So, I finally did it. Here’s my process for developing a professional voicemail message in 10 steps:
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If a potential customer calls, but you just can’t get to the phone, do you trust your voicemail greeting to convince them to leave a message? Make sure you h
First and foremost, it nearly goes without saying that it’s important to get a dedicated number specifically for work-related calls, but let’s just say it. Many of us working from home have had to deal with using our home phone number or getting an additional land-line installed. Those days of dial-up are long gone for most of us and it seems nearly everyone on earth now has a cell phone. There’s really no excuse not to have a dedicated work number these days. If you don’t have one, secure one today. It’s even easier than you think if you also consider options like Google Voice and My1Voice. You’d think this also goes without saying, but don’t leave the standard voicemail provided by your cell phone carrier or answering machine. It’s annoying. Everyone hates them. And don’t think that saying your name at the beep to customize your message helps. It’s just as annoying to hear the robotic voice that pauses as your voice interrupts the message to insert your name. Actually say your name You think I’m joking? I called someone just last week and when I got the voicemail it just repeated the number. I dialed by choosing the contact from my contacts and I’m not good with numbers. I wasn’t sure if the number was the number I mean to call, so I just hung up. It happens. Reveal specific information If it’s a typical work day and you’re just unable to answer your phone, it’s fine to say you’re currently unavailable. But if you’re sunning yourself on the beaches of Tahiti and have no intention of even checking your voicemail until you return to your desk in two weeks, it would be nice to let someone know. If they’re calling you they must need something. Let them know when you’ll be available. Give an emergency option Depending on what you do for a living, or just how accessible you want to appear to a potential employer, leaving an additional option for the caller to reach you often makes a good impression. Doctors offices do that all the time, right. If you can’t reach me this way, you can reach me THIS way. Or, you can reach someone else who can help you right now. KISS Keep It Simple, Stupid. You don’t want to speak like an auctioneer, but you do want to get as much information across as quickly as possible and get on to the beep. Your caller doesn’t need to know your life history, just the current facts and then sufficient space to leave you a message. Write it down Put some thought into exactly what you want to say. Don’t just hit record and play around until you’re satisfied that your message doesn’t suck. Think about it. Write down what you want to say and give it a try. Rearrange things, revise things. And, when you’re ready, hit the record button and give it a whirl. Smile Did you know that it’s believed that some 50 different types of smiles exist, from triumphant ones to bitter ones. Interestingly enough, there was a study a couple years ago where scientists used the phrase “I do in the summertime” to study the effects of smiling on person’s voice. Read all about in Smile – And The World Can Hear You, Even If You Hide. Or listen to the NPR show, Hearing a Smile in Tone of Voice. So close your eyes and think of your happy place. Think of something funny or amusing. Then, right before you hit the record button and begin speaking, SMILE. Callers will hear it. Just make sure you’re not actively laughing like the Joker from Batman throughout your voicemail greeting. Cut the comedy Smiling is a good thing. Acting like a clown, not so much. Cutesy comedic messages really don’t have a place on your work voicemail greeting. Be considerate Above all, consider the caller. A considerate message lets them know they’re important and that you’ll be returning their call. Even if the sun and moon revolve around your every move, your voicemail greeting isn’t the place for egocentric SOMETHING Listen to your messages and return calls
Extension mailboxes enable businesses to share a group of mailboxes, but route incoming calls to one main voicemail number. They include a primary mailbox and up to nine (9) additional boxes. Each has characteristics of standard voice mailboxes and must be activated by an authorized user before they can be used. Once activated, log in to the mailbox, change the PIN, record your greeting and your name.
Avoid These 3 Voicemail Mishaps When Job SearchingAvoid these scenarios with your voicemail during your job search.
You want this experience to be a positive one for the caller. Make sure your voicemail provides information such as your hours for operation and additional contact information. You’ll also want to address when the caller can expect your call or list other ways they can get in touch should you not answer.
It can be overwhelming to someone calling if your voicemail suggests they leave their name, address, time of calling, reason why calling, best phone number to call them back at, etc. They might not be prepared with all of the information and could end up leaving a confusing and flustered message. Instead, just kindly ask the person to leave their name and number and reassure that someone will be in touch as soon as possible.
Hello. This is (name). I'm not available to take your call right now. Please leave your name, phone number, and the best time to reach you. I will get back to you as soon as possible. Employers: Post Jobs Job Search Advice: Careers Resumes Interviewing © 2021 CollegeGrad LLC About Blog Contact Privacy
The Best Professional Voicemail GreetingsCheck out our tips on making sure your voicemail is ready for your next missed call!
You can customize each greeting for each phone number within your OpenPhone account. In addition, you can change it as often as you need.
When you get a voicemail, you can check your message from the notification on your phone. Swipe down from the top of the screen. Tap Voicemail ….You can call your voicemail service to check your messages. Open your device’s Phone app . At the bottom, tap Dialpad . Touch and hold 1. How do you listen to your voicemail from a different phone? Call your 10-digit wireless number. When you hear your voicemail greeting, press the * key to interrupt it. If you reach the main voicemail system greeting, enter your 10-digit wireless phone number, then interrupt your greeting by pressing the * key. Can I listen to my voicemail without setting it up?
Examples of Good Business Voicemail Messages. It makes a positive difference when you record a greeting message that adheres to the basic elements of good voicemail greetings. Here are some good business voicemail greeting examples: Hello, this is Jim Smith. I am currently on the phone …
You can also erase any of your existing recordings associated with your voicemail box. To delete your name recording, unavailable greeting, or temporary greeting: Dial *98 on your OnSIP-registered phone. Enter your voicemail box number. Enter the PIN/password for your voicemail box. Press 0 for voicemail box options. Press 1 for unavailable greeting, 2 for your name, or 3 for temporary greeting. Press 2 to delete the existing recording on file.
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When on vacation, provide your callers with a return date and a back-up contact person to accommodate emergencies. This prevents you from potentially damaging a valued relationship while you enjoy some time off.
d. Utilizing Ambiguity Over Clarity: When setting up your voicemail greeting be direct and to the point. Tell callers your information, a brief greeting, and direction—i.e. “Hi, this is Jim Shamalam (from Iron Industries). Sorry I can’t take your call right now. Please leave your name number, and a brief message and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you.” This is ideal, as you inform callers and let them know what they should do to ensure a return call. A lack of direction can lead to callers leaving incomplete messages (lacking contact or other information) or even callers hanging up without leaving a message altogether.