What Is Cold Calling? A Beginner’s Guide to the Skill That Opens Doors

Cold calling is one of the most common outreach methods used in sales, recruiting, business development, and customer service. At its core, cold calling is simply reaching out to someone you haven’t spoken with before to introduce yourself, share information, or start a conversation that could lead to an opportunity.

Even though cold calling can feel intimidating at first, it’s actually a straightforward, learnable skill. With the right strategies, anyone can become confident and effective on the phone.

What Is Cold Calling?

Cold calling is when you initiate a conversation with a new contact without any previous interaction or warm introduction. The purpose is to create awareness, gather information, or guide the person toward a next step, like scheduling an interview, booking an appointment, or explaining a service.

It’s not about selling aggressively or forcing a conversation.
Good cold calling is:

  • Professional

  • Helpful

  • Clear

  • Focused on the other person’s needs

At its core, cold calling is really about starting meaningful conversations.

Basic Strategies That Make Cold Calling Work

Below are the foundational techniques that help cold callers succeed, even if they’re brand new.

1. Prepare Before You Dial

A great call starts before you ever pick up the phone.

Preparation includes:

  • Having a short intro script or talking points

  • Knowing what you’re calling about

  • Understanding what the goal of the call is

  • Keeping notes or a call list handy

Being prepared makes you sound confident and professional.

2. Use a Clear, Simple Introduction

The first 5–10 seconds set the tone.

A good intro:

  • Says who you are

  • States your purpose

  • Avoids sounding robotic

  • Keeps things short

Example:
“Hi, this is Jordan calling from CareerPaths NW, do you have a quick moment?”

A calm, friendly tone is more important than the exact words.

3. Speak With Confidence (Not Speed)

When someone feels rushed, they’re more likely to disconnect.

Successful callers:

  • Slow down their speaking

  • Use a steady, relaxed tone

  • Avoid filler words (“uh,” “like,” “so yeah…”)

Confidence invites trust.

4. Ask Simple, Direct Questions

Questions give direction to the conversation and show the person you’re interested in them.

Examples:

  • “Are you currently open to new opportunities?”

  • “Have you heard about our program before?”

  • “Is now a good time to chat?”

Questions help guide the call instead of overwhelming the listener.

5. Listen More Than You Talk

The best cold callers are great listeners.

Why listening matters:

  • It builds rapport

  • It allows you to understand needs

  • It helps you respond more effectively

  • It reduces awkwardness

Cold calling is a two-way conversation, not a monologue.

6. Expect Objections (They’re Normal!)

People may say things like:

  • “I’m busy.”

  • “Not interested.”

  • “Send me an email.”

This is completely normal.

Good callers stay calm and respond politely:

  • “No problem, when’s a better time to reach you?”

  • “Totally understand. Before I go, can I ask one quick question?”

Handling objections comes with practice.

7. Keep It Short and Focused

Cold calls should be direct, purposeful, and respectful of time.

Basic structure:

  1. Introduce yourself

  2. Explain why you’re calling

  3. Ask a simple question

  4. Share relevant details

  5. Ask for the next step

Most calls don’t need to be long, they just need clarity.

8. Track Your Calls & Improve Over Time

Great callers:

  • Keep notes

  • Track what works

  • Notice patterns

  • Adjust their approach

Cold calling becomes easier the more you understand your own strengths and what your audience responds to.

Why Cold Calling Matters

Even if someone never works in sales, cold calling builds:

  • Confidence

  • Communication skills

  • Professionalism

  • Quick thinking

  • Relationship-building habits

These skills help in job interviews, customer service, networking, and leadership; almost every career path benefits from them.

Industry | Construction: Overview

Welcome, this is the first post in the Industry Overview Series!

I’m excited to give you a bit of insight into an industry that you may be unfamiliar with. Hopefully this will help to open your mind to the different kinds of opportunities available to you that you may not have considered.

This first entry is about the Construction Industry.

