‘I told you not to call me here’: Reaching out over the phone to potential employers still possible

Sure, the tagline at the end of the job listing says “No phone calls, please” but really, do recruiters and HR managers really mean it?

It depends, says Janet Ellen, a recruiter in Boston. “For some companies, it’s dogma. They don’t take phone calls at all, but with certain companies, it’s just a potential warning, not a deal breaker,” Ellen says.

But that doesn’t mean stay off the phone no matter what. In fact, some job experts say abiding by the no-call zone is a mistake, even if the job posting advises no calls.

“There’s a fine line between committed and desperate,” says Karen Kahn, author of “Flight Guide for Success.” “No calls doesn’t mean no calls, it simply asks applicants to respect the initial application process outlined in the job description. Calling is important — after you have applied.”

PR executive Steve Seeman agrees with Kahn’s “after you’ve applied” suggestion.

“If the posting requests online applications, do so — and always include a focused, targeted cover letter which goes beyond boilerplate,” Seeman says. “End your cover letter by stating that you will follow up with a phone call, and state the day that you will be calling — and call on that day!”

Making a phone call to a person in human resources who actually has little say in the hiring process is to be avoided, however. Job seekers must be creative in tracking down specific contacts within the company who will be doing the interviewing and making the hiring decisions.

“Try to reach the hiring manager instead of Human Resources; the hiring manager will probably have a greater interest in filling the position quickly and could appreciate your sense of urgency more,” Seeman says. “In addition, even if the hiring manager has to refer you back to HR, the recruiter will likely feel more inclined to accommodate you since you were referred by an executive in the company.”

Ring ’em up

In addition to making sure the hiring manager received your resume, it’s important to be prepared to dive into an impromptu interview. If you get the right person on the phone, they will be more receptive to specific and relevant information they want to know about you, so within five minutes of quick discovery, you may find a common ground, and next thing you know you are in a full-blown interview, either online or in person.

The best way to ensure this happens is to use your network to make a direct contact within the company. If a contact on LinkedIn happens to work at the company you like, use that network to establish a connection to the hiring manager.

Once the proper person has been identified, it’s time to prepare a stump speech. Have your pitch written down, with the opening lines typed out, word for word, and the rest in bullet points. Begin with a statement that is memorable and a short sentence that the person on the other end is not likely to forget or get mixed up with someone else — something interesting, useful or amusing to discuss.

Vocal authority

Being prepared to talk about the industry and your place in it is important but so is making sure your voice exudes confidence. Clear your throat and get your voice warmed up. Look around your office at your achievements and give yourself a compliment. And stand up, as it will enable your voice to carry more energy and authority.

Finally, choosing the right time to call is important. Some experts recommend calling early or late to catch the hiring manager before they’ve gotten too busy or while they’re winding down for the day. Others see calling early as an intrusion into the hiring manager’s personal time.

Consider that hiring managers may have a flood of work that came in over the weekend that they have to do on Monday and that they’re using Friday to frantically finish any last-minute deadlines for the week. Calling midweek at a time that is traditionally not as busy in your industry will ensure the greatest chance of being heard.

–Marco Buscaglia