Whether you've been doing a job search for months or have just begun the process of seeking a new job, a call asking you to come to a job interview can be exciting -- and a bit nerve-wracking. In your haste to follow up on the call, it's easy to forget basic phone call etiquette or to become so overwhelmed that you're unsure of what to say. ‌Keeping it short, friendly and professional can help you make a positive first impression on the hiring manager.‌

When to Call

‌Call during regular business hours‌, particularly if the recruiter gives you their cell phone number and not an office line. Return the call as promptly as possible, but if you get the message over the weekend or at night, simply call first thing the next business day. ‌Take a few minutes to gather your thoughts about the job offer and the contact person before you make the call‌. You can find out more about them on social media sites like linkedin. Make sure you're in a quiet location, not in the midst of traffic or while your dog is barking.

Introductions and Whom to Call

‌Call the person who called you, unless they tell you to call a different person‌. When you call, ask to speak directly to the contact person. ‌Say who you are by stating your full name, the job application, and anything that might jog the interviewer's memory from previous discussions‌. For example, you might say, "Hi, I'm John Doe. We met at the career fair, and I'm returning your call for an interview for the receptionist position."

Leaving Messages

You might not get the person you called on the first attempt. If you get the potential employers assistant, be friendly and polite. ‌Spell your name and provide a phone number, as well as information about why you're calling‌. Specify that you're returning the interviewer's call so that your call is given suitable priority. If you leave a voicemail instead, ‌speak slowly and clearly, providing your name twice and giving your callback number.‌

Talking to the Interviewer

If you get the interviewer on the phone, ‌view the call as a mini interview process by striving to make a good impression.‌ Be friendly without being overly familiar, and avoid asking an endless stream of questions or entering into a long monologue about the job. Instead, express your interest and say that you're looking forward to the hiring process. Wish the interviewer a good day or week, then thank them and let them get back to her day.

Interview Tips

‌Job seekers should always show up with your resume, cover letter, interview questions about the company, and any additional information they might have asked you to bring over the phone‌. This is an important rule of thumb in career advice for job candidates. You can always touch base afterwards to check in with a follow-up phone call, this shows initiative and could be the decision making stunt that gets you a second interview. If it’s a phone interview, still prepare as if it is in person.