The construction industry is often thought of as a sector that primarily involves hard labor and physically building structures. However, the industry is much more diverse and offers a wide range of roles that cater to different skills and interests. From project management to design and engineering, sales and business development to quality control and safety, there is a role for everyone in the construction industry.

The goal of the industry is to create functional and aesthetically pleasing structures that meet the needs of the community and clients. Whether you are just starting your career or looking for a change, the construction industry offers exciting opportunities for those looking to make an impact in the built environment.

There are various roles that one might find in the construction industry, and they can be broadly grouped into several categories:

 

  • Project management:

    These roles involve overseeing all aspects of a construction project, from planning and design to completion. They are responsible for the coordination of all aspects of the project, including scheduling, budgeting and resource allocation.

  • Design and Engineering:

    These roles involve the technical aspects of construction, such as designing, engineering and creating blueprints of the structure, while also ensuring that it meets all necessary codes and regulations.

  • Skilled labor:

    These roles involve physically building the structure, such as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, masons and so on. These tradespeople use their skills and knowledge to construct the building according to the plans and specifications.

  • Sales and Business Development:

    These roles involve finding and securing new business, such as sales representatives, and business development professionals. They work to generate leads and close deals for the company. A sales related role in this industry that might appeal to creatives would be a marketing representative.

  • Quality Control and Safety:

    These roles involve ensuring that the structure is built according to code and safety regulations, as well as ensuring that quality standards are met throughout the construction process.

  • Customer service and client management:

    These roles involve maintaining the relationship with the client and ensuring that their needs are met, such as site managers and customer service representatives.

Each role in the construction industry plays an essential part in the success of a project.

Project management roles ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget, while design and engineering roles ensure that the structure is designed and built according to code and safety regulations. Skilled labor is responsible for physically building the structure, sales and business development roles bring in new business, and customer service and client management roles maintain the relationship with the client.

Together, these roles form the backbone of the construction industry, working together to create functional and aesthetically pleasing structures that meet the needs of the community and clients.

In conclusion, the construction industry is a vital sector that plays a crucial role in the development of our built environment. The industry offers a wide range of roles that cater to different skills and interests, from project management and design to skilled labor and customer service.

Whether you’re just starting your career or looking for a change, the construction industry offers exciting opportunities for those looking to make an impact in the built environment. With a variety of roles available, there is a place for everyone in the construction industry, and it is worth exploring the different options available to find the right fit for you.

If this article sparked your interest, check out our currently available jobs in the Construction industry!

If you liked this article, stay tuned for more in this series. I am conducting a similar series on Job Types as well, giving examples of what a particular job type’s role might be across different industries. As time goes on, we’ll move on from overviews and transition into more specific information of interest.

(Our first entry in the Job Types series was on Sales. Give it a read!)

 

Job Type | Sales: Is a Career in Sales Right for You?

Read more

Why Should You Use LinkedIn?

​If you’re looking to network or are interested in keeping up to date on your professional industry, there’s no better place than LinkedIn.
Here you can find a vast network of professionals like you across any and all industries. Think of it almost as social media for business, with the benefit of affording you new opportunities.
So why should you use it?

Information

First off, if you’re looking to grow in your career, LinkedIn is a great resource.
Stay on top of market trends and new technologies to get ahead of the curve and improve your skills. Build your network of people from your company, industry, or Job Title to get unique insights that may help inspire or educate you.

Build a Personal Brand & Network 

Join in on the conversation! Share knowledge of your own to help others, and build a strong reputation for yourself in the process. You may even get noticed as a result, possibly offering you unique opportunities. All in all, it can be an enriching resource for passive and active career growth.

