Arranging job interview appointments by telephone:

• Saves time
• Saves transportation
• Is professionally accepted

This exercise will help you to be more effective when conducting your telephone job search. When you have conducted your research and explored the Internet and yellow pages of the telephone book, you may find several places that interest you. Since it is estimated that 80 to 90% of jobs are not advertised and are part of the hidden job market, you may find that this method is extremely useful in exploring job opportunities.

With your completed prospect list in front of you and either JibberJobber, 3x5 cards, or a spiral notebook, try the following steps:

1. Dial the number of the prospect.
2. While waiting for someone to answer, put a smile in your voice - actually smile so your voice will have a friendly tone.
3. If you do not have a personal contact, when someone answers, ask to speak with the personnel office (for a large company), or the employer (in a small company). Try to by-pass the human resource department and contact the head of the department for whom you would work, like the sales manager if you are a sales representative.
4. Say, "I would like to arrange an appointment for a job interview and would appreciate your help," or "I am interested in finding out if you have any opening for a _______________."
5. When the hiring person answers, give your full name and say: "I would like to arrange an interview for the position of _______________." If answering an advertisement for a specific position, mention the publication and the exact title.
6. Communicate an upbeat, positive, energetic, enthusiastic attitude. Whatever arrangements may or may not be made, be sure to thank the individual by name for the help that you have been given.
7. You may be asked to e-mail, fax, or mail your résumé.
8. Ideally, you will arrange for an interview and be asked to bring your résumé with you when you come.
9. Ask for advice about any other steps you could/should take.
10. If there are no openings and you are unable to arrange a meeting, ask the employer, "Do you know of anyone who could benefit from my skills?"
11. Record date, time, and location of the appointment. Be sure you have the names of the persons you spoke to and clear directions on how to find the interview site.

Remember, all you need is one good yes. The more telephone calls you make, the better you will get, and the closer you will be to your ultimate goal.