Cold calling is a powerful tool for recruiters, especially in economically challenging times. But if you want to maximize the benefits of your cold calls there are few techniques that may be worth trying:

1.     Research your cold calling prospects before you pick up the phone.  There is nothing worse than getting names and titles wrong unnecessarily. If you can, take the time to find the right name and title of the person you need to speak with.
2.     Follow a script.  Using a prepared script will help you jumpstart you conversation and avoid annoying prospects by failing to quickly get to the point of you call.
3.     Make sure you smile when you’re speaking.  Smiling will help you sound upbeat during your conversation with potential clients.
4.      If a prospect says they are busy and unable to talk at that moment, ask them when would be a good time to call again.
5.      Don’t be overbearing. If a potential client says they are not interested, thank them for their time and move on to the next call immediately.
6.      Leave a message. If you receive a voicemail, take the time to leave a message, you would be amazed to discover how often voicemail messages receive return calls.
7.      Make cold calling a habit. Set aside time every week to connect with new potential clients.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are over 5 million women who temporarily leave their profession to become their family's primary caregiver.  But many of these women will reenter the workforce and when they do they need to prove to employers that they are just as sharp and up-to-date in their field as the next candidate.  Here are some tips on reentering the workforce after a stint as a stay-at-home mom:

1. Do not attempt to conceal your time away from traditional work.  Remember, today's background checks are thorough and any discrepancies will be uncovered.
2. Before reentering the workforce make sure that you do the things that will keep you up-to-date in the legal field. Attend classes, conferences, volunteer or even take a part-time or consulting job that's not too demanding on your time. Even if you're volunteering once a week or even once a month, that looks a lot better than a year or two away from practicing law.
3. Stay connected with colleagues so that you can remain informed about "insider" information regarding the legal industry or even specific firms. Take the time to do lunch a couple of times a month and check in on the latest happenings.
4. Continue to network and connect with new people in the legal industry.  Staying connected will show that you are making an effort to remain current and "workforce ready.

As the job market tightens and unemployment hovers over 10 percent, identity thieves are increasing targeting job seekers.  One of the most common job search scams involves sending an email to job seekers redirecting them to a website where identity thieves collect sensitive information such as the job seeker’s social security number, address, phone number and bank account information.  The thieves say that they need your social security number to conduct a job search and they need your bank account for direct deposit. Watch out! If you give them this information you could be their next identity theft victim.  Here’s what you need to know:

1.     Do not share your social security number with a potential employer too early in the process.  Generally speaking, most employers only ask for your social security number after they have interviewed you and when they are ready to make a job offer. Even if these online scammers say that they need your social security number for citizenship verification, identity, tax purposes etc., don’t reveal that information to them. 

2.      Do your research. Conduct a background check on potential employers before you fill out the application.  Don’t submit an application containing personal information for “anonymous” employers. Find out the name of the company and start with a simple Google search and search with the better business bureau in their area. What shows up? Are they legitimate? If you can’t verify their legitimacy, move on to the next employer.

3.     Don’t give out your bank account information to potential employers.  Some scammers will tell you that they need your bank account information for direct deposit and may even deposit a small amount of money into your account and then take it out for “verification” purposes. If you authorize them to do this, your bank account will be wiped out.

4.     Don’t consent to a background check before you have interviewed with an employer and they are considering you for the position. Once again, scammers will rely on the “background check” excuse to get your social security number. Remember, no legitimate employer needs to conduct a background check on you unless they are seriously considering you for the position.

CNN Money has a great article featuring the story of Kevin Nichols, a legal professional who got hired helping other job seekers find work and by thinking outside the box.  Nichols had worked as a paralegal for 11 years when he was laid off in July.  Although his job search initially produced dismal results he was not discouraged.

The article said:

“…Nichols devoted much of his time to networking, both in person and through sites like LinkedIn. He reached out to former colleagues and acquaintances and made new contacts. Though still out of work, he even started a San Francisco networking group near his home in Oakland to help others as well… And he takes pride in their successes. So far, three other members of the group Nichols started have also been hired.”

Nichols did eventually find work, not paralegal, but as a sales person for a company that sells software tools to litigators. Nichols used his legal experience and knowledge as leverage to secure a position that was not directly related to his previous work history. Not only does his new job match the salary he earned at his last job, with commission earnings he has the potential to make a lot more money. 

Despite Nichols’ job search success, his commitment to helping other job seekers hasn’t stopped. 

He offers these job search tips:

·       Face-to-face networking is a powerful tool. Don’t depend completely on online social networking. While online social networking can be used effectively to make connections, it is not a substitute for in face meetings.

·       Reach out to other job seekers.  Job seekers should not handle their search in a selfish manner. Be willing to pool resources with other job seekers and share valuable connections.

·       Network consistently. Networking is not something that should be done sporadically.  Networking should become a daily habit, complete with goals and tracking of progress.

(source: http://money.cnn.com/2009/11/11/news/economy/_networking/index.htm)

1.     Great recruiters take risks. If you want to move from one level to the next in your business, you must be willing to do things that may be a little off-beat or even dangerous.  Following the pack is not the trait of a leader, so take the time to chart your own unique course.

2.     Great recruiters adapt new technologies and processes to serve their needs. If you want to be a great recruiter, it’s important to embrace technology.  Think about what your needs are as a recruiter and make sure that you utilize technology that will help you improve the most critical areas of your business. Shy away from technology trends that won’t add value to your business.

3.      Great recruiters build powerful teams. Good recruiters build strong teams. Even if you are a recruiter going “solo” it’s important to realize that no one can succeed on their own.  Don’t make the mistake of attempting to be a “jack of all trades” in your business. Hire experts who can save you time and money. Accountants, attorneys and IT professionals are just a few of the experts you should have on your team.  Remember, smart recruiters hire those who know more than them.

4.     Great recruiters are knowledgeable about their industry.  It’s important that recruiters stay connected to the industries they serve.  Remaining aware of any changes in your industry will give you the edge on the competition.  Subscribe to industry publications and engage in regular conversation about the latest industry happenings.

5.     Great Recruiters have powerful social networks.  “It’s who you know, not what you know…” is more than a cliché.  If you want to succeed in this industry, creating and maintaining relationships with those who have influence and access is critical to your success.