Seeking work

On the topic of opportunities, your network of connections may expose you to interesting jobs that you would have otherwise not seen.
LinkedIn in particular has a reputation as being one of the best places to find quality professionals when employers are looking to hire. If LinkedIn is where many employers look first, it’s wise to have your profile in the mix.
If you’re actively looking for work, make sure to take the time to fill out your profile with your experience and skills so that you can be discovered passively by companies seeking your expertise.
Browse their Job Board, sporting over 6 million jobs, to get your resume out to the positions you want. You can also activate a setting that shows you are Open to Work, which will display a graphic over your profile image to increase your visibility. This will make it even easier for employers to find you.
Overall, using LinkedIn can change your professional career for the better, in a multitude of ways. Whether you plan to actively engage with the platform, or just make a profile with your information, it can serve to benefit you nonetheless.

How to Prepare for a Job Search

Feeling unfulfilled, bored, or like you’re not progressing in your career as you desire? If you’re ready to make a change in your job, it’s time to prepare yourself. Here’s some steps to take on how to prepare for a job search.

Planning

Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Where do you want to go from here?

Take some time to really think about you. What are your goals? If you haven’t planned ahead, now would be a good time to take some personal inventory to make your planning easier. Are you looking for stability, or a more advanced role? Think about your strengths and what you enjoy. Explore what opportunities are a good match for someone with your strengths.

Whatever your aim is, do some research on the qualifications and skills that you need to move yourself in the direction you want to go. If there’s gaps in the experience you need for your goals, map out the steps you need to take to get the experience you need. Whether it’s education, or moving up through different roles, get an idea of what is necessary to achieve your goals. Having this intentional direction to your job search will help in identifying opportunities that fulfill your needs.

Consider internal opportunities

If you don’t mind your employer or the industry you are in, consider possible opportunities within your company.

Look at the roles that exist in your current company for any that you may be interested in. Talk to your supervisor and express an interest in growth or a particular role, and inquire as to what steps you need to take to get on track for acquiring those skills.

If your employer isn’t interested in training on a different role within the company, make sure that you are truly unsatisfied with your work, and if so, time to prepare to look at your other options.

Optimize your resume for your goals

Make sure to highlight your strengths that are geared towards the kinds of jobs you want. You’d be surprised at the employers that find your skillset desirable.

Check out our article on resume writing tips!

Put your resume up on Job Boards

Countless employers are scouring job boards for resumes just like yours at any given moment. Make sure you’re putting your resume on all of them you can find to increase your potential for opportunities.

Here’s some popular job boards:

  • Indeed
  • Monster
  • CareerBuilder
  • ZipRecruiter

And consider creating a profile on Linkedin if you haven’t already, it’s a great networking tool and a good way to be seen in a way that isn’t limited to just your resume.

Conduct your intentional Job Search

Shoot your shot! Now that you have an idea of the direction you want to move in, it’s time to explore your opportunities.

Since you’ve done some research on the types of roles you’re looking for, it should take some stress out of the process. Be dedicated in your search, and your efforts will pay off.

Keep an open mind. There may be positions you may have never thought you could be considered for but are interested in, check it out! Some employers are more than willing to train the right person, even if they may not have directly related experience. Having the right characteristics and aptitude or enthusiasm can influence more than you think.

Be proactive!

While you’re in the process of getting a new job, consider setting aside some time to develop skills independently. Whether it’s your communication skills or a software, continuing to grow will only serve to help you.

Let us help you in your job search! Send us your resume and our team of recruiters may be able to help you find your ideal job.

Want to succeed in your career?

Know Your Strengths and Areas for Growth

To achieve success, having a deep understanding of your capabilities and limitations is crucial. By identifying your strengths and weaknesses, you can focus your efforts more strategically. Regularly assess your professional and personal skills, recognizing areas where you excel and those that could use improvement. This reflection isn’t a one-time exercise; revisit it periodically to stay on track. Don’t shy away from seeking feedback from trusted friends, family, or colleagues. Listening to constructive criticism can provide valuable insights that help you grow.

Invest in Continuous Learning Across Fields

Once you have clarity on your strengths and areas needing development, it’s important to take action. Make a conscious effort to expand your skills and address any gaps. This could mean attending workshops, reading books, or enrolling in classes that push you to develop both professionally and personally. Be open to learning about topics beyond your immediate field, as cross-disciplinary knowledge can boost your overall value and adaptability as an employee.

