How can you prepare for a crucial employer call?

1 Research the company

Before you dial or answer the phone, do some homework on the company you're applying to. Visit their website, social media, and news articles to learn about their mission, values, culture, and achievements. This will help you tailor your responses, ask relevant questions, and show your interest and enthusiasm for the role.

2 Set up your environment

The last thing you want is to be distracted or interrupted by noise, poor signal, or low battery during your call. Choose a quiet, comfortable, and well-lit place where you can speak freely and clearly. Test your phone, headset, and internet connection beforehand and make sure they work properly. Have a pen, paper, and a copy of your resume handy in case you need to take notes or refer to your skills and experiences.

3 Greet and introduce yourself

First impressions matter, especially on the phone. Start your call with a friendly and professional greeting that includes your name and the reason for your call. For example, "Hello, this is John Smith calling for the marketing manager position." Use a polite and confident tone of voice and avoid slang, filler words, or jokes. Address the person on the other end by their name and title, unless they tell you otherwise.

4 Listen and respond

One of the most important aspects of phone etiquette is listening attentively and actively to what the other person is saying. Don't interrupt, talk over, or argue with them. Instead, show that you're engaged and interested by nodding, smiling, and making affirmative sounds like "uh-huh" or "I see". When it's your turn to speak, answer their questions clearly, concisely, and honestly. Give specific examples of your achievements and skills that match the job requirements. Avoid rambling, repeating, or going off-topic.

5 Ask and thank

At the end of the call, don't be afraid to ask questions that demonstrate your curiosity and eagerness for the role. For example, you can ask about the next steps in the hiring process, the company culture, or the expectations for the position. This will also help you clarify any doubts or concerns you may have. Finally, thank the person for their time and consideration and express your interest in hearing from them again. Confirm their contact details and follow up with a thank-you email within 24 hours.

6 Practice and improve

The more you practice your phone etiquette, the more confident and prepared you'll be for your crucial employer call. You can practice with a friend, a family member, or a career coach and ask for feedback on your performance. You can also record yourself and listen to how you sound on the phone. Pay attention to your voice quality, clarity, pace, and tone. Identify your strengths and weaknesses and work on improving them.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?