Recruitment cold calling is one of the most conventional hiring methods, yet it is effective even today.
Effective cold calling helps you sell yourself as a recruiter or a position that you are trying to fill and attract more candidates.
Cold calling in recruitment is an excellent opportunity for networking and engaging with clients and candidates, which builds a favorable brand image in the job market.
Remember that cold calling can only bring favorable results if you have prepared adequately.
Before you engage in any cold calling, creating a script is the best way to prepare.
A cold calling script can guide you throughout the call and ensure a structured conversation to help you convey your message effectively.
The more recruitment cold calls you make, the less you’ll rely on a script.
You can even improvise around the script to cater to your candidates with passing time.
8 Recruitment Cold Calling Scripts for Immediate Use
Script 1
Hi [Candidate_name], this is [Your_name].
[Pause]My name is [Your_name], and I was calling to speak about the new [Job_title] position at [Company_name]. Is now a good time to talk?
[Pause]Great, this will be a very quick call. We haven’t spoken before, but I am a [Your_role] recruiting for [Company_name]. Do you have any prior experience with [Job_title]?
[Company_name] is looking for a [Job_Title]. Would you like to hear more about this opportunity?Great! If you don’t mind, I’d like to hear about your past work experience, skills, and some of the projects and employers you’ve worked with.
[Candidate_name], that sounds impressive! Since you’ve worked with [Mention an employer/project/skillset], I’m sure you would love this opportunity as this role brings a great set of responsibilities related to your field of expertise. [Pause]I also noticed you’re interested in growing in [Field_name]. [Company_name] has some great opportunities for skill development in this field! So, how well do you think you’d work with [Mention a specific skillset or project]?
[Pause]I’m sure the hiring manager for [Company_name] would love this! As a [Job_title] at [Company_name], you’ll be responsible for:
[Mention other responsibilities and requirements]So, [Candidate_name], if you’re interested, I can schedule an interview with the hiring manager at [Company_name]. Would you mind giving me some details about your availability?
[Pause]Awesome! I’ll drop you an email with all the necessary details. Also, do you think there’s anyone else in your circle who would be open to a similar role?
Thank you so much for your time, [Candidate_name]! I’ll keep you updated with any further steps. Have a good day ahead.
Script 2
Good morning/afternoon/evening! Am I speaking to [Candidate_name]?
This is [Your_name] from [Company_name]. Is now a good time to talk?
[Pause]I understand if this sounds out of the blue but do you mind if I take a few minutes to brief you about a career opportunity with [Company_name] if you’d like?
[Pause]I came across your profile/details through [Platform], and I see you’ve been working with [Company_name] for a while now. How has that been, [Candidate_name]?
That’s good to hear, [Candidate_name]. Have you had any experience with [Field of expertise] during that time?
I work with clients and candidates from the [Field of expertise], and I come across many candidates facing difficulty in career growth in this particular field. Do you feel the same way?
[Pause]If you’re interested in new opportunities in your field, [Company_name] is looking for a talented [Job_title]. Would you like to hear more?
[Pause]This role has excellent opportunities as you’ll be responsible for [Mention key responsibilities] and [Company_name] even offers [Mention perks/benefits].
My client is looking for talented individuals like you who have [Mention specific skills/criteria/qualifications/experience], and you seem to fit the criteria! I’d love to share your details with the hiring manager if you’d like.
[Pause]Is there anything else you would like to discuss, [Candidate_name]?
Thanks for your time! I can set up another call to discuss further details if you’d like. What time would suit you?
[Pause]That’s great. I’ll brief you more and keep you updated through your email. Is that alright?
Thanks for your time, [Candidate_name]! Please feel free to call me if you have any other queries.
Script 3
Good morning/afternoon/evening, is this [Candidate_name]?
[Pause]Hi [Candidate_name], if you don’t mind, I’d like to speak to you about an open vacancy that might interest you. Would you like to discuss this opportunity right now?
I understand if you’re not available. If there’s anyone else you know who may be interested, please let me know.
[Pause]Great! Thanks for taking the time out for this, [Candidate_name]. My client, [Company_name], is looking for a new [Job_title] for their new project.
I recently came across your resume from [Platform] and saw that you have been working as a [Job_title]. Can you please brief me about the projects you’ve been a part of related to [Mention skillset/expertise/field]?
