How to Make the Killer Cold Call
BIS Internships
Next to public speaking, making a "cold call" over the phone is often considered one of life's most harrowing experiences. By following sound advice from Burton Nadler and Monster.com, you will be well on your way to success.
In order to help us help you we need you to take this assignment to heart and start calling around to set up your internship.
Part I: How to Make the Killer Cold Call
Read How Do I Make that Killer Call? by Burton Nadler
Part II: Write a Killer Cold Call Script
After you have finished reading the article, create a new Word document and write a telephone script for you to call a specific local business in order to get your internship set up.
- Your script should read like a play with one person acting as the employer and the other acting as a student (you) looking for an internship
- Here is an example of a simple script we put together for your viewing pleasure
- Don't make the employer on the other side of the phone too easy! Think of questions they might ask so you are ready!
Remember to include the following in your part of the script:
- give your name
- note the name of the person who answered the phone
- verify spelling of people's names
- tell why you are calling
- explain that it is a non-paid experience designed for you to learn about _______________
- explain that the school district covers workman's comp insurance
- ask to talk to someone specific and/or who can tell you about entry level positions or internships
- request suggestions for the next steps in getting the internship
- sell yourself – your specific skills that would be a good fit for the internship
- sell our internship program – read this info about our fantastic internship program to help inform you in the conversation
- set up a time to meet with the business
- ask for recommendations if they are unable to help you
- thank the person you are speaking to
- get specific directions of where to go the first day if you are successful
Upload the Word doc in the Synergy dropbox
Part III: Make a Killer Cold Call
Make the actual phone call! You can use our phone upstairs (dial 9 first) – Let Sinks know so he can high 5 you!
Not super confident to make that call? Practice with a partner first!
Here are few reminders/pointers:
- use your script you wrote as a tool
- have a piece of scratch paper and pen/pencil handy
- speak with confidence!
- give your name
- note the name of the person who answered the phone
- verify spelling of people's names
- tell why you are calling
- explain that it is a non-paid experience designed for you to learn about _______________
- explain that the school district covers workman's comp insurance
- ask to talk to someone specific and/or who can tell you about entry level positions or internships
- request suggestions for the next steps in getting the internship
- sell yourself
- set up a time to meet with the business
- ask for recommendations if they are unable to help you
- thank the person you are speaking to
- get specific directions of where to go the first day if you are successful