Respond by Phone to a Help Wanted Ad
The behavior and etiquette you demonstrate over the phone when you respond to a help wanted ad will be the first impression you make on a potential employer. Before you call to inquire about the help wanted ad, you must be prepared to ask and answer questions related to the position you are calling about. Most employers will ask you about your qualifications and prior job experience; whereas in some cases you may be required to leave a message with the employer's voice mail system. With the appropriate preparation and by demonstrating professional phone etiquette, the correspondence methods you use over the phone can potentially earn you the position you want.
Steps
Phone Call Preparation
- Gather the materials you need for the phone call. For example, if you want to take notes, collect a pen, notebook, or laptop computer.
- Obtain an updated copy of your resume. You can refer to your resume if the employer or recruiter asks you questions related to your skills or prior job experience.
- Prepare or practice phone scripts. Scripts can be used to assist you with leaving voice mail messages, or if you generally feel nervous or uncomfortable talking on the phone.
- Notate your responses to questions you may be asked; such as the reason you are interested in the job, and why you think you may be qualified for a position.
- Ask a friend or family member to practice your script with you or to conduct mock telephone calls if you think it will help strengthen your phone skills.
- Choose an appropriate time at which to respond to the help wanted ad. Calls should always be made during the employer's business hours.
- Schedule your phone call for later in the afternoon or a few hours before the close of business. If you respond to the help wanted ad earlier in the day or during a lunch hour, the employer may be too busy or unavailable to speak.
- Choose a quiet location free of distractions from which to make the phone call. Certain locations and background noise can make it difficult for you to hear your phone conversation and can also make you appear unprofessional to the employer.
- Go to a quiet office or room in your home free of children, pets, or other sources of noise when you make the phone call.
Making the Phone Call
- Introduce yourself and mention your interest in the help wanted ad. You may need to be transferred or placed on hold while the hiring manager or recruiter is notified of your call.
- Speak in a clear, enthusiastic tone. If you smile as you speak, you may sound more pleasant to the employer.
- Express your interest in learning about the help wanted ad. In some cases, if you state that you are just calling because you need a job, they may pass you over to speak with candidates who are specifically interested in their business.
- Ask the employer about the best time to meet. This will allow you and the employer to schedule an interview to meet in person.
- Consult with your scripts, notes, or resume if the employer wants to speak with you in length over the phone instead of scheduling an interview.
- Leave professional voice mail messages. In some cases, you may be required to leave a voice mail for the employer.
- State your name and phone number twice in the voice mail message; once at the beginning and again at the end. This will allow the employer to document your information without having to replay the message.
- Mention that you are responding to the help wanted ad and request that the employer call you back at their earliest convenience.
Tips
- If you are responding to a large number of help wanted ads, begin by calling the employer you are least interested in. This will allow you to develop and strengthen your phone inquiry skills with each employer until you call the business you are most interested in.
