Cold Calling/E-Mailing

Cold Calling and E-Mailing

What Is "Cold Calling?"

"Cold calling" is reaching out to someone you don't know via telephone in order to obtain further informaiton about something. Cold e-mailing is the same thing, but using e-mail as your form of communication instead of telephone. For example, if you are interested in being a server at a local restaurant near your house, but you do not know anyone who works there, you can "cold e-mail" the restaurant manager to inquire about employment.

Where Do I Start?

Identify the contact person. Go to the company's website and look for a tab that says "Contact," "About Us," "Meet the Staff," etc. Most companies will put the names and e-mails of their staff members, as well as their respective position. For example, if you are looking for a job as a server, look for the contact information of the Food & Beverage Director. If you are looking for a job as a member of the event staff, look for the contact information of the Special Events Coordinator. It is important to contact the person who will most likely be your boss.
Send an e-mail first, if possible. These days, the telephone can be disruptive. People are usually very busy and have an idea of what their schedule is before they walk into their shift. Restaurants can be loud and busy, and staff can be stressed out or pre-occupied with something else when you call. E-mails allow you to take the time to craft something professional and give you the opportunity to edit and proofread before you send it.
Customize your e-mail according to the position you are hoping to obtain. A cold e-mail should include a brief summary of your relevant work experience in the industry, if you have any. If you don't, make sure you include why you are interested in this particular position or company. Did you grow up going to this restaurant with your family, and you already know the menu front and back? This can represent your existing loyalty to the restaurant and may make you a desirable candidate.
Follow up. Professionals in the hospitality industry are extremely busy. A manager may start to draft a response to you, then get called aside to deal with an important situation, and forget to return to your e-mail. If you don't get a response within a week, try following up with a different form of media. This is where going to a restaurant in person or making a phone call at slow times can be beneficial.

What Should Be Included?

An introduction. Who are you? If you are inquiring about a position with a local company, your high school education may be important.
The position you are looking to obtain. What position would you like to be hired for? Are there multiple positions you are willing to work?
Your current education. When are you graduating? This is also where you can talk about this course, HM 310, and the 600 hours you must obtain to move forward in the curriculum.
A brief summary of experience. Do you have any relevant experience that may help you get the job? If not, what parts of your personality or work ethic would set you apart from other candidates?
Your contact information. What is the best way to contact you? Include your e-mail address, phone number, and link to your LinkedIn profile.
Your current resume. Be sure to attach a PDF of your current resume. This may set you apart from other candidates!

An Example:

Hello, My name is ________. I am a graduate of ________ High School and am currently a sophomore at James Madison University majoring in Hospitality Management.

As part of our curriculum at JMU, it is mandatory to work 600 hours within the field of Hospitality before we graduate. I am an extremely motivated, organized, and detail-oriented individual with a great work ethic.

I was wondering if it would at all be possible to obtain a position of employment in special events planning or food and beverage at _________. If that is not possible, I would be more than willing to set up, work, and take down events such as banquets and weddings.

I have attached my resume and hope to hear back from you soon.

Thank you for your time,

__________