[Pause]That’s impressive, [Candidate_name]! You mentioned how you like working with [Mention skillset/expertise/field], and fortunately, [Company_name] ’s new project for [Job_title] requires expertise in that area.
I’m sure you’ll love it. Would you like some more details?
[Mention company details and key job responsibilities]The client is also looking for someone who has experience with [Mention skillset/expertise/field], and I saw on your resume that you’ve handled [Mention a project/task]. Is that correct?
[Pause]That sounds perfect! I’m sure my client will be impressed by your experience.
Also, if you don’t mind, can you share what your salary expectations may be for a position like this?
[Pause]Before we wrap up this call, do you have any questions for me?
[Pause]I also wanted to mention that this role offers [Highlight any benefits/incentives]. I’m sure this will interest you.
Would you like me to set up a call with the hiring manager at [Company_name]?
Great! I’ll keep you updated about any further steps through your email.
I’m available for a quick call if you have any other questions, [Candidate_name].
I appreciate your time. Have a good day ahead!
Script 4
Hi! Am I speaking with [Candidate_name]?
[Pause]I’m [Your_name]—recruiting for [Job_Title] for [Company_name]. If this is a good time to talk, I’d love to discuss this opportunity.
[Pause]I understand if you’re not looking for new opportunities, but I’d love to get your point of view. If not, I’m open to a referral of anyone you may know from your network.
[Pause]I came across your profile/resume on [Mention platform], and it piqued my interest as you seem to have expertise with [Mention skillset/expertise/field].
Could you share some details about your work experience and prospects if you’d like?
That sounds great! Congratulations on
[Any achievement mentioned by the candidate].
You’ll be happy to learn that my client, [Company_name], is looking for candidates like you for their [Job_title] team. They have excellent opportunities that will benefit your career prospects.
So what is an important factor for your next opportunity as a [Job_title]?
[Pause]That sounds interesting. Even my client is interested in expanding their horizons with the [Mention skillset/expertise/field] for this new project.
Apart from that, the hiring manager at [Company_name] is looking for someone who [Mention candidate criteria].
[Mention other company details and job responsibilities]Based on everything I just mentioned, is there anything else you have on your mind that you would like to discuss?
[Pause]Also, based on the requirements and responsibilities I just mentioned, what are your salary expectations for a position like this?
Thank you for your time [Candidate_name]! I’ll keep you updated about any further steps through the email you’ve shared.
Feel feel to call back or text if you have any queries.
Enjoy your day!
Read more: 11 Tips on writing the best recruiting cold emails & 20+ new templates.
Script 5
Hey. Am I speaking with [Candidate_name]?
[Pause]You don’t know me but our mutual contact, [Connection_name], suggested I give you a call about a job opportunity with [Company_name].
Do you have five minutes? If not, I can schedule a call for some other time.
[Pause]Great! [Company_name] is looking for a [Job_title]. They’re currently engaging in some interesting projects, including [Mention other details related to the role].
[Connection_name] mentioned that you have some great experience with [Mention skillset/expertise/field] as you’ve been working with [Company_name] for some time now. Is that correct? [Pause]That’s good to hear, [Candidate_name]. Do you mind briefing me about the kind of projects, responsibilities, and tasks you’ve worked on within this field?
[Pause]And what were the measurable results that you obtained while using these skills?
[Pause]This role that I have called you for is with my client, [Company_name], for [Time_duration], located at [Location of role]. Would you be interested and comfortable with this role?
[Pause]That’s great, [Candidate_name]. Before I schedule a call with the hiring manager, what is the compensation package you expect from this position?
[Pause]Alright. If my client wants to interview you, what is your availability?
[Pause]Awesome! I’ll keep you updated about any further steps.
Thank you for your time [Candidate_name]. I look forward to speaking again!
Give me a call if there’s anything I can help you with.
Script 6
Hi [Candidate_name].
I hope this is a good time to discuss the [Job_title] role you had applied for with [Company_name]? Are you available for a few minutes?
[Pause]I’m [Your_name] speaking from [Agency name/Company name], and as you already know, [Company_name] is looking for a skilled [Job_title]. Why don’t you begin by telling me about what prompted you to apply for this role?
[Pause]That’s great to hear, [Candidate_name]!
You mentioned you’re interested in growing within [Industry/Field_name].
