The first communication with a potential employer will most likely happen over the phone. This first call is very important for you, and it largely depends on you whether the conversation will end with an invitation to a meeting or a promise “we will call you back”.
In most cases, the recruiter calls to clarify some questions about your professional experience, to clarify your interest in the vacancy. He can discuss with you another vacancy, but almost always the main purpose of a recruiter's call is to get the first impression, and in the course of the conversation make a decision to continue getting to know you or to say that “you are not suitable for us”. There are several rules so that a relationship that began with an employer does not end with a phone call.
While you are actively looking, always be prepared for the fact that a potential employer may call you. The call should not throw you into confusion, even if no one has called you for a long time about work. Don't let joy get in the way of controlling the situation and your emotions. While you are looking for a job, never relax.
If you got a call from an unknown number, assess the situation, how favorable the conditions are for an important conversation. If you are not sure, it is better not to receive calls from unidentified callers.
Prepare for a situation in which you will not be able to answer phone calls. Put an answering machine in which to tell the time when you will definitely be free. Or prepare an SMS template in which you inform that you are busy now and will be ready for a contact at a certain time; send as soon as you drop the call. The recruiter will appreciate such feedback highly, and most importantly, you will remain in his memory (most likely, he will call others, and more worthy candidates may appear).
The recruiter will note:
- you have prepared in advance, i.e. you plan your time and take into account various factors;
- you are active, and you are not expecting a call in languor, looking at your phone, because you have something to do;
- you are in demand, they call you and, possibly, offer a job.
In addition, the recruiter will be humanly grateful to you for saving his time (believe me, it takes him a lot of time to call candidates).
Your answer to a phone call should sound cheerful and welcoming. Make sure that your speech is clear and competent, the answers and questions sound intelligible. Don't mumble. Be sure to practice with friends. Find out how they feel about you when you answer the phone. Work on it.
When the telephone conversation with your company representative begins, make it possible to have paper and a pen on hand. Write everything down. Try to immediately remember the name of your interlocutor. If you have not figured out how the person introduced himself, be sure to ask again. And in the future, address by name. If for some reason the person did not introduce himself, be sure to ask yourself.
You may be asked some clarifying questions regarding your professional experience. It is necessary to find the most concise and unambiguous answers. Do not go into explanations if you are specifically asked to do so.
Ask for the name of the company the person represents, the specific job title and basic requirements. If the company is not named, it is very strange. Evasive answers will indicate to you that this is not the right company, if you have not previously been interested in working in network companies or other dubious offers to make money.
You can ask your questions. It is better to limit yourself to one or two fundamental issues that may influence your decision to continue to get to know the company further or not to waste your time on it. Do not waste your time or anyone else's.
After talking on the phone, immediately write down everything you heard in detail. Check company information online as soon as possible. Get ready to meet with your employer.
