Step Four Contact: Phone

The telephone is an essential tool for job hunting. You use it to gather information and connect with people. Employers use it to screen applicants before scheduling interviews. Whether you make the call or receive it, your phone manner can help you get — or keep you from getting — a job. Follow the suggestions below.

Basic Phone Guidelines

Here are some of the ground rules for phone calls:

• Speak loudly, clearly and at the other person's rate.
  
  
• Smile while speaking — people can hear it!
  
  
• Stand up while speaking — it gives you power.
  
  
• Listen closely.
  
  
• Don't fill every silence.
  
  
• Never click over to another call!
  
  
• Don't call while driving or doing anything else.
  
  
• Don't chew gum, drink or eat while on the phone.
  
  
• Initiate calls whenever possible — it puts you in control.
  
  
• Call sparingly — don't harass anyone.
  
  
• Call during regular business hours.
  
  
• When you call, say who you are immediately and explain why you're calling.
  
  
• Ask if the person has time to talk. If not, arrange for a more convenient time.
  
  
• Be brief-show consideration for people's time.
  
  
• When you call someone, end promptly, saying "I'll let you get back to your work" or a similar phrase.
  
  
• If someone calls you, let him or her end the call.
  
  
• If you get a call at a bad time, say "I'm glad you called. I only have a few minutes. Is that OK or can we arrange another time to talk?"
  
  
• Keep your answering machine outgoing message brief and business-like. Include your name.
  
  
• Make sure that everyone in your home answers the phone politely and takes accurate messages.
  
  
• Check your messages frequently.
  
  
• Return calls as quickly as possible.

Phone Interviews / Screenings

If an employer calls you for any reason, assume it's a phone interview, whether it's officially labeled that or not. Phone interviews give employers the chance to see if you are qualified, articulate and truly interested — and worth inviting to meet face-to-face.

• Screen calls: don't pick up unless you're prepared (see the box below for details).
  
  
• Keep your follow-up notebook, calendar and résumé by the phone at all times so that you can quickly remind yourself which job this is and what's happened so far in the process.
  
  
• Follow all the basic phone guidelines.
  
  
• Send a thank-you note afterwards.