7 Strategies for Returning a Missed Call About a Job

Prospective employers may attempt to contact professionals while they're busy, which can result in missed calls about possible job offerings. After missing a call from a hiring manager, it's often important for professionals to know beneficial methods for responding effectively. If you're seeking a new role, it may be helpful to understand your options after missing a call about a job opportunity or potential interview. In this article, we discuss seven ways you can respond to a hiring manager when returning a missed call about a job. Related: What To Do When You Miss an Interview

What to say when returning a missed call about a job

Here are seven things you can say or do after missing a call about a job opportunity:

1. Mention that you listened to their voicemail

A helpful tip to follow when you've missed a call about a job is to check for any voicemails that a recruiter may have left from their original call. The voicemail might contain important instructions for communicating with the recruiter, such as their preferred method of contact and when they're available. Consider returning the call that you missed in a quiet place that's free of distractions. When a recruiter answers, consider stating your name and reason for calling. Then, try to highlight the fact that you listened to their voicemail and want to remain in contact with them. Related: Follow-up Phone Calls After an Interview: Tips, Template and Example

2. Inquire about the job's availability

Depending on how long it takes you to respond, there may be situations in which a recruiter filled an available position after calling you about the opportunity. Consider asking the recruiter whether the job is still available when you contact them. You can also request an update when the recruiter has made a decision. This foresight may demonstrate your professionalism and seriousness about the available role.

3. Apologize to the person who called

If you're able to speak directly with the prospective employer whose call you missed, consider apologizing for missing their call. You might explain why you couldn't answer the phone, but this isn't always necessary, especially if the reason is personal. If you apologize, it's important to be sincere but brief, which emphasizes your professionalism. After you finish apologizing, you can ask whether the recruiter has any time to conduct the originally intended conversation. If they ask which time is best for you, try to pick a time at which you can ensure availability, which can help you avoid another missed call.

4. Express your continued interest

It may also be important to highlight the fact that you're still interested in the available position, even though you missed a recruiter's call. You can express your excitement about the opportunity and may even mention a few reasons why you're a qualified candidate for the job. Consider also offering to provide any further information a recruiter may require.

5. Send an email in addition to a call

If you were able to directly speak with a recruiter on a return call, you can also send an email, following up with them about your conversation. In this message, consider expressing your continued interest in the position and confirm the dates and times you may have discussed. If a potential employer didn't answer your call, you can also email them, which eliminates the need for both of you to be available at the same time. Consider highlighting dates and times that may work for you to conduct a phone call and emphasizing whether you left a voicemail in your return call. Related: How To Call About a Job (With Examples and Steps)

6. Leave a voicemail

If a recruiter doesn't answer your return call, you can leave a voicemail. In this message, try to specify who you are and why you're calling so the recruiter can quickly identify the person leaving the voicemail. You can then end the message by stating your phone number so they can easily contact you. You might also list some times and dates you're available for the recruiter to call you back. Consider asking when you can expect to hear from them and wait for their reply.

7. Contact administrative staff at the company

If you're unable to contact the recruiter whose call you missed, consider contacting another professional within the company. Administrative staff members often answer phone calls and may be able to supply you with another form of contact. Consider searching for the number of an organization's front desk on its website and try to call during their hours of operation. Administrative personnel may also allow you to leave a message for the recruiter if you know their name.

Tips to avoid missing calls about a job

Consider following these tips to avoid missing calls about job opportunities or interviews:

Turn up the volume on your phone

If you're in a setting where it's appropriate, you can turn up the volume on your phone so you can hear incoming calls. It may be helpful to avoid having your phone in silent mode where the ringer and notification sounds are off. Keeping your ringer on a high volume can ensure that you hear an incoming call and reduce the anxiety of missing a call from a potential employer. Try also ensuring that your phone remains charged and stays in areas with reliable reception. Related: The Do's and Don'ts For Calling After an Interview

Schedule calls at time you know you're available

If a recruiter asks for a time that's convenient for you to conduct a call, consider requesting a time when you're available and free of distractions. Keeping a calendar or daily schedule can help you identify these available times. You can provide recruiters with a range of times and dates and remain available during those time frames.

Set reminders for calls

Another helpful tip is to add any calls or meetings with prospective employers to your schedule. You may use an online or mobile scheduling tool or calendar and set reminders for these calls. These reminders can help prepare you for a call in advance and ensure that you avoid missing communication from recruiters.