The beauty of cold calling is that you can connect with anyone worldwide within minutes. Cold calling for internships is one of the best ways to work for potential employers.
Cold calling for any employment position can be simple and has many advantages that we’ll go over in a few. But before we start, what exactly is cold calling?
Table of Contents
What Is Cold Calling?
Cold calling is simply reaching out and calling someone for the first time and introducing yourself. This is usually used by salespeople selling their products, business people wanting to collaborate, someone looking for a job, etc.
For some people, reaching out to strangers and talking to them on the phone can cause cold calling anxiety, but with a few simple pieces of advice we’ll give, it can be really easy!
Does Cold Calling For Internships Work?
Yes, cold calling for internships works. It’s very effective and shows a dedication to your potential employer that you really want the position you’re after. It allows you to introduce yourself and your skills in a way that an email or online application can’t.
When it comes to employers and their hiring process, they look for individuals with a “go-getter” attitude and employees that act quickly and effectively. When someone cold calls for internships, it immediately shows all these qualities.
Employer research shows that many employers prefer to hire interns they have met or have been recommended by someone they know. By cold calling to introduce yourself, they now know who you are and dramatically increase the chances of being hired.
When cold calling for internships, you may eventually be told to go online and apply through their system, but at least you stand out, and they will remember who you are, which will give you an advantage over other interns.
Six Advantages Of Cold Calling For Internships?
There are many advantages to cold calling for internships.
You can directly speak with the hiring manager.
This is one of the best advantages of cold calling for internships. When you directly talk with the hiring manager, you can easily find out what they’re looking for in an intern and if you have the skill set required. You can introduce yourself and sell your skills.
It’s personable
You can introduce yourself, your skills, and your experience in a way that an email or application can’t.
Taking initiative
Not many people cold call for internships which gives you the advantage. Many people will apply and sit back, waiting for months to get a response.
When you take the initiative to go out and cold call for internships, it immediately shows employers that you go out of your way to get things done.
It’s fast
You can make a lot of calls in a short amount of time and hear back from potential employers quickly.
Builds confidence
It can be daunting to pick up the phone and start cold calling when you’re just starting. But once you get into a groove, it gets easier, and your confidence will grow with each call.
You can answer any questions they may have
Other than email and applications, cold calling is the quickest way to communicate.
Sometimes, a simple cold call can turn into an interview, and guess what? You just got the internship!
Research the best sales interview questions and answers to prepare for answering questions on the spot. This will show that you’re knowledgeable about what you’re talking about, and more importantly, you’re someone that acts.
Eight Tips On How To Cold Call For Internships?
- Now that we’ve answered the question, “does cold calling for internships work?” let’s get into how to do it.
- Research research research! You need to know who you will call, what company they work for, and what position you’re applying for.
- Prepare a script. This doesn’t mean you need to memorize what you’re going to say but have an idea of the main points you want to hit. Tell them your name and why you’re calling.
- Ask for the hiring manager. You want to speak with the person who makes the decisions.
- If you get transferred, don’t hang up! This is your chance to introduce yourself to someone else in the company that may be able to help you.
- Smile! When you smile, it’ll come through in your voice, and the person on the other end will be more likely to respond positively.
- Be persistent! If there is no response to your voicemail, leave another one. Think about it. If you were hiring someone, you would instead hire the person that called you for the job 1,000 times vs. the other who sat back and waited.
- Follow up! After you’ve made the call, shoot them an email with your attached resume. In the email, mention that you called and leave your contact information in case they have any questions.
Conclusion
Cold calling for internships is the most effective way to stand out against other interns looking for the same position. With some preparation and research, you can make a great impression and get your dream internship.
