Call up on the job posting
Very few applicants call on the advertised job posting, and you can use this to your advantage in your job search.
According to Ballisager's Recruitment Analysis, less than 10% of the applicants are contacting the company before applying for an advertised job. By this contact, you can obtain more knowledge regarding the position, than other applicants who have only read the advertised posting.
Furthermore, 90% of companies think it is a good idea to call them before you apply - of course only if you have relevant questions.
Advantages for contacting company on job postings
- You can write a more targeted CV and application/cover letter
- You can be more prepared for a possible interview
- You can get more motivation in your job search
- You can save time
Don't sell yourself
A call is always about the dialogue and your opportunity to learn more about the company. A bonus, of course, may be that you make a good impression - but do so, through posing relevant and inquisitive questions, rather than trying to sell yourself.
How to contact a company on an advertised job posting
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Step 1: Prepare relevant questions
Before you call, you must of course read the vacancy notice in detail, so that you avoid the unfortunate situation, where you ask about something you can read in the job posting or on the company's website.
Prepare 3-4 question based on the idea: "If I'm going to interview for this position tomorrow, what do I want to know about the work assignments?"
Also, make sure that the questions are open for dialogue and reflects your curiosity and motivation for the position.
Step 2: Prepare yourself mentally before the call
Positive attitude and good energy can be heard on the phone – and this helps to show your curiosity and commitment. Therefore, make sure that your preparations are channeling the right energy before the call.
It is said that telemarketers sell better if they smile at themselves in a mirror while they are talking to potential customers. Maybe it's worth a try?
If you're a little nervous, you can also smile at yourself so that the muscles in your face loosen up, you can also walk around a little or make power poses to give yourself confidence.
Step 3: Start the conversation with an ultra-short presentation
Give a very short presentation of who you are and why you are calling them.
Example
"Hi. You are speaking with [name]. I'm calling in regards of the position as [job title], which I'm very interested in. I have [number of] questions for the posting. Do you have 5 minutes now, or is there a better time where I can call you?"
Step 4: Listen actively when you ask your questions
Once you've been given the green light to continue the conversation, pose your questions and listen actively. Avoid interrupting and ask in-depth questions when the conversation allows it.
Be sure to ask open questions to get the dialogue going. It is in the dialogue, where you will mostly likely find ‘the gems’ for your application.
Step 5: End the conversation with a thank you
Once you've called, you are also responsible for ending the conversation in a good manner. A good ending reflects your interest in the position and that you appreciate the time the recipient has spent on the call.
Example
"Thank you so much, I have now gotten answers to my questions, so I'll get started on my cv and application straight away. Thank you for your time."
Did your call go straight to voicemail?
Sometimes the phone is not taken on your first attempt. Therefore, be prepared to leave a message on the answer.
If you leave a message, remember to tell the recipient that you'll call again later, rather than leaving your number and expect a call back. In this way, you keep the initiative and the opportunity to call again.
What have other candidates gained from calling on job postings?
This didn’t appear in the job posting
“I discovered that it was important that the new employees could give presentations in front of many people. There wasn't a single word about that in the posting, but it was great knowledge, as I've previously had given presentations to up to 200 people.”
Crucial information about the deadline
“I was told that if I didn't apply this week, I wouldn't be considered - and the application deadline wasn't until the following week. That's where I got busy.”
Recommended for another position in the company
"We found out that the job didn't match my profile, but he passed me on to a colleague who was looking for someone like me."