A telephone cold call is an excellent job search approach to gain contacts and an inside edge on job opportunities. A telephone cold call can also help you tap into the hidden job market because speaking directly to contacts within a school or school district could inform you of possible opportunities that aren’t being advertised.
Nowadays, when the number one way of applying for jobs is indirect and impersonal, it’s crucial to differentiate yourself and help you stand out against other candidates. Cold calls are a great way of doing just that because they let you speak directly to hiring authorities in a school district.
The purpose of the telephone cold call is to enable you to find out who the contact people at the school or school district are, speak with them, and find out when the best time would be to stop by and drop off a resume. Telephone contacts are an effective way to make a great first impression, gather information, and expand your professional network.
Before making your cold call, ensure you have everything you need for your conversation, such as a pen and paper, calendar, resume, and personal introduction. You don’t want to look frantically for a pen during the conversation. The key to everything concerning your job search is always to be prepared.
Developing your introduction should contain the purpose of the phone call, your name and teaching area, and a few tidbits about your professional background. To not sound like you are reading your introduction, rehearse it before making the phone call. Try not to write it down word for word. Make short jot notes to keep you on point so you won’t sound stiffly reading a piece of paper.
Approach the telephone cold call the same way you would a face-to-face meeting. You will need to put in some extra effort because you lack the physical contact of a face-to-face meeting. For instance, it helps to smile while you speak. Smiling makes your voice sound friendlier and guarantees that your requests will not sound like demands. Along the same lines, pay attention to your voice. Speak loud and clearly. Also, don’t talk too fast or slow or with your mouth complete. Be friendly and precise.
Remember that you’ve called for a purpose, so speak with authority and get to business quickly. The person you have called is busy so that they will appreciate your directness and conciseness. Once you’ve stated your purpose, listen to what the person says and then ask for a follow-up, either another telephone call or a face-to-face meeting.
After introducing yourself and stating the purpose of your call, it’s essential to respect the person’s time and be prepared to engage in a brief conversation. Here’s an example of how you might structure your telephone cold call:
Example Script:
You: Hello. May I please speak with [Name of Contact]?
Receptionist: May I ask who’s calling?
You: Yes, this is [Your Name]. I’m a certified [Your Teaching Area] teacher, and I’m calling to inquire about potential teaching opportunities at [School or District Name].
Receptionist: Please hold for a moment.
Contact: Hello, this is [Name].
You: Hello [Name], thank you for taking my call. My name is [Your Name], and as I mentioned, I’m a certified [Your Teaching Area] teacher. I’m very interested in the teaching opportunities at [School or District Name], and I wanted to introduce myself and inquire about potential openings.
Contact: Thank you for reaching out. We’re always looking for qualified teachers. Can you tell me about your experience and what grade levels or subjects interest you?
You: Absolutely. I have [X years] experience teaching [Grade Levels or Subjects]. I’m passionate about [Specific Teaching Methods or Philosophies] and particularly interested in opportunities to [Specific Teaching Goals or Initiatives].
Contact: That sounds great. We don’t have any current openings, but I’ll keep your information on file for future reference.
You: Thank you so much for your time. Would it be possible to follow up with you in a few months to check for any updates?
Contact: Yes, that would be fine. Feel free to reach out.
You: Wonderful. I’ll be sure to do that. Thanks again, [Name]. Have a great day.
Contact: You too. Goodbye.
You: Goodbye.
Remember to jot down any relevant information or notes during the call, such as the contact’s name, title, and any next steps discussed. Following up with a thank-you email after the call can also help leave a positive impression. With practice and persistence, telephone cold calls can be valuable in your job search toolkit.
Cold calls can be daunting, especially when you’re reaching out to someone you’ve never spoken to before, but with practice, they can become a valuable tool in your job search arsenal. Here are some additional tips to help you make a successful cold call:
Research Beforehand: Before making your cold call, take some time to research the school or district you’re contacting. Familiarize yourself with their mission, values, and any recent news or developments. This will help you tailor your conversation and demonstrate your genuine interest in their organization.
Prepare Your Elevator Pitch: In addition to your introduction, prepare a brief elevator pitch highlighting your key qualifications and what sets you apart as a candidate. This should be concise and engaging, capturing the attention of the person you’re speaking to and leaving them wanting to learn more.
Be Flexible: Cold calls can be unpredictable, so be prepared to adapt to different situations and responses. If the person you’re trying to reach isn’t available, ask when it would be convenient to call back or if there’s someone else you can speak to. Stay flexible and open to opportunities, even if they don’t unfold exactly as you’d planned.
Follow-Up: After your cold call, follow up with a thank-you email or note expressing your appreciation for the person’s time and reiterating your interest in potential opportunities. This shows professionalism and keeps you on their radar for future consideration.
Stay Positive and Persistent: Cold calling can be challenging, and you may encounter rejection or indifference. However, don’t let this discourage you. Stay positive, maintain a professional demeanor, and keep pushing forward. Persistence often pays off in the job search process.
By following these tips and practicing your cold-calling skills, you can increase your confidence and effectiveness in reaching out to potential employers. Remember that every call is an opportunity to connect and move one step closer to your dream job.
Ensure you spend time perfecting your elevator pitch! If this article was helpful, please comment and share it with others below!
