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Jobseekers Approaching Employers

It is very important that you market yourself.

This can be done by writing a letter, telephoning or, if you are nearby, you can drop in and see the employer yourself (Cold Canvassing).

A large number of jobs that you will be looking for will be filled because people make direct contact with the employer.

Many employers don’t advertise when they have a vacancy because they know there will be enough people contacting them for a job to choose from, while some just don’t want the worry of interviewing a lot of applicants.

Remember too, that when you are talking to a prospective employer you also need to listen carefully.By doing this you will learn about their needs and be in a better position to ask intelligent questions about their business.

When telephoning or cold canvassing, do not pick their busiest time.For example, do not call a café at lunchtime because the employer will not have time to talk to you.

General Format of a Telephone Contact:

Greet the employer

"Good Morning/ Hello, my name is ________________. I am seeking some advice or information regarding the industry and would like to make a time to come by and see you please."

OR

"I would like to make an appointment with you."

OR

"I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you."

Techniques to Use When Requesting an Interview

Give your name and ask for the name of the person in charge

"Hello, My name is Bill Smith. Could you tell me the name of the Personnel Manager please?"

Ask to speak to the person direct if you know their name

"Good Morning, could I speak with Mr. Jones please?"

Greet the employer and give you name

"Good Morning Mr. Jones, my name is Bill Smith."

If you were referred by somebody to call this employer

"Good Morning Mr. Jones, Miss Brown from T.C.B. suggested I speak with you regarding…"

Ask to meet with the employer

"I would like to arrange a time when I could meet with you. I am seeking advice and information about this industry"

If the employer states that there are no vacancies at present, ask once more about meeting with him to discuss future job openings

"I would still like to come and talk with you about possible future job openings. Just in case something comes up"

If the employer is not interested in having an interview

"Perhaps I could send a copy of my resume for you to have a look at and advise me on its suitability. I would value any advice you could give me"

Ask for any leads e.g. name and addresses

"Would you know of any other companies I could contact regarding employment in this field?"

If they give you a name ask for their permission to use his / her name

"Thank you, that’s very helpful Would it be all right to say that you suggested I speak to them?"

Resume and call back

"I will send you a copy of my resume and give you a call back in a couple of weeks, Thank you very much for your time."

Arranging an Interview by Telephone in Response to a Newspaper Advertisement

Give your name

"Good Morning/Afternoon, my name is _______________ ."

Ask for the name of the person who appears on the newspaper ad

"Could I speak to __________ regarding the position which was advertised in Saturday’s Courier Mail for a Warehouse Supervisor?"

Greet the Employer and give your name

"Good Morning/Afternoon my name is _____________."

Mention the job that you are applying for

"I am calling to apply for the position of _____________ that you advertised in the newspaper."

Tell your employer what your relevant skills are which would make you suited to the advertised job

"I have worked as__________." (Include in here relevant skills, work experience and personal qualities which you have)