Questions to Get The Employer Interested in You!
Lesson 7 Module 3
Questions To Ask That Generate Interest In You
To demonstrate solid face credibility with the employer ask questions which have a high likelihood of being answered “Yes”. The psychology behind this approach is very simple. By answering “Yes” frequently, the employer begins to feel you are asking the right questions and you understanding what is going on in his/her business. If you think there is a high possibility the employer will answer “No” to your question, then change the question.
What questions can we ask the employer that will generate his/her interest in our call and learning more about us to solve his/her problems? As you will see, some of these questions are very exploratory and do not suggest this is a sales call at all. You are simply looking for information you can use to help build your “book of employers”. The sales call may develop from this call but it may also be a week or two before you call again. At this stage, we are looking to find interest and curiosity about employment practices but in the larger picture we are also looking to build our book.
Survey Type Questions
These questions are designed to ask only for information and an appointment and have little to suggest there is any sales call potential to them at all. They are targeted at employer curiosity and willingness to help.
1
We are surveying employer hiring requirements for the next six months in our area. Could we get some time to talk to you about what positions you will have open and what you will be needing in new employees over the next half year?
2
We want to update our files with local employers’ needs and requirements. Could you tell me what kinds of entry level positions you might be looking to fill in the next three to six months?
Referral Type Questions
This is the most effective type of question to ask since it contains its own credibility. The employer feels an immediate sense of trust and is willing to answer it with few reservations. These questions demonstrate your credibility through reference.
1
In speaking with company X they said you might be hiring for entry level positions. Will you have any openings in the next three months?
2
I am working with company X and company Y in your area and they are expanding their operations. Would you be expanding as well and therefore looking to fill some entry level positions in the next three months?
Direct Request Type Questions
These are questions you ask of an employer where you feel confident that they have a need for entry level people or they are employers who are familiar with you and your organization. These questions are aimed at timing and availability needs.
1
I am calling employers to see who might have some entry level positions in the next three months. Will you be hiring for any entry level positions?
2
We are looking for employers who are looking for entry level cleaners. Do you think your company is going to be hiring in the next three months?
Ask for Help Type Questions
These questions are designed to appeal to a person’s natural inclination to help if requested to do so. The questions often begin with the phrase “Could you help me…” They are targeted to situations where you need some information and believe that the person you are contacting can both help you with that information and also provide you with an opportunity to ask follow up questions.
1
We are trying to get employers interested in a new employment service we offer that focuses on getting reliable long-term people for entry level positions. Could you help me find out who is going to be hiring in the next three months?
2
We have some people who are graduating from our entry level positions training programs and are looking to match them to employers’ entry level needs. Could you help me find employers who are going to be hiring in the next three months?
Making These Questions Work For You
Evaluate each of these statements to decide how it fits with you and with your temperament. Some types of questions will be more comfortable than others for you to use. Keep in mind that these are questions you are going to ask right at the beginning of a phone call or cold call with a prospective employer. You want the question to be sincere, reflective of your personality and something you can use to secure a face-to-face appointment.
