Career Network Tutorial
Making that first call

Your first call is typically to just arrange the informational interview.  You may have to play a little phone tag with your Advisor.

  • don't leave the Advisor hanging; call when you indicate you will call (the next day, if you emailed; within the week, if you snail mailed)
  • don't call later than 8pm (Advisor time zone) if you're calling the Advisor at home
  • have a professional voicemail greeting message for callers

 


Example First Call Script

Hello, this is FirstName LastName, the sophomore from Skidmore College who emailed you yesterday regarding the Career Advisor Network.

I'm sorry I missed you.

I'd like to arrange a day and time for our informational interview.

To remind you, I'm interested in asking about your career path, in general, and about your work at CompanyName, in particular. I'm hoping these types of conversations help me confirm the track I'm on with my major and minor.

My name, again, is FirstName LastName. That's spelled F-i-r-s-t-n-a-m-e L-a-s-t-n-a-m-e; again, F-i-r-s-t-n-a-m-e L-a-s-t-n-a-m-e. I can be reached at 555-555-5555; again, 555-555-5555. Wednesdays and Fridays between 3 and 5 are best for me, but I realize you're busy so if I don't hear back from you this week, I'll certainly try you again next week.

Thank you again for your willingess to advise students like me. I really do appreciate it. Goodbye.


Tips

  • leave detailed messages
  • speak slowly and clearly
  • spell your name, twice
  • provide your phone number, twice
  • indicate that you'll try again if you don't hear back from the Advisor

 

Surprise Tip
  • While this won't likely happen all that often, be prepared to actually reach the Advisor on your first try AND to have the Advisor suggest that they're ready to answer your questions immediately
 left  right
Back Forward