CV Dragon

Cold Calling
If you feel uncomfortable with ‘cold-calling’ in this way - and many do - you can always leave the phone call until after you have sent in your CV and covering letter. In fact, any submission of personal details, should always be followed up. (However, don’t be offended if the recipient hasn’t actually read your CV; it will be one of many documents that has landed on their desk recently.) Plan what you intend to say beforehand and be as friendly as possible with everyone you speak to - some companies have been known to ask their front desk staff what their impressions were! Remember, the goal here is to try to secure an interview, even a brief one, so that you can demonstrate your capabilities and enthusiasm for your chosen field and this particular company.

Those in the earlier stages of their career and keen to get a foot in the door, may want to consider spending a few days work-shadowing, without remuneration. A career is a long term investment - utilising a little of your time in this way could bring substantial reward. It offers several benefits in that it enables both parties to assess whether they could both work happily side by side. Of course, this will not be an option with all organisations and will depend on the level of the position. An executive coming from a competitor might find their motives being challenged, especially in hi-tech sectors where product research and development is a closely guarded secret.

Back to Speculative CVs