Maximize Efficiency in Your Work

Effective organization is key to building a successful career. This involves mastering time management, setting clear work objectives, and regularly evaluating your progress. Break down tasks into manageable steps and create systems that help you streamline your workload. Eliminate unnecessary steps where possible, and don’t hesitate to delegate or seek assistance when needed. Observing and learning from highly efficient individuals in your workplace can also provide helpful strategies for managing your own work more effectively.

Linkedin and the Job Recruiter

LinkedIn Groups are an often underutilized tool that can be incredibly effective in a job search. By joining relevant groups, you gain direct access to recruiters and hiring managers, boost your visibility, and build credibility through thoughtful engagement. Here’s a guide on how to make the most of LinkedIn Groups to support your job search.

1. Join the Right Groups

While LinkedIn allows members to join up to 50 groups, most users only belong to a few. If you’re actively searching for a job, consider joining all 50 to maximize exposure. Look for groups related to your profession, industry, target employers, and geographic area, as well as any alumni or networking groups that may help you make meaningful connections. Joining is easy—simply click the “Join” button, and if the group requires approval, your membership request will be reviewed.

2. Engage and Communicate

LinkedIn Groups allow members to connect and message each other directly, even without a first-degree connection. Use this to your advantage by reaching out to recruiters or other professionals in your industry. Participate in group discussions, post relevant comments, and reply to others’ posts. This can showcase your expertise and make you more visible to people who may assist in your job search.

Additionally, the largest LinkedIn job search group, Job Openings, Job Leads and Job Connections, has nearly two million members, including many recruiters. By being active in this group, you increase your chances of catching the attention of recruiters who may be browsing for potential candidates.

3. Meet New Contacts

Groups provide a unique opportunity to “meet” people in your field virtually. Use the “Members” search feature in each group to find individuals with specific job titles or roles at your target companies. Comment thoughtfully on their posts and introduce yourself via private messages when appropriate. This can help you build a network of connections who share your professional interests.

4. Share Your Expertise

Showcase your knowledge by sharing articles, insights, and other valuable content with the group. Posting carefully curated, well-written content helps build your credibility and shows potential employers your communication skills and expertise. Remember that anything you post is visible to group members and, often, on your LinkedIn feed, so be mindful of the quality of your contributions.

5. Research Job Market Trends and Employers

LinkedIn Groups are valuable for more than just networking; they’re also an excellent source of industry information and insights. From job postings to the latest developments in your field, groups offer a variety of updates and news that can keep you informed. Additionally, groups provide insight into potential employers, giving you an insider perspective from current and past employees.

6. Keep Learning

Joining groups relevant to your field lets you stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and skills. Members frequently share new developments, articles, and educational resources, making it easy to continue learning. This ongoing education can help you stay competitive, especially if you’ve been away from the industry or are exploring a new career path.

7. Avoid Common Pitfalls

While LinkedIn Groups offer great benefits, there are some risks to avoid:

  • Manage Post Visibility: Posts in groups may also appear on your public LinkedIn feed. If you’re currently employed, consider adjusting group settings to prevent your job search activity from being visible to your employer.
  • Mind Your Tone and Professionalism: Avoid comments that may come across as unprofessional or overly critical, and always use correct grammar and spelling. These posts are often the first impression others have of your work, so professionalism is essential.
  • Follow Group Rules: Each LinkedIn Group has its own set of rules. Ignoring these can lead to moderation, where all your posts are subject to approval across LinkedIn, a status known as “SWAM” (site-wide automated moderation). Always review and respect each group’s guidelines, which you can access through the “i” icon on the group’s page.

Bottom Line

A fully complete LinkedIn Profile, including a professional headshot, is essential for maximizing your LinkedIn visibility. Engaging actively in LinkedIn Groups helps expand your network, making you more visible to others in search results. By using groups effectively, you’ll build connections and increase your chances of finding the right job opportunity on LinkedIn.

