Question

Topic: Career/Training

Advice: Cold-calling Employers

Posted by Anonymous on 7/2/2008 at 1:00 PM ET 125 Points
Good Day,

My name is Joshua and I will be graduating from college in December with a degree in Marketing. I will be relocating to Denver, CO to start my career. Currently, I have an opportunity to work in logistic sales for a fortune 500 (In Denver). I am writing today because, I have been in B2B sales for 2 years and I would prefer to start my post-college career in the field of marketing.

I have identified 3 agencies in the Denver metro that I am interested in working for.

I am traveling out to Denver during the first week of August and I would like some advice as to how I should approach these companies.

Since, I will not be graduating until December, would it be premature to ask for interviews with these companies?

Who should I ask for when I make my cold calls? (I have read that you should avoid HR and try to find project/team leads)

Should I send resumes out to these companies and then follow up before I travel out there?

Could you offer any tips for me that weren't covered by the questions that I asked?

***Best case scenario, I meet with each of these companies, build positive rapport and establish a strong foundation from which I can secure a job before I graduate.


Thank you very much in advance for your advice. I know how busy all of you are and really appreciate the time that you have taken to assist me!

Best Regards,

Joshua R. Woolery
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by Tracey on 7/2/2008 at 1:35 PM Accepted
    Hi Joshua,
    One idea you might try is to ask for an informational interview. Explain that you're a student, and you'd like to ask one of their marketing pros some questions about the field. You can get valuable information, it's good networking, and sometimes it leads to a job - if not through the company, then maybe through an introduction.

    But the key to an informational interview is not to ask for a job. Just go for information. It's a courtesy for someone to donate their time to it, but a lot of people are willing -- and this approach might help you develop enough rapport to be considered for a job when you graduate. It definitely couldn't hurt, and it could open you up to more contacts at other companies, too.

    I don't think most companies would be ready to interview for a position they're hiring in December. Hope that helps - good luck!
  • Posted on 7/2/2008 at 1:44 PM Author
    Tracey,

    Thanks for your suggestions. I think you are on to something. I have read a few articles online that have suggested the same thing and your feedback has helped me feel more comfortable with that approach.

    Tracey, your feedback is why I continue to be impressed by the professionals on this website and their willingness to help others.

    Best Regards,

    Joshua W.

  • Posted on 7/2/2008 at 1:47 PM Author
    Tracey,

    I should have known. You have given me great advice before.

    Graduating In December
    Posted By: wojo0202 on 4/29/2008 12:00 PM (EST)

    Thanks for everything!
  • Posted by Tracey on 7/2/2008 at 5:26 PM Member
    Hey Joshua,
    No problem. You seem like a really nice person, and I'm sure you'll go far.

    I agree with Square Peg, and I'd also suggest getting onto Facebook. Personally, I've done a little more networking on Facebook. I think it has more features, but there are also fewer people on it. There are quite a few marketing groups on Facebook (including MarketingProfs).
  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on 7/3/2008 at 11:07 AM Accepted
    An unsolicited resume won't get you very far. However, why not start by doing your homework - identify some recent campaigns each of these companies have done, and write them about your observations, compliments, and suggestions. This does 2 things: 1)it shows that you're paying attention and 2) it will start a dialogue (which you might be able to turn into a face-to-face meeting). The idea isn't to jump in and say, "Hey, do you want to hire me?". Using an informational interview approach (by phone works fine), ask for specific information and tell them what you plan to do with it (and why).
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