Scared to Pick Up the Phone?

By Marty Nemko

Reluctant to cold-call prospective employers because you're afraid of imposing? That's unfortunate because cold-calling employers is among the more effective job-search techniques. Cure: Realize that if you keep your pitch brief, at worst, you've wasted one minute of the employer's time. And you may, in fact, be the answer to her prayers: She was thinking of hiring someone like you but hadn't gotten around to it. By hiring you, the employer avoids a time-consuming employee search. Still not sure you're justified in imposing? Ask yourself, "Would a judge say it's okay for you to call?"

What can you do today?
Call three employers you'd love to work for. Ask them if they need someone like you. Do it now.