The following is a suggested script you can use when contacting people in your search to identify job openings (or gather other pertinent information). After reading through the sample scripts, write a script for yourself on the next page.
1. Introduce yourself and explain why you are calling.
“Hi, Jackie! This is Jane Morgan from your Bible Study Fellowship group. (Small talk…) I have a quick question for you. My job is ending next spring when my company moves out of state. I am looking for a job as a graphic artist for a non-profit agency. I know you work for the American Heart Association. I was wondering if you could give me the name of the person who manages the graphics arts area for your organization? I want to inquire about possible openings plus see if he or she would have any suggestions for me in my job search.
OR
“Good morning. My name is Jane Morgan. John Jacobs suggested I give you a call as I’m interested in finding a job as a graphic artist. Would you have a few minutes to talk to me?”
2. Briefly tell your contact about yourself. This is where your “Strength Summary” becomes useful.
“I’ve had two years’ experience designing and using desktop publishing software to produce brochures, newsletters and training materials as a part of my current job. I’ve really enjoyed it, and would like to move into doing graphics arts full-time.”
3. Request information and advice. Sample information areas include:
• Employment opportunities in the field. (“Are you aware of any current opening for someone with my skills?”)
•. Individuals the person recommends you contact. (“Do you know of anyone I could contact who works in this field?” and/or “Could you recommend anyone who might know of such an opening? May I tell him/her you referred me?”) Note: Make sure to get the name (with correct spelling), title, complete address and phone number whenever you’re given a new contact.
• If you are talking to someone who is having a difficult time coming up with any information for you, you can always ask a third question that usually will get a “Yes!”: “Do you know someone who is well connected who might be able to help me?”
4. Send a brief thank-you note that evening or the next day to each person who has provided you with some help. Thank each person for their assistance and ask them to please call or e-mail you if they think of anything else that could be helpful.
SUMMARY
Remember that a job search is a search for information. The more information you get, the more likely you are to find out about job openings. You may go through several contacts before you get some helpful information, but be persistent– this strategy is a powerful way to tap into the “hidden” job market!
While these steps can be used following the sending of a Personal Contact cover letter, they can also be used when you are interacting with people at church, at the supermarket, association meetings and anywhere else that you are talking with people. For example, when someone asks “How are you?, you can answer “I’m doing great. You may not know but recently I started to look for new work opportunities for using my graphic art skills. I’ve had over two years of experience and I’m looking for some new challenges. By the way, do you happen to know of anyone who is looking for some graphic art help?” From there you can ask some of the other questions listed above. Don’t forget to: write down any leads that they give you; follow up with those leads; and to write a thank you note to them.
Making contact calls is like any new skill: at first it may seem awkward and somewhat challenging. A practice script can help you think through what you want to say before you call. After you have made a few calls, you will find that it feels much easier and more comfortable! Below is a form that you can complete prior to contacting your personal contacts.
Practice Script:
Contact I will be calling: _________________________________________
Information I would like to obtain from this contact:
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Your script:
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