Sample Student Telephone Contact Script

Practice a script like this with family or friends before you make your call.

EXAMPLE:

(Student)  "Hello, my name is (John Smith).  I'm a student at (Lee-Davis) High School.  May I please speak with (Mr. Sam Jones)?"

The telephone answerer may ask you why you want to speak to (Mr. Jones).  If he/she does, give them the same response you will give (Mr. Jones) when he comes to the phone.  Hopefully, you will be connected and the conversation might continue like this.

(Business Contact)  "This is (Sam Jones).  How can I help you?"

(Student)  "Hello, my name is (John Smith).  I'm a student at (Lee-Davis) High School.  I am interested in finding a (part-time job) with a landscaping company, and I read in the Hanover Career Guide that you sometimes have (jobs) for high school students."

(Positive response from business contact person):

(Business Contact) "Why, yes I do (John).  Do you have any previous experience in landscape work?"

(Student)  "Not in an actual job, sir, but I've been taking (Horticulture) classes at (Lee-Davis) and I've had experience (here on the school grounds with different projects.)   I really like doing that kind of work."

When you get a positive response, the business contact person will usually then take control of conversation and will ask you a number of questions and will make arrangements with you for an interview.  However, if the response is negative, you will need to be prepared to ask questions as shown in the example below:

(Negative Response from business contact person):

(Business Contact)  "Sometimes I do, (John), but right now I don't have any openings available for (part-time work).  I'm sorry, but I'm not hiring at this time."

(Student)  "I understand.  Is there any chance that you will have an opening at any time in the near future or do you know of another landscaping business that is hiring?"

If there is no opportunity for a paid job, this is the perfect opportunity to ask about unpaid internships or shadowing that can last for a short period.  Also, ask if you can send your résumé for consideration for future job openings.

(Business contact person is not available):

1)  Leave a voice message:      (Student to recorder) "Hello, my name is (John Smith).  I'm a student at (Lee Davis) High School.  I read in our Student Career Guide that you sometimes have part-time jobs for high school students, and I would like to make an appointment with you to talk about a possible job.   I can be reached by phone at 746-XXXX.  Thank you for taking this call and I hope to hear from you soon.

2)  Conversation with receptionist who has advised that contact person is unavailable:

(Student)  When would be a good time for me to call back?  --Or -- Could I please leave my name and phone number and ask that Mr. Jones return my call when it is convenient?