Deliver a strong telephone pitch for employers

Introduction

This resource is designed to help employer engagement staff get started with cold calling local businesses about supporting students. Cold calling can feel daunting, especially for those new to it, so the script gives you a structure to follow and ideas for what to say.

Cold calling works because it creates immediate rapport and starts a relationship in a way that emails alone often cannot. Speaking directly to someone helps build trust more quickly and gives you the chance to tailor the conversation to what matters to the business.

The main goal of the first call is simple:

• Get past the gatekeeper
• Spark interest by leading with a student story
• Offer flexible ways to get involved, starting small
• Secure permission to follow up with tailored information

The script does not even mention T Levels. Its purpose is to start a conversation, not to explain every detail of the qualification or the industry placement. Think of it as opening the door to a second, more detailed conversation.

Preparation before calling 

Do a little research into the company:

• What sector do they work in and what professions to do they have in the business?
• What angle is most likely to resonate: staff support, recruitment pipeline or CSR?
• Can you find a name for the right contact?

Also make sure you are confident with the basics in case questions do come up:

• What a T Level is
• Entry requirements
• What students are learning on the course
• Typical tasks a student could do on placement or an employer could set as a project

If a prospect wants that level of detail, you can provide short answers and then position a follow-up meeting as the time to go deeper.

Using the script

The script is not something to read word for word. It is a starter pack to help you feel confident picking up the phone. Adapt it to your own style and to the responses you hear.

1. Gatekeeper – be polite and concise. Use your research to frame the ask in a way that makes sense for the business.
2. Decision-maker – lead with a short student anecdote and invite them to talk about their own experience with students.
3. Bridge and benefits – outline that employers can start small, highlight three core benefits and mention that funding may be available (if you have access to it).
4. Close – keep it low pressure. Ask to send an email and suggest a chat in the next couple of weeks if it looks relevant to them.

If you only speak to the gatekeeper, still give a short version of the pitch and make sure you collect names and email addresses. This lets you personalise the follow-up email to both the decision maker and the gatekeeper.

Follow up

Send a follow-up email the same day, tailored to the business and reflecting anything they mentioned. Set yourself a reminder to call back in a couple of weeks if you do not hear back.

Confidence tips

• ‘Smile as you dial’, it really does make you sound more approachable
• Keep it short, your job is to open the door, not explain everything
• Lead with the student, not the course
• Show your enthusiasm to help your students, it is contagious
• Remember, many employers welcome a call more than another email
• Celebrate small wins, even just getting a name or email address is great