Chances are, the first time you speak to a potential employer it’s over the phone. It is important that you use the correct phone etiquette to convey your professionalism, expertise and potential value as an employee.

Follow our top telephone tips:

• Smile when you speak
• Write a practice script (see below) or list of questions if it helps you remember exactly what you want to say
• Never make an agreement with an employer over the phone that you’re not sure you can keep
• Have a notepad handy, with the full name, pronunciation and title of the person you want to speak to
• Persevere – you should set yourself a target to make a specific number of calls per day to potential employers

Step One: Find out the name of the person recruiting

• “Hello, this is (your name). Can you please give me the name of the person in charge of recruitment? Thank you.”

Step Two: Call the person recruiting

• “Is (name of recruitment manager) available?”
• “May I please speak to him/her?”
• “Hello, (name of recruitment manager), this is (your name). I am calling regarding employment with your company.
• I have experience in (list your top three selling points here). Could you use someone with my skills?”

Step Three: Confirming a meeting time

• “Great! I am sure you are busy but would you have a few minutes to spare tomorrow so that I could call in to introduce myself and give you my resume.”
• Obtain the address, including floor/suite number and nearest cross street.
• “Thank you (name of recruitment manager). I looking forward to seeing you on (re-state the day, time and place of your meeting).
• Again my name is (your name).”

Cold canvassing (calling businesses that have not advertised for jobs) is often daunting the first few times you do it. Follow this simple phone script, filling in the blanks as you go, to leave a positive impression on potential employers.

Handy Hint
Know what you want out of a role, and how this is aligned to the employer’s needs.