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Three Final Ways To Get Past the Guardian Of The Gate

Disclaimer: please note that all of the links were active as of the newsletter publication, but some may become inactive over time.

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IN THIS ISSUE:

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Contents

- Job Search Tip of the Week, by Brian Krueger, author of "College Grad Job Hunter," the #1 book for entry level job search:

"Three Final Ways To Get Past the Guardian Of The Gate"

The Better Than Leaving A Message Technique

Instead of leaving a message for a Hiring Manager (who may have no idea who you are), it may be better to reply:

"I may be difficult to reach today. Could you give me a time when it would be best to reach _____?"

Then let the person know you will call back and ask if they would please let the hiring manager know you will be calling at that time. You are much more likely to get through.

The Best Time To Call Technique

If the Guardian of the Gate tells you that your target contact is in a meeting, out of the office, or otherwise unavailable, reply,

"When would be the best time to reach _______?"

If they say the target contact is very busy, ask for an approximate time. Then tell them your name (only) and let them know you will call at that time. Then make sure you do.

The Voicemail Messaging Technique

With the proliferation of voicemail (automated messaging systems) in most companies, the odds are great that you will find yourself leaving messages with this type of message retrieval system. The good news is that almost all line managers review their messages personally (versus having a secretary review them), so you have an excellent opportunity to plant the seed for a future connection. Here is the best message:

"Hi, _____ (target's first name), this is _____ (your first name/last name). I can be reached at _____ (your phone number) between _____ and _____ today. I look forward to talking with you then."

The only modification of this is when you are calling based on a direct referral. Your message would then be:

"Hi, _____ (target's first name), this is _____ (your first name/last name). _____ (referral name) asked me to call you. I can be reached at _____ between _____ and _____ today. I look forward to talking with you then."

Then hang up. Short and sweet. This is not the time to give your full life story from the birth canal to present. You merely need to set the hook for a callback, nothing more, nothing less. If you make the mistake of making your "pitch" on phone mail, you will lose your chance to respond to their specific needs. With minimal information given, the manager will feel obligated to return the call. Who knows? You may be a customer or supplier phoning them. In 50+ percent of the cases, they will at least attempt to return the phone call.

When you leave your name and phone number on voicemail, speak slowly, as if you were expecting the person on the other end to be taking down the information. Spell your first and last name. Repeat the phone number. Not as if you are talking to a second grader, but as a matter of courtesy to make sure the recipient is able to write down the key information from the message. This raises the perceived level of importance attached to returning your call.

Another quick and easy response to the Guardian of the Gate who wants to take a message is to ask whether the manager has voicemail. If so, asked to be put through to it. You get to dictate what goes into your message rather than the scribe at the other end of the line. Voicemail is always better than a scribbled note and has greater professional obligation for action.

If you get no response to your initial voicemail message after at least three days, call again and leave a more detailed message based on your Thirty Second Elevator Pitch. Give a quick synopsis of who you are and what you can provide to a potential employer. Ask for a return phone call to further discuss the employer's needs. And keep trying until you do get through.

Next newsletter: "Getting the Interview"

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- Help Spread The Word!

Do you know of someone who can benefit from the information in this newsletter? Simply forward this e-mail to them and tell them to subscribe at http://www.CollegeGrad.com/newsletter. Thanks for spreading the good word!

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Job Search Links:

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- Job Search Book Online

There are at least two other entry level Web sites that offer books on job searching, proclaming that they will tell you everything you need to know about entry level job search.

However, there is a very important point about these books they don't mention up front: they cost money.

At CollegeGrad.com, we give you two things they don't:

    1. The #1 entry level job search book ("College Grad Job Hunter").
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It's that simple. So don't buy the hype. Read the real information you need for FREE:

Don't ever pay for books or reports or resources of lower quality when you can access the very best quality information for free.

P.S. Yes, you can buy "College Grad Job Hunter" in hardcopy format as well at Amazon.com for $15 (actually, 30% off that price), but the online version is better. Why? Because the version at Amazon.com (the 2003 edition) is being continually updated at CollegeGrad.com. So the most current version of the book is actually the online, free version.

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