Tuesday's Tips Making an Impression Series:
Calling HR and Firm Contacts
Proper Phone Etiquette When Calling HR or other Firm Contacts	Leaving a Voicemail Message
1. Know the name and role of the person who you are calling, and how they fit into the company. 2. Have a list of questions prepared, and practice saying them before you call. If possible, call before 9am. 3. When you call, identify who you are: your name, that you were an intern with SEO this summer, and note the status of your application to the bank (if applicable). 4. Tell the person that you would appreciate speaking for a specific amount of time (5-6 minutes max) and what you would like to speak about. "I was wondering if we might be able to speak for 5 or 6 minutes about xyz." 5. Ask if it is a good time to speak. If not, ask if you could arrange another time. 6. Stick to the amount of time you said. 7. If they give you specific advice, and you would like to grow more in this area, it is good to ask if they have other contacts who might be able to help you in the specific area. 8. Ask if you might be able to call again in the future with more questions/seeking further advice. 9. Thank them for their time, and for being helpful. 10. If you did really find it helpful, send a thank you note.	1. Before you call, identify a main reason for leaving a message, practice, and then call. If possible call before 9am. 2. Speak Slowly. Very Slowly. And smile while you are speaking. 3. Identify yourself, that you are an SEO intern, and what your status of your application is to the firm. 4. Concisely state your reason for calling (feedback on your CV, question about reapplying, etc.) 5. Repeat your name and number SLOWLY 6. Tell them that you will follow up. 7. Say "Thank you. I look forward to speaking with you." or something of that variety, before you hang up.

Now is a good time for many of you to call HR and your firm contacts.

-You might be seeking feedback on your applications and interviews.

-You might want to know if you are able to reapply with the general pool of applicants if you were not given an offer, and what you might do differently to improve your chances.

There might be other reasons.

Please mind the following:
1. Know the name and role of the person who you are calling, and how they fit into the company.

2. Have a list of questions prepared, and practice saying them before you call.

If possible, call before 9am.

3. When you call, identify who you are: your name, that you were an intern with SEO this summer, and note the status of your application to the bank (if applicable).

4. Tell the person that you would appreciate speaking for a specific amount of time (5-6 minutes max) and what you would like to speak about. "I was wondering if we might be able to speak for 5 or 6 minutes about xyz."

5. Ask if it is a good time to speak. If not, ask if you could arrange another time.

6. Stick to the amount of time you said.

7. If they give you specific advice, and you would like to grow more in this area, it is good to ask if they have other contacts who might be able to help you in the specific area.

8. Ask if you might be able to call again in the future with more questions/seeking further advice.

9. Thank them for their time, and for being helpful.

10. If you did really find it helpful, send a thank you note.

Jennifer Walper

Associate Director| SEO London

78 Fleet Street | London EC4Y 1HY

Tel: +44 (0) 845 4507830

Fax: +44 (0) 845 4507831

Email: jennifer.walper@seo-london.org

Web: www.seo-london.com