Phone Etiquette For Job Seekers

When speaking to or leaving a message for hiring managers or recruiters, it's important to follow some basic etiquette rules.

1. Always sound professional and ready to speak to the hiring manager/recruiter... but also be prepared and have a well memorized or written out message in case you need to leave a message

2. If you leave a message, always leave your name and number twice...name at beginning and end of message and number twice at end of message (repeated back to them)

3. Leave the message slowly and carefully so they can take notes without having to replay the message

4. Let them choose when to call you back by stating in the message "please give me a call at your earliest convenience."

5. If you do speak to someone, always start off with a brief intro and question the call time: "Hi this is Matt Warzel calling about the sales position advertised in the newspaper...is this an OK time to speak?"

6. If you do speak to someone, use that time to schedule a meeting in person and not to speak in further detail, unless they wish to do so

7. Best time to call is Friday afternoon after 3:30

8. Do not bug recruiters constantly because if they need someone with your skills, they will call you. They might not have an opening right away that fits your qualifications, but if they do, they will call you. (Quick non-phone related note: Only apply to the openings that fit in your realm. They do get the "jack of all trades" candidates who in actuality only fit the bill for one or two jobs at most. So be aware of your resume submissions. Follow the job posting directions and make sure you do what they tell you to do if you want to apply to their job. They implement rules for a reason)