How to Contact Employers
Gathering information from employers is an important piece of your job search. Use the tips below for how to contact employers.
Before you contact an employer, it is helpful to do some research first. Ask your network contacts if they know anyone who works for the employer. Learn about the company from their website. You can also do company research at a library.
Once you know about the employer, you can call or e-mail them. Use your research for this call. If you feel like you made a good connection, offer to send a cover letter and your resume.
Tips for Calling Employers
- Write down what you want to say. This is important if you are not used to calling employers. There is an example script you can use in the "Other Resources" at the bottom of this page. Don't read your script. Keep your conversation natural.
- Smile while you are talking on the phone. It makes your voice sound cheerful and relaxed.
- Your outgoing voicemail message should not have music or jokes on it. Just say your name and ask the caller to leave a message.
- Tell your roommates and family that employers will be calling. Ask them to take clear messages and give them to you right away.
- Call back all employers who call you, even if you no longer want the job.
- Return all phone calls within 24 hours.
Tips for E-Mailing Employers
- Use a simple e-mail address with your name or initials for your job search. Don't use inappropriate nicknames or jokes like cutiepie@email.com.
- Start the e-mail with something of interest to the reader. Let them know right away why you are writing and how you can help their business. Write the e-mail the same way you would a letter. Don't use online acronyms (IMHO, LOL, etc.).
- Have a subject line that is clear and interesting.
- Keep the e-mail message brief. You do not need to give a lot of detail about your background or work history. Save that for other steps in the job search process.
- At the end of your message, tell the employer you plan to follow-up. Give them another way contact you such as your phone number. If you sent the e-mail without them knowing, ask if they want you to keep in touch with them in another way.
- Check for correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation before sending the e-mail.
- If the employer does not contact you, and you really want an interview, call them.
