The Phone Conversation That Costed A Kenyan Job Seeker A Job Opportunity!

Nothing is ever lost by courtesy. It is the cheapest of the pleasures costs nothing and conveys much. It pleases him who gives and him who receives, and thus, like mercy, it is twice blessed.” Edwin Chege.

At one time or another in your life, you are a job seeker whether for starters or not. With so much growth in technology today, most job applications are made online and a few by hand delivery or postal address. Usually you will leave some contacts to get back to you either your phone number or email address. This is my greatest concern; are these personal contacts?

Recently, Peter applied for a job and was lucky enough to be  . He had two contact numbers on the CV. The HR tried to call the first number but it did not go through so she picked the second phone No. The call was picked by a lady who happened to be Peter’s wife, and responded with a lot of attitude.

Below is a discourse between the HR and the Lady

Lady: “Hello ni nani?”

HR: “Please may I speak to Peter?”

Lady: “What do you want with my husband?”
(A pause for the HR to shake her head in frustration; a very rude response and a bad tone too.)

HR: “Am Susan, calling from ABC Company. I got this number from Peter’s CV and I wanted to invite him for Accountant interview.”

Lady: “Oh! Accountant? Ok am going to inform him. Have you tried calling his number?”

HR: ….

This conversation continued and Peter was finally invited for the interview. However the HR was disappointed with the receiver of the phone. Despite being the wife’s response, Peter carries a bad impression created. This will one way or another affect the interview end result. He has the burden to prove to the HR otherwise.

In a conversation, courtesy facilitates successful interaction and negotiation, generously laying a foundation for understanding and harmony.

Read Also >>> 3 Very Important Cell Phone Etiquette For Job Seekers

1. The first impression is critical when responding to a call

Be courteous even when you cannot recognize the number as you never know who could be calling. This is especially if you know you have been applying for a job, expect calls from unknown numbers. For instance, take a scenario is where ladies respond to calls they are not familiar with in a very negative attitude. This could eliminate you as the best candidate for the interview.

2. Secondly, take Control of the Situation

The critical element in responding correctly to an invitation for a job is that, right from this very first phone call, you put yourself in the driver’s seat. Your goal must be to turn this simple conversation-and the whole interviewing experience-into a great opportunity to make yourself memorable and present yourself as someone a cut above the other candidates being considered for the advertised position.

3. Lastly give your own personal contacts and not that of a friend, spouse, girl/ boyfriend.

Generally, when the phone rings for you, pick it yourself and know how you are going to respond, paying particular attention to the tone of voice you use when talking to a potential employer.

In a nutshell, always give the names of the right referees who might include your former boss/supervisor, a lecutrer or a mentor.

Related Article >>> 9 Secret Ways On How To Pass Telephone Interviews That Recruiters Will Never Tell You

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