Did you know that 63% of recruiters say the hardest part of their job is simply getting in touch with potential candidates? This stat highlights why having the right contact data, especially phone numbers, is essential to your hiring process.
The good news is that there are tools that make sourcing phone numbers not just easier but more accurate. In this article, I’ll explore some curated tools that can help you find phone numbers and provide strategies to make your outreach less of a headache.
Best tools to find candidate phone numbers
There are several options available, but knowing when and how to use them can make a big difference. Let’s break down some of the top tools to find phone numbers:
Tool | Key features | Free option | Best for |
Wiza | Extracts verified contact info from LinkedIn; real-time data verification | Yes | Recruiters needing reliable data fast |
Whitepages | Searches public directories; includes basic free options for U.S. numbers | Yes | Simple searches in the U.S |
Apollo.io | Advanced filtering, bulk downloads, and email outreach automation | Yes | Integrating outreach with sourcing |
ZoomInfo | Comprehensive database with real-time updates; ideal for large-scale needs | No | Enterprise-level recruitment |
Using Wiza to find phone numbers
Wiza simplifies the process by pulling verified contact data from LinkedIn. Here’s how to use it:
- Install Wiza’s Chrome extension.
- Search for the candidate on LinkedIn.
- Click the “Find email and phone number” button.
- Copy the phone number directly or save it for bulk download.
Key features:
- Real-time data verification with a accuracy rate of 99%.
- Automatically integrates with LinkedIn to make your outreach as smooth as possible.
Pro tip: If you’re recruiting for a specific role, Wiza can quickly pull verified phone numbers and emails from LinkedIn profiles, which you can use to personalize your outreach.
Wiza is by far the best LinkedIn prospecting Chrome extension. It gets the most accurate emails and phone numbers and is a beautifully designed app that’s super easy to use.
Key features:
- Searches through public directories.
- Includes basic free options for U.S. numbers.
Pro tip: Whitepages is useful for finding phone numbers when you already know the person’s name and location. However, its results may not always be as comprehensive or up-to-date as some paid services.
Key features:
- Advanced filtering for narrowing down candidate searches.
- Bulk downloads for efficient sourcing.
- Email outreach automation, streamlining the entire recruitment workflow.
Pro tip: You could use Apollo.io to search for candidates based on specific skills like “AWS-certified software engineers” and directly pull their contact info, which can be used in an email sequence for outreach.
Key features:
- Comprehensive database with real-time updates.
- Ideal for larger organizations with big recruitment needs.
- Advanced search capabilities for filtering based on location, skills, or role.
Pro tip: ZoomInfo is perfect for sourcing contact details for high-level positions like CTOs or VP roles in tech companies. The tool offers an unparalleled level of detail, from career history to current job titles.
Step-by-Step guide: Cold outreach strategy
Once you have the number, crafting a strategy for is next on the list. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Personalize your approach
Start by mentioning the candidate’s specific skills or experiences that caught your eye. A tailored message displays a genuine interest in the person’s background.
Example to take note of:
Hi [Name], I came across your impressive work in [specific field] and thought you might be a perfect fit for our [specific role]. Can we set up a quick call to discuss?
Time your call
Avoid calling during peak work hours. Late mornings or early afternoons typically yield better responses.
Follow-up text or email
If they don’t answer, send a short text, message on LinkedIn, or email to introduce yourself and explain why you’re reaching out.
Example to copy and paste:
Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] from [Company]. I tried calling to discuss an exciting opportunity that matches your expertise. Let me know if there’s a good time to chat.
Leverage LinkedIn for warm outreach
Before making a cold call, engage with the candidate’s posts or profile on LinkedIn. This creates familiarity and can increase the likelihood of a response.
We used Wiza to source 200 potential candidates in a week, leading to a 30% increase in our response rates. Wiza also reduced our outreach time by 40% by extracting accurate contact details for specialized roles.
Common mistakes to avoid
If you’re trying to find phone numbers, it’s crucial to approach the process carefully to avoid common mistakes that could hinder your efforts or damage your professional reputation. Here are some key pitfalls to watch out for:
Relying too heavily on free tools
Many recruiters may be tempted to use free resources because they seem easy and cost-effective. However, free tools often have significant limitations, leading to inaccurate or outdated contact data. For example, free tools may only provide basic or publicly available information, often lacking the real-time verification needed to ensure accuracy.
Solution: While free tools can be helpful for initial searches or broadening your candidate pool, consider investing in paid services like Wiza, Apollo.io, or ZoomInfo for more accurate and detailed information.
Neglecting to verify contact information
Even with a paid service, it’s important not to assume the phone numbers or emails you’ve collected are always accurate. Verification is key in ensuring that the data you’ve sourced is up-to-date and valid. Sending outreach messages to incorrect or inactive phone numbers can result in missed opportunities.
Solution: Use tools that provide real-time data verification and allow you to cross-check multiple sources. For example, Wiza’s real-time data verification ensures you’re reaching out to the correct person. Always take the extra step to confirm contact details before making your initial outreach.
Violating privacy laws
One of the most critical mistakes to avoid when trying to find phone numbers is violating privacy laws such as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in the EU or CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) in the U.S. These regulations exist to protect personal data and ensure that recruiters handle candidate information responsibly. Ignoring these laws could result in severe legal repercussions or a damaged reputation.
Solution: Tools like Wiza and ZoomInfo are designed with compliance in mind, allowing you to source and store candidate information securely while adhering to data protection laws. Be sure to stay updated on privacy regulations in your region and regularly audit your practices to ensure you’re in full compliance.
Overloading candidates with outreach
Even if you have a valid phone number for a candidate, bombarding them with multiple messages or calls in a short period can be seen as invasive. Recruiters sometimes fall into the trap of excessive follow-ups, thinking that more outreach will increase their chances of getting a response.
Solution: It’s best to follow up with candidates a reasonable amount of times and always space out your attempts. If a candidate doesn’t respond after a few attempts, it’s often best to move on to others.
Connect with the right talent
Finding candidate phone numbers doesn’t have to be a tedious or drawn out process. By pairing technology with a personalized outreach approach, you’ll not only find the right candidates but also make a lasting positive impression.
Have other tips or tools you’d recommend? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Commonly asked questions
How can I find a candidate’s phone number for free?
You can use free resources like LinkedIn’s “Contact Info” section, Whitepages (basic version), or public social media profiles. However, free methods may not always provide accurate or up-to-date results.
Is it legal to search for phone numbers online?
Yes, as long as you’re using ethical tools and adhering to data privacy laws like GDPR and CCPA. Always obtain consent before adding someone to a call list.
What makes Wiza different?
Wiza combines accuracy, ease of use, and scalability. Unlike many tools, it verifies data in real-time, ensuring you’re contacting the right person.
What should I do if a number is incorrect?
If you’re using Wiza, contact their support team for a credit refund. For other tools, cross-reference data or try alternative sources like TrueCaller or Hunter.io.
