This document provides strategies for connecting with employers and decision makers over the phone when initially reaching out or following up. It outlines different messages to leave on voice mail or say to gatekeepers depending on the situation. The key steps are to clearly identify yourself and your purpose for calling, ask for the decision maker by name, and offer flexible times to meet briefly while persisting in attempts to connect directly with the intended contact.

1. Strategies for Getting Past Gatekeepers: Connecting with Employers via Phone
Gatekeeper Voice Mail Decision Maker
Introduction First Message Introduction
 Provide your name  Provide your name  Provide your name
 Ask for their name  Explain you are following up  Explain you are following up
 Tell s/he the decision maker is expecting  Desire to meet  Ask for convenient time to meet
 Talk about the impact you could have  Ask funneling questions like, “Do you
your call
prefer morning or afternoon’s?” “Do you
(cost savings, quality of service, etc.)
 Simple and straightforward prefer earlier or later in the week?”
“Sorry we could not speak, my number is <<Phone
Number>>. If I don’t hear from you in a couple of
days, I will follow up with another call.
Don’t remember, what’s this all about?
What is this in regard to? Second Message
 “I’m following up on some business  Express interest in learning about their
Let the person know your number and convenient
communications we had, could you help times to call you back. Let them know you only business. Explain you are interested in
me to get on his/her calendar” need a few minutes of their time. supporting companies in their industry and
it would be really helpful to learn from an
industry leader more about their business
needs.
S/He’s not available right now. I’m really busy, can we do this on the phone?
Third Message
 Explain that it is really important that you  I’ll be in your area on <<mention date>>  I’m busy too. I would really appreciate
connect. and I will stop by on the off chance you 15-30 minutes where we can meet. I am
 Ask when it would be a better time to are available for us to talk. I am really really flexible. We could meet over lunch,
or a cup of coffee, it’s up to you…
reach him/her. looking forward to meeting with you and
 When all else fails, ask to be connected to learning more about your business.
voice mail.
S/He’s not interested right now. I’m not interested in speaking with you.
Final Message
 Politely ask why?  I’m really sorry we weren’t able to  Politely: “I’m sorry to hear that, could you
tell me why?”
connect. Obviously you are very busy
right now. I’ll check back with you in a
few weeks to find a more convenient time
for us to speak.
Final Strategy (which may be implemented at any time you feel it is necessary)
Keep getting voice mail? Don’t Give Up!!! Block your “caller id” by dialing “#67” before making the call. Call early in the morning,
just before lunch, just after lunch. Don’t leave a message and continue to persist until a person picks up the phone when you call.
Jim Molloy
Organizational Development, Talent Development Professional, and Coach
Independent Contractor, Customized Solutions