Job Loss Happens…

Be More Than Prepared

Always have an up-to-date résumé ready to go. Whether you’re currently employed or actively job searching, it’s crucial to maintain an updated version so you’re ready when an unexpected opportunity comes along. Additionally, create and optimize your LinkedIn profile if you haven’t already. LinkedIn is a powerful networking tool, and growing your connections can open doors to new opportunities.

Tip: Regularly review and refine your LinkedIn profile, ensuring your skills, experiences, and accomplishments are up-to-date.

Don’t Wait to File for Unemployment Benefits

If you’re laid off, filing for unemployment benefits as soon as possible is critical to avoid delays in receiving financial support. Many states allow you to file online or by phone, making the process more convenient.

Tip: Visit your state’s Department of Labor website to find information and start the process immediately.

Get Help

Take advantage of free or low-cost resources that provide job search and career counseling services. College career offices, state Department of Labor offices, and public libraries often offer workshops, résumé assistance, and access to computers and printers. Libraries also host classes and programs designed to enhance your job search skills.

Tip: Check with local libraries and state labor offices for upcoming events and resources that can support your job search.

Work with CareerPaths NW

If you’re looking for personalized help with your job search, CareerPaths NW is a leading recruiting agency in the Pacific Northwest. They provide free services to candidates and specialize in connecting job seekers with companies that are actively hiring.

Tip: Contact  CareerPaths NW for a free consultation and let them help guide you to the right opportunities tailored to your skills and career goals.

By being proactive in your job search and utilizing all available resources, you can improve your chances of landing a position that aligns with your experience and career aspirations.

Ultimate Guide to picking good job references in Redmond

You know you’re nearing the final stretch of an interview process (and that it’s looking good for you) when a potential employer asks these three questions:

  1. When would you be available to start? (Or, how much notice do you need to give your current employer?)
  2. Can we get you set up for your physical and drug screen?
  3. Will you please provide us with a list of professional references we may contact?

Question number three can rattle even the strongest of candidates if you’re not prepared to respond swiftly with names, titles, the nature of the relationship, and current contact information for however many people with whom they’d like to speak.

Don’t get caught in scramble mode at this stage of the game. Your prompt response and the quality of your references can take you the distance if you play this right.

Let’s begin.

Who Should I List (or Not List) as a Reference?

Generally speaking, your future employer wants to talk with the following people, in order of importance (depending on your role):

  1. Your current manager or supervisor
  2. Your prior managers or supervisors
  3. Your current peers or clients (if you’re interviewing for a client-facing role)
  4. Your prior peers or clients
  5. Your personal references or friends who will vouch for you

Number five, by the way, is a remote fifth place. Reserve this one for only those times you have few other options, and make sure to ask if it’s OK to include personal references before you do so. Also, if you’re a graduating college student (or recent grad), you can absolutely include professors who may be able to speak to your performance and work ethic.

Never (ever) include relatives, unless you happen to work directly for or with one. Oh, and absolutely don’t ever give a fake name and then commission your buddy to “pretend” to be your employer or peer. Recruiters are not stupid. Treat them so at your own peril.

Keep in mind that the primary reason why potential employers want to check your references is because they want a third party to vouch for your on-the-job performance and character. You can tout your greatness all day long in the interview, but it truly gels for decision makers when others tout it for you.

Should They Be on My Resume?

Nooooooo. Heavens, no. Not only do you not need to list out your references, you shouldn’t. It takes up unnecessary resume space, and there’s a remote chance that a recruiter may be more interested in, say, your manager (who you’ve listed) than he or she is in you. No need to hand over all of this information before you captivate him or her.

Likewise, no need to write out “References available upon request.” This is a given. When the hiring manager want them, he or she will ask for them. 100% of the time.

What If I’m a Covert Job Seeker?

