Sample Phone Script For a Warm or Cold Call Copyright 2004 by Marky Stein From “Fearless Career Change” (McGraw Hill) Phone rings Receptionist: “Hello, Ellen Robinson Childbirth Clinic” Job seeker: “Alice Livermore for Dr.Robinson.” Receptionist: “May I ask the nature of your call?” (screening out – see below) Job seeker: “It’s business.” Receptionist: “All right, I’ll connect you.” Doctor’s assistant: “Maya Rhodes speaking.” Job seeker: “Alice Livermore for Dr. Robinson.” Doctor’s assistant: “This is Dr. Robinson’s nurse. Can I help you?” (screening out) Job Seeker: “No, but thank you. I’d prefer to speak to Dr. Robinson directly.” Doctor’s assistant: “What is this regarding?” (screening out) Job Seeker: “It’s about a document I Fedexed to her yesterday.” Doctor’s assistant: “Is she expecting your call?” (screening out) Job seeker: “Yes.” (Remember – you faxed or sent something saying you would call) Doctor’s assistant: “All right, I’ll connect you.” Hiring manager: “Dr.Robinson.” Job Seeker: (this paragraph is what is referred to as the ‘pitch’) “Hello Dr.Robinson. My name is Alice Livermore. I’m a midwife assistant graduate of West Denver Institute of Midwifery. I had a 30-day internship and participated in 12 births at the Gentle Birth Center. You may have noticed from the Fedex I sent you that I have excellent references and a good grasp of the birthing process. When can I come in for an interview?” Hiring manager: “Did I get your Fedex? Oh yes, let me see…it’s right here on my desk. Hmm…Yes, Alice it does look like you have some excellent skills. Unfortunately, we’re not hiring right now.” (objection) Job seeker: “Oh, that’s fine. I’m not interested in just any company and I don’t need a job right away. I’m looking for an organization that’s a good match for my skills so that I can make a long-term commitment. (Optional – “I looked at your web site and I really like your clinic’s philosophy on child bearing, especially the quote by Margaret Mead”.) I’m interested in talking to you about future or unexpected openings.” Hiring manager: “Can you send me your full resume?” (this is an objection- a way to keep you at bay – not an invitation to an interview.!) It would be easy for the employer to simply toss your resume into the “read later” pile or even in the paper shredder. A living, breathing person with whom you’re interacting face-to-face is much more of an investment than a handling a piece of paper. You want the employer to ‘invest’ in meeting you ‘in the flesh’. Job seeker: “Of course, thank you, but I will be in your area of town next week. I’d love to schedule a very brief 15-minute talk and get your personal opinion on my qualifications.” Hiring manager: “Well…I’d like to but I’m just jammed with patients next week.” (objection) Job seeker: “No problem at all. How about if we schedule something for the following, say - Wednesday or Thursday? How would that work for you?” Hiring manager: “Actually, on that week, Friday the 22nd would probably be better.” Job seeker: “Morning or afternoon?” Hiring manager: “Let’s see. My morning is booked.” Job seeker: “Would 2pm or 3pm work?” Hiring manager: “Yes, why don’t I see you at 3:00. I’ll transfer you back to the receptionist and she’ll make the appointment for you.” Job seeker: “Thanks so much, Dr. Thomas, I’m looking forward to it!” Hiring manager: “Goodbye.” Job seeker: “See you on the 22nd.”
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