Phoning for jobs
Phoning about job vacancies takes a bit more preparation than most calls.
This could be your first contact with the company and, if you get it right, it could help you get an interview. In some cases, you may even be interviewed by phone.
Whether you’re phoning about vacancies in general, or calling about a job advertised in the press, it’s important to be prepared.
Decide what you’re going to say before you telephone. Be ready to answer, and ask, some questions. And, have all the information you might need to hand.
Hints and tips
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phone from a quiet place – so you won’t be disturbed or distracted
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use a landline phone rather than a mobile
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sit somewhere comfortable where you can take notes (it can take a while to get through to the right person)
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if you have to use your mobile make sure you have enough credit, and that your phone is fully charged
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if you have to use a payphone make sure you have enough change, or enough credit left on your phone card
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speak clearly and be polite.
Make sure you have:
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paper and a pen (check that the pen works before you call)
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the advert and any reference number for the job
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the correct telephone number
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the name of the person you want to speak to, and their extension number (if you have it)
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your CV (Curriculum Vitae); or a checklist of your personal details.
When someone answers the phone
It’s unlikely you’ll get through to the person you want to speak to right away. So, when you phone ask for:
When the receptionist transfers your call, check you’ve got the right person.
Say why you’re calling
This part really is worth preparing. Decide what you’re going to say before you telephone. Explain briefly:
Be prepared to answer, and ask, some questions
The other person may only want your name and address so they can send you out information or an application form. But, be ready to talk about yourself and ask for more information if, and when, you need it.
For example, they might ask you to send in your CV. In this case, be sure you get the name and address or email address of the person to send it to.
They might even offer you an interview! You’ll need to know:
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the date and time of the appointment
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the name of the person who will be interviewing you
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the correct address (the interview might be in a specific department or floor)
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if you need to bring any particular documents with you (for example, exam certificates)
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directions for getting there.
In some cases the phone call might turn into a mini-interview, so have your CV or personal details handy.
Be prepared to talk positively about your skills and personal qualities.
In some cases, you will have the chance to ask questions. You can also note these on a checklist.
Some questions you might want to ask:
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What does the job involve?
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When would you need me to start work?
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What are the hours of work?
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Is weekend work required?
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Do you expect staff to work shifts?
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What is the starting salary?
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Is there any overtime?
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What are the chances of the contract being extended? (This will only be useful if the job is based on a fixed-term contract. This means it’s limited to a set period of time, such as 6 months or 1 year)
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What are the prospects for promotion?
Remember it’s unlikely you would need to ask all of these questions or even get the chance to! What you ask will depend on what information is already in the advertisement, and on the way the phone conversation develops.
Listen carefully
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Give the other person time to speak.
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Listen carefully to what he or she says and take notes, such as the time and place of the interview.
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Don’t be afraid to ask the person to repeat something if you don’t catch what they have said, or to spell out names that are unusual.
Confirm
At the end of the call, repeat the details of any arrangements you’ve made to the person you are speaking to, to make sure that you’ve written them down correctly.
Finally, if you don’t already know it, ask the person you have been speaking to for their name – and thank them for their time.
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