What to Say to Employers on the Phone during the First Contact

SOURCE: Leon County Schools Adult & Community Education Career Education Guide

Here are some questions to ask and information to supply when calling employers:

Circle the boxes to the left of the items you think are appropriate for the person you are calling before you make the phone call. This is to remind you that this is a topic you should mention. Cross out the box when you have covered that topic during the phone call. This will allow you to review what you have actually covered during the conversation. If you do not have this form with you when making a call, write down all the topics you wish to discuss before calling. Often when talking to a prospective employer, you will be nervous. Having your ideas and questions down on paper will help you to remember what you want to say.

State your name and ask for the manager by name.

Examples:
State your name and ask for the name of the person in charge of whatever department you are interested in.

• "Hello, my name is __________.  May I speak to Mr. Smith?"

• "Hi, this is __________.  May I speak to Ms. Poe in the __________ department?"

Examples:
Introduce yourself to the person, give qualifications, and who referred you.

• "Hello my name is _________. Could you tell me who is in charge of the __________ department? Thank you. Would you connect me with him/her, please?"

• "Hi, this is _________. I’d like to speak to the person in charge of the __________ department. What is that person’s name? Would you connect me please?"

Examples:
Introduce yourself to the person and give your qualifications.

• "Hello, Mr. Smith, my name is __________. It was suggested by Charles Thomas and Mr. Phillips from the Art Department of FSU that since I have a background in illustration you may be able to use me in your organization."

• "Hello, Ms. Cord, my name is __________. I was talking to Mrs. Miller from the Tallahassee Democrat about my interest and skills in photography and she suggested that you would be a good person to talk to."

Examples:
Ask to set up an appointment for an interview.

• "Hello, Ms. Johnson, I am __________. I have a background in sales and would like to speak to you about employment in this area."

• "Hello, Mr. Brown, I am __________. I have six years experience as a carpenter and would like to speak to you about possible employment."

Examples:
If the employer says he has no positions, ask to talk to him anyway.

• "I’d like to make an appointment to see you concerning this. When can I come in to talk to you?"

• "I’d like to make an appointment for an interview with you. What time would be best?"

Examples:
If you do not get an interview ask for any leads to other jobs in the area. Try to get names, addresses and phone numbers.

• "Would you mind if I came in and talked to you anyway in case something comes up unexpectedly?"

• "May I talk to you anyway in case someone unexpectedly quits?"

Examples:
Ask if you can use their name as a reference to the leads you received.

• "Do you know anyone else in the area who might be hiring? What about __________? (give several names of different companies or businesses)

• "Would you know if (names of companies) might be hiring? Do you know of any other companies or businesses I could call?"

Examples:
Ask about other positions for which you didn’t qualify, but in which others may be interested.

• "Would you mind if I said you suggested that I call when I speak to them?"

• "Would it be all right if I said you suggested that I call?"

Examples:

• "I have some friends who are also looking for work who have a variety of backgrounds. Do you know of any other positions I may not qualify for, but one of them might?"

• "Do you know of any other job possibilities which might fit other qualifications? I have friends who have a lot of different skills who are also looking for jobs."

Use the "call back" ending.

Examples:
Leave your name and telephone number. Call back regularly.

• "Would you mind if I check back with you in case a position does become available?"

• "I’d like to check back with you if I could, when would be a good time?"

• "Thank you very much!"