Using the old fashioned phone call to get a job during tough environments

Recruiting tip: Use the old fashioned phone call to get a job

“I’m sorry Justin,  but we’re rescinding your internship offer to join us this summer. The markets and firm are crashing. Best of luck.”

It was the summer of 2008, and I was a junior at USC. I had lost my only summer analyst job offer after 8 straight first round rejections at other firms.

I freaked out. My resume was not strong, and I had spent the prior summer playing violin at the National Symphony Orchestra summer music institute. Recruiting season was over, and the intern classes were full. 

The next morning, I woke up, and I took a deep breath. I picked up my phone, I looked through my contacts, opened up Google Search on my laptop, and I started to make some calls. 

I called everyone that had rejected me.
I called alumni that had senior positions, looking for their number on the web.
I even called receptionists.

I explained my situation.
I told folks I would work for free, and I’d be happy to help mop the floors.
I told folks I’d be ready to start, tomorrow. 

It was a scary time, and I experienced a lot more rejection. Most companies did not return my calls, and I was afraid firms might judge me the wrong way. I was worried my business career was over before it even started. 

Out of 60 calls, two unlikely leads led to offers: a compassionate receptionist at Lazard who forwarded my call over to the hiring manager. An interviewer from Goldman Sachs who had previously rejected me, but gave me a second shot. 

To stand out, it helps to do things differently. Put yourself out there. Take away the pride, pick up the phone, and share your story. Even back then, very few people were calling with their phones. Of course it’s much less hurtful when you get a rejection via email or text, versus on a personal call. But on the company side, it’s far easier to ignore a person’s email, text, or LinkedIn note vs. a call. A phone call, a Zoom meet, or showing up at someone’s office, is still far more personal versus a text. 

It only takes one person, one offer, and one company, to jumpstart your career. That’s worth calling for :)