How can I get an employer to let me interview them? (someone i don't work for)?

Ok, this is the situation. My husband is trying to get some training approved in the heavy equipment operating feild. We live in canada, and his plant closed, so now he is on unemployment and wants to take a training course, but it has to be approved by unemployment, or he'll stop getting benefits (we have two babies and i am working full time but its not enough) He has ALOT of paperwork to do, one of the things is that he has to interview 3 bosses/employers in the heavy equipment sector. But no one will give him the time of day. it is just a quick 20 question survey, but no one will let him interview them. Is there a tecnique he can use when asking? He's only ever got to talk to secretaries, and they NEVER put him through. We are very frustrated as to what to do, and he won't get approved without it. Any ideas?

How can I get an employer to let me interview them? (someone i don't work for)?
Basically you are asking for an "informational interview". Always state how long it will be - eg "no more than 10 minutes" and then STICK to the time limit you stated.





Time now for some research. Find the companies websites (those you want to interview) - look for the corporate page, and note down any names %26amp; titles he finds. It sounds much more professional when you say "May I speak to Joe Smith please" rather than "Can I please speak to the manager?" Most secretary's will say certainly, I'll put you through".





I should know - I call businesses asking for managers all the time. Its my job.





Dont ask for the manager at the top. Try asking for the Operating officer or the Business development officer. Never ask for the HR manager - that will backfire badly.





Dont mention anything about surveys - do not tell the secretaries why you want to speak to the boss. Its not their concern. Never say anything about being unemployed - or they WILL assume you are asking for a job.





Also during the research, check and see if they have brought new equipment, completed any major projects or hired new senior people. And use that as a lead into getting the time you want. You could even pretend that you are starting a newsletter about heavy equipment, and wish to get some information for the first edition.





You must also reassure the managers and the gatekeepers (secretaries) that he is NOT asking for a job.





Hope these ideas help.