Sometimes people get sloppy when using the telephone. For example, tucking the phone between the shoulder and chin can produce some difficult-to-understand sounds. So can chewing gum or smoking while talking. When you are job hunting, it's back to the basics in telephone technique. After all, the voice at the other end of the line may belong to the same person as the hand that signs your future pay cheques!
Here are some ideas to keep in mind when you are using the telephone for job hunting:
 Talk to the right person at the right time. Ensure that you ask for the person who is responsible for hiring. Ideally you should know this person's name so you can ask to speak with him or her directly. In addition, be aware that certain businesses have busy times when they would not appreciate a phone call: for example, 1:00 p.m. at a busy restaurant.
 Keep control in your hands. If the person you want is not in when you call, never leave a number and wait for your call to be returned. Ask what is the best time to call the person and say that you will call back later.
Speak with authority. Make sure your call sounds like it demands attention.
Identify yourself. Don't assume the person you are calling will recognize your voice or that the secretary has passed on your name. If you have been referred by someone else, mention their name.
Smile. It works the same as it does face to face. A smile can be heard over the phone. Not only does it make you sound friendlier, it also guarantees that your requests will not sound like demands and questions won't sound like criticisms.
Have a good voice. Speak loud and clear enough. Don't mumble or shout. Also, don't talk too fast, too slow or with your mouth full. Be friendly and precise.
Get to the point. Get down to business as soon as you can, and be brief. Say only what needs to be said.
Listen to the other person. A phone conversation is a two way thing. Sure, you called for a purpose, but remember you want to motivate your listener to take favourable action on your behalf. So listen when they want to talk. Even better, take notes on what is said and do your best to answer. If you can't provide answers off the top of your head, tell them you'll get the answers and call them back. THEN DO IT!
Ask for a meeting (interview) at a definite time. Do this as lightly as possible. Use the "alternative of choice" technique. For example: "Would Thursday afternoon or Friday morning be more suitable for you, Mrs. _______?" Try to eliminate any 'need' from your voice. If the employer indicates there are no positions available, ask for a meeting anyway.
Write yourself a memo. Write brief notes while on the phone to record what you said and what your contact said. Don't rely solely on your memory. Transfer this information, along with the date, time of call and the name, address and phone number of the person with whom you spoke, to your job tracking sheet once you have completed the call.
Use the "callback" ending. Ask if you may call back in a couple of weeks to see if any opportunities have opened. If you make the initial phone call, and immediately find yourself talking to the person responsible for hiring, be prepared with your personal spiel.
Follow up as required. Promptly! Send any requested material, get any relevant answers you need, or acknowledge any important details.
Now that you know how to make an effective phone call, it is important to imagine some of the outcomes that might result. There is no limit to the responses you may come across, so check out this cold calling scenario for some of the possibilities.
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