Comments on: Getting Past the Gatekeeper

By: Rena

Rena — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:15:11 +0000

Oh, the Gatekeepers!! I have been one of them from time to time. I have not had to do any job searching in a few years, thankfully, so just remember to always put forth your best effort. Communicate clearly and confidently. There are lessons to learn learned everywhere. Take it all in and apply it where it is needed. You may not get through one gatekeeper but you may learn something that will get you pass the next. I would suggest doing research on the company and position so when you do get passed on to the decision maker you are knowledgeable.

By: John Westhiemer

John Westhiemer — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:11:46 +0000

I know how hard it is to deal with a snippy and non empathetic receptionist when calling a company. As much as it is someones first line of defense to get snippy right back chances are they will only take note of your voice and name to be even more of a blockade to your ultimate goal of getting through. Breath.. Relax.. and curse about them after you have hung up.

By: Nate Taggart

Nate Taggart — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:01:03 +0000

One valuable tip I learned while doing phone sales: when people are nervous they tend to raise the pitch of their voice at the end of sentences. This is the same technique we subconsciously use to distinguish a question from a statement. Here’s an example; read this sentence: “I applied for this job.” If you keep your tone flat or drop the pitch at the end, it sounds certain and authoritative. If instead, you raise the pitch toward the end it sounds like a question (almost like you’re confused as to whether or not you applied for the job — try it again and see). When you’re calling in, be sure to keep your pitch even, or even lower it towards the end of a sentence, like you’re issuing a gentle command. Practice this before you call and in no time you’ll start sounding more confident and sure of yourself, and you’ll be more likely to be transferred to the right person.

By: Carey

Carey — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:58:53 +0000

Great tips in this article. I like the example introduction you provided.

By: Tommy Sanders

Tommy Sanders — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:54:10 +0000

Potentially some of the best advice I’ve seen for job seekers. Being the owner of a small business, when we do occasionally hire I definitely put up a line of defense. I welcome follow up and relentlessness when it comes to someone who wants to work for me. I think this approach is often looked over by job seekers as a crucial part of the hiring process.

By: Latisha

Latisha — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:51:30 +0000

Good information! I always feel im being to pushy if I call but this showed me how to do it in a professional manner. Thanks!

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:46:51 +0000

People usually apply for a job and then when they receive a call back they ask, “What job was this?” It is important to be prepared so that when you get past the gatekeepers you are prepared and don’t mess things up. You only get one chance sometimes, have to make the most of it.

By: DC

DC — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:41:11 +0000

I used to be a gatekeeper myself. Speaking from experience, the people that I helped out were the ones that called and followed these guidelines. Anyone that tried some clever little tricks or lies to get through to the boss was immediatly directed to a dead end voicemail that was never checked and emptuieed out once a week.