate their professionalism and seriousness about the job opportunity.

💡Bad Form

Bad form in the context of the video refers to unprofessional or inappropriate behavior during the job search process, such as using social networking site emails to pursue a position without a formal request or using someone's name without their permission. The speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining professionalism and respect when cold calling.

Highlights

Cold calling should be part of your job search strategy.

There are three types of reasons to cold call for jobs: seeing a job ad with no contacts, knowing someone not in the hiring position, or knowing someone at the target company but no job positions are known.

If you know anyone at the company, reach out to them via email or phone and leave a voicemail explaining your job search goal.

Ask for referrals or references from your contacts within the company.

There is a distinction between a referral and a reference, and you should ask for permission to use someone's name.

If you don't know anyone, try to get the name of someone who can forward your application to the hiring manager.

Cold calling involves both applying and building relationships.

Always apply your best efforts and build a network during the cold calling process.

When contacting someone in the company via LinkedIn, call or email them first rather than using their name without permission.

Avoid using social networking website emails to pursue a position or refer someone else.

Proper approach on LinkedIn is to describe your job search goal briefly and ask for their business email to contact them formally.

Ensure you have permission before contacting someone at work through social networks.

Send a formal cover letter and resume after getting approval to contact someone at work.

Be mindful of the dos and don'ts in cold calling to ensure success.

Cold call with success by following the provided tips and good luck in your job search.