Hello, you have reached the voicemail of Jim Smith. I am currently out of the office and will return on Sept. 14. I will be checking my voicemail messages periodically, so please leave me a message and I will return your call as soon as possible.
This is optional, but you can also leave another form of contact on your voicemail, like an email, that the employer who is calling can utilize. This will show that you want to get back to them as quickly as possible, and you are giving them multiple ways to do so. This isn’t necessary, but can be a good step if you want to squeeze a little more into the voicemail without going overboard.

In previous blogs, I’ve mentioned the importance of making a good first impression on a potential client. Most of the time, the first contact will be over the telephone. Since we are often in session, it is very likely that the first time a client hears our voice is on our voicemail greeting. This is why a professional greeting is so important. Identify yourself because you need to reassure the client that they have called the correct number. Clients will be a lot less likely to leave a message if they wonder who will get it. Use a warm friendly voice to say something like, “You have reached xxxx, licensed mental health counselor.” Tell clients what to do if they are in crisis. Although it seems obvious to us, clients may not realize that it could be several hours until we can return their call. I suggest something like, “If you require immediate assistance, please dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.” Ask for what information you need. Yes, the obvious name and number, but if it would be helpful to get their insurance information, ask for that, too. Give clients an idea about when you’ll return their call. Common business practice is within 24 business hours. Any extra messages or information you’d like clients to know. For example, if you are no longer accepting a particular insurance plan, the end of your voicemail greeting is a great place to convey that information.
While certain VoIP features (such as Simultaneous Ring and Find Me/Follow Me) help ensure that you don’t miss out on important calls, it can also be difficult to answer every single call that comes in, especially if you’re running a small business with limited staff. A clear, helpful, and customized voicemail greeting can be the next thing to help establish your brand and customer base. Related Blog Posts Best VoIP Providers for Making Cheap Calls to China in 2021Competitors to Vonage in 2021Scammers and VoIP: What you need to know about illegal phone scamsLandline versus VoIP: Which Is Better?Ways Virtual Numbers Help Boost Your BusinessWebRTC and VoIP: Do They Connect or Clash?How Business VoIP Takes the Stress Out of Moving Offices3 Ways to Use Hold Music to Keep Callers on the LineWhy You Should Get a Business VoIP Phone for Your Home BusinessTop 3 Reasons Pay As You Go VoIP Plans are Perfect for Small Businesses