Using the telephone

Introduction

The first contact with the organization could well be via the telephone. It is important to prepare in advance how you will approach your call and what you will say because, unlike a letter, you cannot go back and correct anything which you have said. Below are some tips and hints to help.

Before you telephone:

• Have the advertisement with you.
• Make sure that you have pen and paper.
• Write down the person’s name beforehand.
• Have your CV or Résumé with you.
• Plan when you could attend an interview.
• Avoid using telephones in noisy places.

During your telephone call:

• Speak clearly.
• Ask for the person you want to speak to.
• Give your name and the reason for telephoning.
• Use the person’s name.
• Ask if it is convenient to talk.
• Refer to your CV or Résumé to answer questions.
• Use short, concise answers.
• Say that you would like to attend an interview.
• Thank the person for talking to you.

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