Cold call talk track
Call the hiring manager.
An email shows you can write. A call shows you can do the job, live, with the person who'd manage you.
Before you dial
- Check your intent. You're calling to see if there's a fit, not to get a yes.
- Call the hiring manager, not the recruiter.
- If the posting says not to call, don't.
- Have one piece of proof ready, in one sentence.
Check your intent
Your intent shapes how you sound.
When you need the job, you sound like it. Rushed. Nervous. Pushy.
The hiring manager hears it in the first five seconds.
So lean back.
Make the call to see if there's a fit, not to get a yes.
When you're not attached to what happens, your voice changes. You slow down. You sound relaxed. You sound like someone who's done this before.
Detached doesn't mean you don't care.
It means you do your best and forget the rest.
The call
1. Opener
“Hi Max, it's Alex Berger. We haven't spoken before and I know you weren't expecting my call, but I was hoping you could help me out for a moment.”
Why it works: Admitting he wasn't expecting you lowers his guard. Asking for help, not his time, makes it easy to say yes.
2. Reason
“I saw you're hiring an AE to help move beyond founder-led sales. I applied. And I figured the best way to show you how I'd sound with your buyers was to just pick up the phone.”
Why it works: Opens with something from his job post, then names what's really happening: this call is the work sample.
3. Question
“When you've got a stack of candidates who look the same on paper, how do you decide who gets a first conversation?”
Why it works: Gets him talking about what he values. Listen, then connect what he says to one piece of your proof, briefly.
4. Ask
“Would it make sense to set up a time to talk, or is it better if I wait for the process?”
Why it works: Gives him two real options. No pressure, so he can actually choose.
When he pushes back
“Just apply online”
“Sounds like you get a lot of these calls.”
(pause)
“How'd I do handling this objection?”
If he's positive
“I appreciate that. Would it be worth setting up a time to talk?”
If he gives feedback
“That's really helpful, thank you. If I came in with that sorted, would you be open to a first conversation?”
If he still says apply
“Will do. Mind if I mention we spoke, so it doesn't get lost in the pile?”
Why it works: The label agrees with his world, so there's nothing to push back on. Naming it an objection shows you know exactly what just happened, which is the skill he's hiring for. And it turns a gatekeeper into a coach.
“I'm busy”
“Okay. I'll call you back.”
Why it works: Every other caller tries to squeeze in a pitch. You just let go. Calm and confident, and the next call starts warmer.
If you get voicemail
“Hi Max, it's Alex Berger. Saw in your job ad that you're moving beyond founder-led sales. Two things helped us at Acme that I wanted to bounce off you. I'll send a short note too. My number is 555-555-5555. Again, 555-555-5555.”
Why it works: It's about his problem, not your application. “Two things” makes him curious, and “bounce off you” treats him like a peer. Say your number twice. Then make sure your note names the two things.
Need the note to send after? See the cold emails.
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