Help with cold calling

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A little background. I am a PGY-2 now and starting to think about jobs. I have narrowed my search to 3 cities (1 local and 2 in a different part of the country). I have done a google search and found all the EDs within a reasonable commute from where I would want to live. I figured I would cold-call the directors and inform them of my interest as well as sending a resume/cover letter.

Now my questions are about the order in which these are typically done. At what point should I find out more about the department/contract? Is this typically during the initial call or should I just be informing them that I am sending a resume? What do you say when you cold-call? Is there any way to find out if these EDs are staffed by a contract mgmt group vs small group vs hospital employees prior to calling? I have checked out websites of hospitals and this info typically is not readily available.

Thanks in advance for any advice!!

I got my current job (and a handful of offers) by cold-calling. I started by mailing a cover letter (that briefly highlighted my goals and strengths) and my CV. I would not ask any questions during the first contact unless they express interest and ask you if you have any questions. Even if they open the floor to questions, I suggest you stick to soft balls initially (what's your volume/coverage, what do you like most about the job, etc sorta stuff). Save questions like salary, attrition rates, holiday scheduling, partnership track for the interview.

Just my 2 cents.

Check the big websites (Teamhealth, EMCare, ECI, Schumacher, ESP, etc) and see if they are heavy in that market... That could give you a clue if the job you are looking at is owned by one of the aboves.

If you dont get anywhere calling the first time.. try back at 4-5AM. Night shift tends to be more laid back and perhaps easier to get through to a doc since it tends to be less going on at that time too. I would try during normal type hours first; many directors are in house during normal hours at busy places....

Good Luck..

This is gold...why I love this forum. Thanks for the replies!

Originally Posted by EM_Rebuilder

If you dont get anywhere calling the first time.. try back at 4-5AM. Night shift tends to be more laid back and perhaps easier to get through to a doc since it tends to be less going on at that time too.

I'm not sure that at a single-coverage shop on the overnight I'd be too thrilled getting a cold-call from a resident looking for job info.