How to Follow Phone Etiquette During a Job Search

A great job may be just a phone call away. If you follow basic phone etiquette you may be surprised by how many doors you can open. If finding a great job is important to you, don't miss out on an opportunity because of a silly mistake like making an inappropriate comment or being disrespectful to the receptionist.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Notebook

1. Practice what you're going to say before you call. Get comfortable enough to speak with confidence before you pick up the phone.

2. Identify yourself when you call. Let the receptionist know your name, the position you're inquiring about and how you heard about the opening.

3. Call the office before you send a resume or cover letter. Ask for the first and last name of the supervisor and put it in your cover letter. Find out the best delivery method: snail mail, email or fax.

4. Keep your resume and cover letter nearby when you call in. Don't get caught off guard. You never know when a supervisor will pick up the phone and speak with you directly.

5. Use a landline for all job interviews and inquiries. Find a quiet place with excellent reception if you absolutely must use a cell phone.

6. Do not answer "call waiting" or put someone on hold when conducting an interview or inquiring about an open position. If you "have to get that" you won't get the job.

7. Keep a notebook on hand during the phone call and jot down the names of key employees, job openings, interview dates and times, driving and parking directions and the time you called in.

8. Send a thank you note after a phone interview or an informational conversation. Include a call to action, such as a plan to follow up at a later date.

9. Return phone calls as soon as possible. Keep in mind that proper etiquette requires you to return a call within 24 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Remind roommates and loved ones to follow proper phone etiquette during your job search.
• Increase your chances of getting someone on the phone by calling first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon.
• Change your outgoing message during your job search. Include your name and alternate contact information.
• Don't call if the posting specifically says "no phone calls."
• Don't call more than 2 times in a single week.
• If you schedule a phone interview in another time zone, be sure to confirm the call-in time for your time zone.

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