History

Board

Privacy Policy

Privacy Contact

Labour Futures Program

New Employee Wage Subsidy Program

Become a Client

Services

Workshops

Action Plan

Training

Wage Subsidy

JCP

Self Employment

GOA - Glossary of Acronyms

Telephone Etiquette While Job Searching

An essential part of your job search is the effective use of the telephone. Now that you have a great resume, before you send it out make sure you have a simple and polite message on your answering machine or voice mail. If you do not have an answering machine yet, purchase one NOW so you don't miss any calls from potential employers. If you have an answering machine, consider updating your "unique" or "unusual" greeting. Ask yourself what a future employer will think of your message and how that message represents you. You don't want to lose out on that dream job due to loud music or a cheeky message.

Make sure your message is polite, clear and businesslike and that it can be understood. Example: "Hello, I am sorry I am not able to take your call right now. Please leave your name, telephone number, a brief message, and the best time to reach you. I will get back to you as soon as possible." When recording a greeting never make crude remarks, have music playing in the background, use multiple people or let children record the greeting.

Check your messages regularly and always return phone calls promptly. Before picking up the telephone wear a smile – your listeners cannot see it but they will hear it in your voice. When leaving a message or speaking with someone don't eat, smoke or chew gum while talking, and when you state your name, phone number, and the best time to reach you, speak slowly. When leaving a message it's a good idea to leave your name and telephone number both at the beginning and end of the recording.

Be courteous to all those with whom you speak. The person at the front desk often talks with the person who will make the employment decision. Remember to say thank you to everyone with whom you come in contact.

Some Further Tips:

Always plan ahead; know whom you are calling and the correct pronunciation of their name.
Try to find a quiet room where there is no background noise such as a television or radio.
Be confident, polite, enthusiastic, and direct.
Always have paper and pen by the telephone, and have your resume, references, work history, and questions handy.
Be sure to listen carefully and take notes.
Never put an employer on hold to answer call waiting.
Don’t talk to others or yell at children in the room while you are on the telephone.
Make sure the other people in your household are prepared to take messages for you.
Don’t let young children answer the telephone.
Make sure you answer the telephone by saying, "Hello." Not "Yeah" or "Yo!"
If you are asleep when an employer calls, have whoever answers the phone wake you immediately, particularly if an employer is calling during the late morning.

Always remember, first impressions are very important during a job search, so use the telephone effectively. Employers often use the phone to screen applicants, so don’t be caught off-guard; always answer the phone as if you are expecting an employer to call.

If you require assistance with job search skills, a resume, or career planning, are unemployed or under-employed (less than 20 hours a week), and legally able to work in Canada, contact the Job Shop at 334-3119.