Networking and Leaving Your Phone Number by Voice Mail . . .

As you’re networking by phone, providing updates to your references regarding your job search progress, calling potential employers or just phoning friends, do you really want and expect a return call when you leave you phone number on that person’s voice mail? If so, how easy do you make it for the recipient to hear and write the number you want them to use to call you back?

Do not assume that the person is simply going to immediately use a recall button from the caller ID to respond.

In fact, don’t even assume the recipient has caller ID.

Even if the person has caller ID, do not expect them to search through a list of caller ID numbers in an effort to find your number. In fact, it’s not even fair to assume that the recipient will be using the same phone to call you back.

The easier you make it to get a return call, the more likely you’ll be to get one.

Remember to say your number at a pace which allows the recipient to write it down.

The best way to pace your voice rate properly is using the following technique:

As you say your phone number, write it in the air with your finger. If YOU can’t write is as quickly as your tongue wants to say it, the recipient can’t write that fast either.

Remember to announce you are leaving your number for his / her convenience, which allows the recipient time to get prepared to write. Then say your number at that same rate you are “finger-air-writing” and the recipient is far more likely to write your number properly without the frustration of rewinding your message.
Note: Learn how and why to finger-air-write. JaneCo will teach you techniques like that and more. janeir@janecos.com