Why should you follow-up with a phone call? Well, most managers get dozens of résumés in the mail, each asking for a job interview. Managers seldom have time to answer these requests. You see, it’s a game. Managers want to know if you really want to work for their company – or whether they’re just one of the companies on your "hit" list. So, they figure, if you really want to work for them, you’ll do more than just send them a résumé – you’ll also pick up the phone and let them know that you’re serious about wanting to work for them.

Research shows that if you mail your résumé to 20 companies, you might land one job interview. If you follow-up with a phone call, you should land 4 interviews. Does following-up work?

Sure they will. But, before you grab the phone and start calling every manager on your list, know what you’re going to say to them.

Study the script provided. Practice. Get a friend to play the role of the manager. Call him/her and practice your speech. When you feel comfortable about your telephone skills, grab the phone and give the "real" manager a call.

Don’t feel discouraged if you bomb on the first few calls – most people do. Practice makes perfect. The more calls you make the more confident you’ll feel. Save the "best" managers for when you feel really confident. Make your calls before 10:00 a.m. Most managers attend meetings after 10:00 a.m.

Be friendly. Speak clearly. Have a pen and paper handy. If the manager isn’t available, ask if there’s a best time to try again. If you receive a voice mail, have your message in writing in front of you so you say exactly what you want to say and nothing more.

1. Call the manager and introduce yourself.

"Good morning, Ms. Icanhireu. My name is Tom Talkentou.

2. Say something friendly.

"How are you this morning?"

3. Get down to business.

"Ms. Icanhireu, earlier this week I sent you a letter with a copy of my résumé. I wanted to follow-up and see if you received it."

4. Prepare for the unexpected.

"Oh, I’m sorry to hear that you never received it. I was hoping to schedule an appointment with you to learn about the career opportunities as a (position) in your company (don’t stop)…"

5. Ask for the interview.

"… Would it be possible for you to spare a few minutes, maybe 10-15, at your convenience, to explore those opportunities with me? I realize your time is very valuable so I wouldn’t consider taking any more time than you can allow."

6. Prepare for the "put off."

"Oh, I do understand that you are quite busy and do not currently have any openings in your department. Would you be able to spare 10-15 minutes in the next 2 weeks or so to tell me more about your company and possibly others in the company who may be interested in my skills?"

7. Sell yourself – but, don’t be pushy and don’t beg.

"I’d like to be the first one on your list when you do have an open position. Would you be able to schedule some time with me, maybe over a cup of coffee or something and see where I might fit in?"

8. Wrap it up and confirm the appointment.