So what should you do if you’ve got a voicemail that’s really worth saving? The solution involves some free software and an affordable purchase, but it’s doable. Here’s how:
1. Call the UCSF voicemail system using the number appropriate for your location, then log in to your mailbox. From a Campus phone, call x66000 or press the Message Waiting button on your phone. From an off-campus phone, call 415-476-6000 and press the Star key when you reach the voicemail system. You will be prompted for your ID; enter your 5-digit phone extension. From a mobile phone, call 415-476-6000 and press the Star key when you reach the voicemail system. You will be prompted for your ID; enter your 5-digit phone extension.
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You’ve reached [LinkedPhone – Where Freedom Rings]. We are currently off-duty. Our business hours are [Monday through Saturday, 9am to 7pm Eastern Standard Time]. Please leave your name, number, and the reason for your call and we’ll get back to you on the next business day. Thank you.
You’re growing tired. Your eyelids are getting heavy. You feel very sleepy now. You are gradually losing your willpower and your ability to resist suggestions. When you hear the tone you will feel helplessly compelled to leave your name, number, and a message.
Milena is the host of the English Made Simple Podcast and is passionate about helping English learners break their fear of speaking English so they can confidently make conversation and be understood by other English-speakers.
You need the caller to feel like they’re responsible for taking the next step. “Call me back” is too generic (and can come off as a little desperate, too, which is a turn-off), and saying you’ll follow-up with them completely removes any responsibility on their part.
When your business is closed for vacation or holidays, it’s imperative that you set appropriate expectations for a callback and to provide an alternative coverage option, if available. The following greeting accomplishes this succinctly.
I can’t answer the phone right now, but if you leave me a message with your name and phone number, I will return your call as soon as possible. You have reached Jim Bucki. I can’t take your call at the moment but please don’t hesitate to leave a message after the tone. I will return your call as soon as I am able.
It’s no wonder so many voice mail messages get deleted and never called back! If ever there was a situation that begged to be scripted, it’s your voicemail message. Isn’t this the time you want to sound your best, be perceived as a professional, and prepare the most polished message you can? Of course it is.
Ok so let’s say you’ve made a few calls and have left several messages and you don’t want to leave another one… if that’s the case, at least hang up before the end of their “leave a message after the tone” instructions so that they don’t get notified of a voicemail just to hear you hanging upon them.
For more general advice on voicemail messages, read our tips and examples for business voicemail greetings.
Do me a favor though please. So I’m not bothering you anymore, could you please give me a quick call and just give me an update so I know what direction you’re moving in?
Hi Selina, I’m so thrilled this was helpful to you! Thanks for commenting. And I really hope this makes phone calls in English easier. 😊
On the "Voicemail greeting" tab, click on the "Record a greeting" button to record the voicemail greetings. A voicemail's time is approximately is around 10 seconds, wait for it to finish. Once done recording, click on the "Stop" button at the center of the recording tab to end it.
You don’t want to answer calls 24/7 (unless you’re serving clients globally and there’s an expectation of 24/7 support). If you’re unavailable during specific hours of the day, use the voicemail examples below for after-hours business calls.
Examples for External Voicemail Greetings. Hello, you have reached Margaret Smith; XYZ company’s sales manager. You call is valuable for us, but I cannot answer the phone at this moment. You are requested to leave your message here after the tone. Hi, this is Margaret Smith; XYZ company’s sales manager.
· The icons and layout may differ slightly depending on the phone’s model and your mobile carrier.