You’ll be happy to know that [Company_name] has excellent opportunities as you’ll be responsible for [Mention key responsibilities], and [Company_name] even offers [Mention perks/benefits].
Does this sound like something that would benefit you?
[Pause]Great! Before moving forward, I’d like to know your experience with [Mention skillset/expertise/field]. What kind of tasks have you been responsible for in your current position?
[Pause]Also, I’d like to get an idea of what you would expect out of this role. Is there a particular range for the compensation you’re expecting? What else do you expect?
[Pause]Alright. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this, [Candidate_name]. I just want to make sure I’m moving forward with the right candidate for my client!
Before I wrap up, is any other information that you would like me to pass along to the hiring manager that your resume may not mention?
[Pause]Okay, great! Is there anything else on your mind, [Candidate_name]?
Thank you so much for your time today, [Candidate_name]! I’ll contact my hiring manager to schedule another call or meeting. What time would suit you?
[Pause]Awesome! I’ll keep you updated about the process through your email. Have a great day, [Candidate_name]!
Script 7
Good morning/afternoon/evening, is this [Candidate_name]?
[Pause]This is [Your_name] calling from [Company/agency name]. We haven’t met, but your name came across as someone I should get to know.
Can we discuss an open position with [Company_name] if this is a good time?
[Pause]My client is looking for some talented candidates for a [Job_title] position, and it made sense to introduce you to this new opportunity as I saw on [Platform] that you’ve been working as a [Job_title] with [Company_name] for some time now.
How has that been?
[Pause]Great. If you don’t mind, I’d like to ask, is there anything new you’d like to explore within your field? Given your current responsibilities and accomplishments, where do you see yourself in the next few years?
[Pause]That’s interesting, [Candidate_name]. How do you feel about working with [Mention skillset/expertise/field]?
Do you have any previous experience and tangible results related to this?
[Pause]That’s great. My client is looking for a candidate with similar acumen.
I’ll quickly brief you about this role with [Company_name]. As a [Job_title], you’ll be responsible for [Mention company details and key job responsibilities].
Does this sound like something that would interest you?
[Pause]If my client wants to interview you, what time would you be available?
Great! Before we move ahead, I want to let you know [Mention any other vital details]. Is there something else you’d like to share or ask about this role?
[Pause] Before we wrap up, do you know of anyone in your circle looking for a change in their career? I’d love to reach out to them about a similar role. [Pause]Thanks for your time [Candidate_name]. I will keep you posted as soon as I have any updates on your resume.
Have a nice day ahead!
Script 8
Hi, [Candidate_name].
You and I have a common connection with [Mutual_connection_name], and they suggested I give you a call. Do you have a moment?
[Pause]Okay great! I’m [Your_name], and I’m recruiting for a [Job_title] position with [Company_name].
This may sound out of the blue, but I wanted to touch base with you and see if you are open to hearing about new opportunities. Are you in the market for a new role, currently?
[Pause]Awesome! Thanks so much for taking the time out for this.
One of my clients is looking for a [Job_title], and your background fits what I’m looking for. So to sum it up for you, [Company_name] is looking for someone who has experience with [Skillset].
Why don’t you give me a thirty-second overview of your background, industry experience, company, and projects you’ve worked on?
[Pause]And how has your experience with your current employer been?
[Pause]That’s great, [Candidate_name]. I’d love to work with you to help you grow in this field, and I’m sure [Company_name] would have some excellent opportunities!
[Company_name] want someone who can work with [Skillset] to handle their [X]. Judging from your experience, I’m sure you’d be an excellent fit for their team!Do you think you’d be able to work from [Mention starting period, location, working hours, etc]?
[Pause]Okay, great. I’ll be sure to mention this to my client. Also, what are your salary expectations for a role like this?
I can forward your resume and details to [Company_name] for an interview if you’d like. How does that sound?
[Pause]Let me know your availability, and I’d be happy to keep you updated. Does [Mention date/time] sound okay for a call with my client?
[Pause]Thank you for taking your time out today, [Candidate_name]! Do you have any questions for me?
[Pause]Alright. Before I let you go, I’d love to know if you have anyone in your circle who may be interested in this position, as my client is looking to hire more than one employee.
Feel free to forward me their details through my email at: [Email details].
Once again, thank you, [Candidate_name]! Have a nice day.
Loved our cold calling scripts? Don’t forget to share them with the recruiters in your circle.
Happy cold calling!
