1. Phoning employers

2. Opening lines Rehearse your opening lines before you call. Here’s what to do: 1. introduce yourself 2. tell them why you are contacting them 3. tell them about the skills that you have that relate to the job 4. ask if you can send them your résumé 5. arrange a follow-up contact

3. Try again later If the person you want to speak to is unavailable, call back later and ask for them by their name and department, e.g. ‘Can I please speak to Jo Allen in the IT department?’

4. If there are no jobs now Ask if you can send your résumé and call again in a few weeks. Send your résumé and a cover letter and make sure that you call again later and ask for an interview Ask for information on what the company looks for in new employees: ‘I know you don’t have any vacancies now, but what skills are you looking for when you recruit?’

5. If there are no jobs now Ask for a referral or other leads: ‘Do you know of another company looking for someone with my skills?’ If you are given a company name, ask for a name and phone number so you can contact them.