You have just received a phone call acknowledging receipt of you resume or a call to  invite you, to call in to
set up an interview. Placing a badly recorded call can stop the interview process in it’s tracks .

Far too many jobseekers, use the same phone call etiquette as they would to a friend or family member who
knows who they are. Little thought is given to creating a message that will be returned by the employer.

Quite often mangers do not return calls or follow up with jobseekers because the jobseeker:

• Did not leave a telephone number
• Left a number with no area code
• Did not leave  their name
• Left a message that is  garbled or barely audible
• Placed the call from a location with background noises, e.g traffic sound, loud restaurant noises, dog barking etc.
• Leave a long rambling incoherent message

Any message that requires the hiring manager to do research before they call you back will greatly reduces your chance of a call back from the manager or for consideration for the job.

Problems include:
- Looking up your contact information.
- Trying  to figure out who the call is from.
- Re-playing message over to hear what you are trying to say.

This is especially true for positions that require strong communication skills, management skills,  customer support, sales etc.

When leaving a message or returning a call to a hiring manager follow these simple guides to enhance your chances for a call back:

1. Find a location that is quiet with minimal or no background noises,
2. When leaving a message let the person know, whether you are responding to  a call they made to you, and do include the date and the subject of the original call to you. Follow with directions indicated in items: 3 to 8.
3. Making a  first call to the company: Start with your name, indicate whether you have sent your resume and when,  add the reason for your call,  been referred by an employee etc., follow with your contact info.
4. For all calls, say, and then spell your name, especially your last name.
5. Say your telephone number slowly, and then repeat the number at the end of the call.
6. If you are calling into a general or departmental mail box, please say who the call is for, if you have an extension for the person add that too.
7. Leave a specific time when you are available to be reached, and make sure that you are available at that time.

Above all, slow you normal speaking pace just a bit and remember to listen to the message you are leaving.  Also make certain that the manager has all of the information to return the call immediately and that your call meets the criteria for a professional job search phone message.

Finally,  leave enough information so the manager can call you back immediately based on the information you have provided in the phone message.

Speak Live: to a Franklin Paterson Resumes Career Counselor about telephone ettiquette.

Franklin Paterson Resumes for  Resume Writing, Cover Letters, Interview Coaching