By Darla Mayse, Sourcing and Recruitment Marketing Specialist
In this age, most of us are accustomed to writing on a friend’s wall on Facebook, in-boxing a connection on LinkedIn, direct messaging someone on Twitter and sending a text message as primary forms of communication. With all of these options for communicating, the art of leaving a good voicemail can sometimes get lost. Sodexo recruiters spend most of their day talking with candidates on the telephone so it’s not uncommon to get their voicemail when trying to connect or return their calls. To make the most of this opportunity to communicate, here are 5 tips to help get you back in the habit of leaving a good voicemail.
- Listen to the recording. I am always surprised by the number of folks who leave multiple messages for Jane Doe on my voicemail but fail to realize they have the wrong number. You definitely want to be sure you are calling the correct person. Also, if the recipient is out of the office, you may be leaving a different message than intended. This is a good opportunity for you to demonstrate that you have good listening skills.
- Greet, identify yourself and make a connection. It’s important to mention the full name of the person you are calling not only as common courtesy, but it also lets them know that the call is indeed for them. Clearly identify yourself and establish how you are connected.
- Leave a phone number. Speak slowly. Remember, the recipient is likely writing the information down. This is probably the most important part of your message so don’t rush through it and do us the favor of repeating it.
- Get to the point. To avoid a stumbling, stammering message on the phone, think about what you want to say before you call. Consider this outline to keep your message short. Why are you calling? What action is needed? When should I contact you? Be as concise as possible. Anything longer than a minute or two is too long.
- Leave a phone number – again. Just in case I did not write it down correctly the first time.
Contrary to what some would like to think, voicemail is not dead. Leaving a good voicemail saves time, avoids extra work and, most importantly, gets your call returned more quickly. I hope to hear you in my inbox soon!
5 comments:
Really good tips! Would be good if you could send some tips about the new best way to keep contact: text messages.
Kind Regards
Andre Costa - SDX Brazil
Thanks Andre! Good suggestion. I will research the topic consider posting on this in the near future.
Darla,
Was a pleasure to contribute.
Great tips, Darla. I especially like the reminder of "making a connection". I also think one cannot leave contact information too many times.
I agree!! The biggest problem i come in contact with is the person leaving the vm is talking way to fast when leaving their phone numbers and it is very frustrating to say the least. Slow down please!! Thank you!!!
Laura Harmon
Retail Manager
Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital
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