Cold Canvassing - Let’s Do It

Most people “loath” cold canvassing but it’s a tried and tested method of obtaining work. However it’s not easy, it takes a lot of confidence to walk into a business and sell yourself successfully. For this reason may people won’t even consider trying it. I urge everyone looking for work to try cold canvassing as the benefits far out weigh you feeling “awkward” for a few minutes.

“Don’t be afraid of rejection it’s part of cold canvassing”

 

Benefits of cold canvassing:

• You will create a stronger relationship with the employer , compared with phone/email canvassing.
• If a job comes up, they will remember you. Our brains remember faces and physical interaction far better than voices or text.
• 70% of the job market is hidden, they may need someone just haven’t advertised it. You just might walk in at the right time.
• Employers will be impressed by your enthusiasm and effort to obtain work. They will relate this to your work ethic.
• If the employer has time you can quickly go over your resume and stamp out any assumptions they may make about you.
• Now we’ve gone through the benefits, let’s take a look how you can make your cold canvassing efforts a success.

How to Cold Canvas:

• Always ask for the manager - they make the decisions not the workers.
• Dress in business attire  - it’s important you make a good first impression.
• Have a well written resume prepared - indentify any concerns the employer may have and if you have time stamp them out. e.g. Gaps in employment, maybe your where just travelling overseas instead employers may assume you are a unreliable worker.
• Be polite and accept they maybe having a bad day or be busy. If they’re busy just leave your resume and give them a follow up call in a few days time.
• Don’t oversell yourself as you may come across as being “cocky” or over confident. As the saying goes “less is often best”.
• If it’s a small business include a genuine complement about their business. This will appeal to the owners ego and pride.
• Try not to leave the business without some sort of information that will get you closer to getting work. Ask questions like: “Do you know of anyone looking for staff” or “Do you have any positions that maybe coming up”.
• Do waste their time, plan your approach and have a backup questions. The last thing you want to do is stand there with nothing to say looking like an idiot. For example: Computer Shop - Ask about the “diagnostic  tools” they use and discuss it. This not only keeps the conversation flowing but allows you to showcase your knowledge on the subject.
• Take their Business Card. This will allow you to have the managers name and contact details.

Follow up

Always follow up - this step is often forgotten about but is imperative  to your cold canvassing success. However be sure not to follow up too often as you may annoy the potential employer. The best way to follow up is with a phone call, remind them about your meeting and she if they have had time to read your resume.

Lastly - be confident! The worst that can happen is you get a “No” but imagine if you get a “Yes”.

Good Luck!