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Many job seekers leave voicemail messages for recruiters to increase their chances of getting hired. It shows determination and interest in the position. However, leaving a bad voicemail can negatively impact how the hiring manager perceives you.
6 Tips for Leaving Voicemail Messages
Having good phone and voicemail etiquette is necessary if you are following up with a recruiter. It’s also important if you found their contact information on ZipRecruiter and want to learn more about the role. Here are a few must-know tips if you want to leave a good impression while recording a voicemail.
And if you aren’t on ZipRecruiter, you may be hindering your chances of scoring your next opportunity. With the most impressive system and matching technology for both job seekers and companies, it’s by far the best job tool in the industry.
Prepare your speech ahead of time
Leaving a voicemail can be awkward, especially if you’re used to texting or email. Some people freeze the second they hear the beep on the other line. To prevent any fumbles, it’s important to prepare a voicemail script that you can recite on the phone.
Before calling the hiring manager, jot a few notes on a piece of paper. You can use reference these notes if your mind goes blank halfway through the voicemail!
Record your voicemail script ahead of time
Not sure if you sound confident enough on the phone? Then make a few practice voicemail calls to yourself. You’ll be able to hear if you have the right tone and wording that you want to convey to the hiring manager. And, it’s good practice to help you memorize what you want to say.
Include necessary details
When leaving a voicemail, it’s crucial to include all the necessary details for the recruiter. To start, make sure you state your full name at the beginning of the message. Continue to explain why you’re calling (ex: following up on an email, scheduling a time for the interview).
Before you hang up, make sure to tell the recruiter how they can reach you. Clearly state your phone number (with area code). Repeat the number and your name once more, and then thank them for their time.
Provide context
Hiring managers get a lot of emails and phone calls throughout the day. That’s why it’s important to provide some context to stand out from the other applicants.
For example, you can mention that you and the recruiter spoke a few days ago over Zoom. Or that you found their job listing on ZipRecruiter and you wanted to learn more about the position. The more information you provide, the better the recruiter can identify who you are and how they can help.
Be professional
Remember, you’re looking for a job, not chatting to a friend. Try to avoid using slang or filler words like “uh” or “um.” And don’t ramble on about anything that is irrelevant to the job or why you’re calling.
When leaving a voicemail, make sure that there is no distracting background noise. Don’t call outside or if there is loud music in the background. Voicemail messages should be short, clear, and to the point.
Prepare for them to answer
Not all calls go straight to voicemail. If you’re lucky, the recruiter will actually pick up the phone. In these situations, you’ll need to be prepared to have a conversation about why you’re calling.
Speaking on the phone can be more difficult than leaving a one-way voicemail. However, it’s a great way to get an immediate response about the job or interview. You can still reference the same notes you jotted down for leaving a voicemail – just be prepared for a response.
More Job Search Ideas
Voicemail messages shouldn’t make you nervous. With these tips, you can feel confident knowing that you’ve left a compelling message to the hiring manager. Just cross your fingers and hope that they call you back for an interview!
If you’re still at the beginning of your job search, then make sure to check out ZipRecruiter. They use artificial intelligence to match your skills with applicable jobs on their site. If you find something that fits, you can upload your resume and cover letter and apply in one click. Better yet, it’s free to create an account and get started!
