How to Cold Call for a Job in South Africa — and Stand Out from the Crowd

Although cold calling for a job can be nerve-wracking, it can prove to be a bold and rewarding strategy to penetrate the competitive South African job industry. A well-planned and well-timed successful phone call can help you stand out from a pool of applications that employers get every day.

This is a guide to show you how to cold call for a job in South Africa, what to do to prepare for it, pointers on what to talk about and how to follow up to secure yourself a job.

Why Does Cold Calling Work in South Africa?

Cold calling can benefit you because:

• Nowadays companies fill up vacancies through referrals which has reduced job advertisements, there might be a vacancy yet the company did not announce it. 
• South African employers are impressed by someone who takes initiative and a bold move like cold calling can impress employers.
• If called at the write time, you are given an opportunity to build rapport and impress your potential employer unlike emails and CVs.

Step 1: Research About the Company and Role You are Interested in

A cold calling can give you a great platform to impress your potential employer, the best way to do that is to do your research on the company you are calling in case you are asked questions. Confidence and knowledge can get you closer to landing that job.

What Do You Need To Research About:

• Major projects done by the company, mission and vision of the company and the industry.
• The name of the person who is in charge of hiring or head of the department
• Any recent projects or actions about the company
• The positions that are usually open for in their company

You can find company information on LinkedIn, company websites, and job boards to prepare for your cold calling.

Step 2: Find the Right Person To Contact

Find a way to get the hiring manager’s contacts or directly contact the head of department instead of calling the company’s general number.

How To Find the Right Person To Call:

• Find the official Company Websites and check contacts under “About Us” or “Team” pages.
• Explore the company’s LinkedIn page to find the hiring manager or look for your industry’s hiring managers.
• Try Networking within your industry and also request mutual contacts to introduce you to the right people
• You can find a hiring manager’s details from the company’s Job Listings even from old ones..

Step 3: Be ready and Prepare a Strong Opening  When Your Call gets answered

Your opening line can determine whether the call will be longer or shorter if you could not impress the potential employer. Choose an attention grabbing, straight to the point and confident line.

For Example:

Why Does This Work? 

• It shows initiative
• Give the employer that you are polite, eager and professional.
• Marks your relevance.
• It is inviting yet gentle and not pushy thus encouraging the potential employer to engage in a conversation.

Step 4: Be Precise and Highlight Your Value in 30 Seconds

If your opening line is successful and the person is ready to give you a minute, shortly emphasise why you will be a great candidate for the role you are aiming for.

For Example:

“I have just completed my degree in Digital Marketing at UCT and have already acquired  hands-on experience with social media strategy and content creation. In my last project, I increased traffic and page engagement by 35% in under three months. I’d love the opportunity to apply my skills to a role at your company and be part of your company’s success”

Always aim to be short and precise, focusing more on how you can benefit the company instead of making it about your wants.

Step 5: Ask Open-Ended Questions

Ask  questions that will compel the potential employer to engage in a conversation instead of a Yes or No type of questions. This shows genuine interest.

Questions like;

• “What skills do you value most in a new team member in your company?”
• “What is the biggest challenge your team is currently facing and what are you hoping for?”
• “Are there future projects where additional help might be needed?”

Step 6: Accept and Handle Objections Gracefully

You will not get the same positive response in every cold calling, how you respond to rejections might leave a lasting impression. You might get responses like;

“We’re not hiring right now.”

Here is how to answer;

 “I completely understand. Can I send my CV just in case a vacancy that aligns with my expertise comes in future?”

“Please apply through our website.”

Here is how to answer;
“Thank you for your time! I’ll do that. Are there any specific requirements you look for in applications?”

Step 7: Do a Follow Up Without Being Pushy

Try doing a polite follow up without appearing pushy.

• Draft a thank-you follow up email after affirming your interest and send it after your call
• In cases where they asked for you to send your CV, send a follow up email or call a week after not hearing from them.
• Be visible and stay connected on LinkedIn to engage with their posts or updates.

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What Mistakes Should You Avoid When Cold Calling?

• Lack of effort – Making a call without doing background research on the company.
• Oversharing – Make your request brief and wait for them to respond
• Being pushy- it comes off as desperate 
• Not preparing for rejection- be ready to be rejected and have a good polite response that will leave an impression.
• Forgetting to follow up – maybe the second time’s a charm, be prepared to follow up in a week’s time.

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Why Cold Calling Can Work for You

The South African job industry is competitive and requires someone who can stand out from the crowd. Cold calling for a job can help you build meaningful connections, expand your network, find vacancies that were never advertised and give you an opportunity to impress your potential employer. Start practicing now and make that bold step to make those calls for your dream job.

Key Takeaways

• Research about the company before calling
• Contact the right person, either hiring manager or head of department
• Be ready with an attention grabbing and engaging opening line
• Emphasize what skills you bring to the company in 30 seconds
• Do a follow up

Want to land your dream job in South Africa? Learn how to cold call potential employers with confidence and stand out from the competition with this step-by-step guide.