Call Work when You're on Call
Being on call can be nerve wrecking, but here is a guide to make it more simple for you.
Note: There are in fact many ways one can be "on call" for a job. For example, doctors have pagers and some places call you, but this guide is based on an employer requiring you to call the office.
Contents
Steps
- In general, and unless told otherwise, it is good to call as much time before your shift as it would take you to get there. Meaning if it takes you 30 minutes to get to work and you are on call at 6 pm call at 5:30 pm.
- Take the phone to where it is quiet, turn the TV off, tell the people around you or at your house that you will be making a phone call to your work so they don't interrupt you.
- Calm your nerves! They are expecting you to call so it's nothing big. You aren't the first person to ever call. Take some deep breaths and think of how you are going to phrase the question or what you want to say.
- Dial the RIGHT numbers.
- When the office picks up, ask to speak to the managers, though you could just ask the secretary or whomever is answering the phone. Ask for the manager because you are getting it directly from the source so there is no worry over whether it is correct.
- A good format for asking for the manager, "Hello, this is _____, may I please speak to the manager." If they give you a rough time tell them that they are expecting your call.
- Remember, when talking to the manager, it is just like being at work, you want to represent yourself well. Talk clearly, loud enough (but not screaming) and be polite.
- "Hello, This is ______. I am on call at ____ and was calling to see if you needed me to come in."
- This is the worst part, waiting for an answer. They will say yes or no, or maybe even ask you to call back at a later time.
Tips
- Make sure to call in a quiet area, you want the bosses to hear what you are saying and not Jerry Springer or your music distracting them in the background. Also you want to hear them clearly.
- Your managers aren't the enemy, though it can seem like it sometimes, just remember to be courteous and say thank you and please. If you have questions ask them, instead of guessing and messing up!
- If it is your first time on call make sure you ask a MANAGER or a SUPERVISOR what is the typical procedure for being on call.
Warnings
- This is based on a job where you call them to see if you are to come in to work. Any directions you receive from your workplace would be best to follow.