This can be a tricky one. If you’re currently employed—and job searching on the sly—who can you trust in these final, important legs of a job transition? I can’t answer this one definitively because every situation is different, and the stakes can be quite high. Trust your gut.

Chances are, you aren’t going to be able to use your current manager as a reference. Certainly, consider enlisting former managers. But you should also think about asking one to two colleagues with whom you have a close personal bond (and established level of trust). If and when you ask them for this support, spell it out very clearly how important it is for you to keep your search under wraps—and the potential consequences for you if they blab.

Also, if you’re providing your potential employer with a relatively weak list of references, be sure and alert them that you’re aware of that, and explain why.

How Should I Ask?

I always encourage clients to approach potential references with specificity, instead of the old, “Hey, would you be willing to be my reference?” Do that, and you’re going to have to let the chips fall where they may in terms of what this person offers up. And along those lines, do this over the phone if possible. You’ll get a much better idea of how excited (or unexcited) this person is to help you.

Make sure to frame your request in a way that spells out the details of the role you’re pursuing, what you anticipate the caller is likely going to want to talk about, and how he or she can be the most helpful.

Example: “Because they’re going through so much change and restructuring right now, I’m guessing they’re going to want to make sure I have strong leadership skills and the ability to turn around struggling teams and programs. If you’re willing, I’d love for you to share some detail on the program we revitalized in 2014.”

Be specific, and also ask this direct question at the end of the call, “May I count on you to give me a favorable reference should the company contact you?”

Don’t assume your past co-worker or boss is going to sing your praises. You never know—she may be jealous of your opportunity here or feel like you dropped the ball on something last year. If you ask this question, you’ll either get a “Yes, of course you can count on me” or an awkward pause or waffle. Don’t list anyone who responds with the awkward pause or waffle. Lukewarm references can sink you in the home stretch.

Is There Anything I Should Provide My References With?

Ideally, provide them with a copy of the job description or an overview of the role and main responsibilities. If you can, also give them some background on the person you anticipate will be calling them, so that they can feel up-to-date and prepared for the conversation.

Also, if it’s someone you’ve used as a reference before (and you suspect would be fine being listed again), provide him or her with a heads-up. Don’t list people without giving them any indication that you’ve used them as a reference for this next opportunity. That’s rude, and it may annoy them to the point of not giving you a glowing review.

What Do I Do After They Are Contacted?

Honestly, you don’t always know when a reference has been contacted, but often times your people will follow up to let you know the conversation just took place.

What do you do? This one is easy—thank him or her, and offer to return the favor if it’s ever needed. And, when you land that job? Most definitely let each of your references know, and consider a small thank you gift, like a coffee gift card or lunch.

Get it right, take it the distance, and enjoy that amazing new gig in 2016.

How are your target companies advertising for available jobs?

Where Companies Advertise Job Openings

Companies use a variety of channels to reach potential candidates. Here’s an overview of where you can find job postings and opportunities to connect with employers:

1. Company Websites

Most companies, especially larger ones, list open positions on their official websites. Job seekers can browse these listings and often apply directly through the site. Many companies also allow applicants to set up job alerts, which notify you by email whenever a new position that fits your criteria is posted. Some even offer online interview scheduling for a streamlined application process.

2. Online Job Boards

To reach a broader audience, companies often post jobs on major job boards like Monster and Indeed. For industry-specific roles, they may turn to niche job sites like MediaBistro for media jobs or Dice for tech roles. This approach helps them target candidates with the right background and skills.

3. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a popular platform for job listings and professional networking. Companies post open roles on LinkedIn’s job section, and many also actively search the site for potential candidates. LinkedIn Groups can also serve as a resource for job postings, where employers and industry professionals share opportunities directly within relevant groups.

4. Social Media Recruiting

Social media has become a key tool for recruitment. Companies use platforms like Facebook and Twitter to promote job listings and connect with potential candidates. Many companies even have dedicated Facebook career pages or use Facebook apps to post jobs. On Twitter, companies may tweet job openings and engage with users to build awareness about open positions and the company culture.