Phone Call Skills

The telephone is a good tool to use and ideal to get in contact with employers. It’s fast and efficient and used most often to:

• Get in contact with an employer for the first time to either offer your services or discuss possibilities of job openings in the near future.
• Gather information on the company, schedule an information meeting to able you to meet the employers and deliver your résumé in person.
• Do a follow up concerning a position you already applied for.

What to say to an employer?

Here are examples and tips to facilitate your contacts. Examine them, organize your tools for the call (pen, paper, and résumé by your side for quick reference), visualize yourself in the action and … dial the number!

   1. Present yourself to the person in charge of taking incoming calls and state the purpose of your call. Remember first impression (proper vocabulary and tone of voice) is very important. Be prepared to answer questions because the call is just as important as the interview.
   2. Ask for the person in charge of hiring (name and title). Don’t forget to write everything down on paper for future use.
   3.  If transferred to that person immediately, present yourself again, ask for the possibility of a meeting in order to offer your services and discuss employment opportunities.  When it is impossible to get in contact with the person in charge of hiring, ask what other means you could use to offer your services or apply for a position offered.

   4.  Always thank the employer or the person to whom you talked to for their time. Make sure you have the names and information that you need.
   5. When you are calling to do a follow up, explain briefly your past conversation or the reason and ask information regarding the next steps.

Examples:

    « Hi, my name is _________. Could you please tell me who is responsible of hiring? Would it be possible to talk to that person? »

« Hi Mrs. / Mr. _________. My name is _________, I would like to have the opportunity to meet with you to offer my services. When would it be convenient for you to meet with me? »

or

« I am calling you concerning the position of _____________, seen in/on ____________. I would like to meet with you at your convenience. »


« Thank you Mrs. / Mr. _______________, for your help and your time. Would it be possible for me to call you back if I need more information? »