Getting past a call screener is easier than you think. Of course, some people are totally confident in their ability to use the phone and get to a decision maker (we generally call them high powered salespeople). However, 90 percent of us are reluctant to pick up the phone and make a “cold call” if we think there’s a call screener involved (we usually call these job seekers).

^[2] If you’re not experienced in using the phone, believe it or not, it’s a mostly friendly and helpful world out there. Most executives I know DO screen their calls but generally are courteous and polite and go out of their way to project a good image of themselves and their company. The same holds true for others such as secretaries or administrative assistants … and call screeners.

Still, there is a certain misconception that all assistants will keep you from speaking with their bosses. They do screen calls, but it is part of their job to make sure that contact is made when appropriate.

Know the real reason you’re calling

When you plan to seriously connect, you have specific goals and you use a standardized procedure for making a large number of calls.