Although it is becoming more common, cold calling is one of the most daunting tasks of the job search. Cold calling means contacting people with whom you have not had any previous contact. It can take many different forms, from a phone call to actually completing an informational interview. The key to cold calling is to be prepared for anything. At any point in the process, you could find yourself dealing directly with the person who is responsible for hiring. You must always be ready to sell yourself and your skills.
Sources for Cold Calls
Using your established personal network is one place to begin your cold calls. Often the more important and more difficult calls are the ones to new contacts and employers. One way to find new people is to use directories. The yellow pages are the easiest of these to access. From there you may want to visit your local library or employment centre to use their business directories. Not only will you get the company name, but often you may get the address, phone number and contact person. This information will be very useful when you are ready to begin your cold calling.
Personal Introductions, "Spiels"
To ensure you're not left speechless, take the time to create a personal spiel. A personal spiel is a verbal introduction to the employer, which markets your skills and abilities. There are five things to remember when giving your spiel to an employer:
 Introduce yourself.
 Tell them why you are contacting them.
 Tell them three skills you possess that are pertinent to the type of job you are enquiring about.
 Ask if you may send or leave a copy of your resumé.
 Arrange a follow-up contact.
You may have more than one spiel that you refer to depending on the type of job that you are applying for. Read your spiel over and say it aloud several times for practice. It is important that you know it by heart and feel comfortable saying it.
Another alternative is to have your personal spiel neatly laid out on a cue card. This can serve a dual purpose. You can refer to it if necessary or, if it is professionally done, you could leave it with networking contacts or employers as an introduction. A calling card can act as a reason to follow up and potentially reach the decision-making person.
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