Cold calls, which is a commonly used sales technique to approach potential customers, can also be used to seek potential job and internship opportunities that might not be available on a company’s career site. 

There are three types of cold calls: 

  • Complete cold calls are when you reach out to the company with no previous contact. 
  • Cold calls after a cold email is when you’ve sent a cold email to get in touch with them and they have agreed to speak with you on the phone, via Zoom, or in person.
  • Being referred by a friend/colleague is when you have networked with someone and they have given you the contact information, but you have never spoken to the person you are trying to cold call. 

Before making your cold call to inquire a job or internship opportunity, you should: 

  • Learn about the company. During a cold call, the conversation can go in any direction. The more you know about the company, the more prepared you’ll be discuss the different things the company has to offer.
  • Know why you are calling. Are you calling for a job or internship? Be confident when you state why you’re calling. Know what you want and be proud of it!
  • Try to get a connection before making the call. LinkedIn is a great tool to make connections with people that work for the company you’re interested in. Another way to connect with people is by sending an email. Establishing these connections can turn the cold call into a warm one.
  • Find a quiet place. Limit any noise and distractions. This will limit any interruptions and distractions for both parties.
  • Practice and prepare! Memorize some of the important information you learned, but don’t memorize everything! Prepare some questions you may want to ask. You should also practice what you might say in case you receive their voicemail.
  • Remember how you found out about them. Whether you learned about them through LinkedIn, a friend, or read about them in a newspaper, be ready to answer how you heard about the company.

During the call, make sure to: 

  • Introduce yourself.
  • Be courteous and enthusiastic.
  • Keep it short and simple.
  • Be friendly and professional.
  • Clearly state why you are calling.
  • Ask questions.

At the end of the call, don’t forget to thank them for their time and end on a positive note, no matter what happens.  

Good luck on your cold calls!