I know. It’s superficial, but I’m human. But a prospective employer or client is also human, so there’s a good chance that crappy, unclear, and long voicemails annoy them too.So, for your consideration, here are 10 tips to help you leave the perfect voicemail and, consequently, a good impression.
Through personal experience and research, I’ve been able to identify the most effective voicemail script — along with the keys to implementing it — so you leave voicemails that generate an incredible response every time.
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1. Limit Background Noise. If you’re recording your greeting from the back of a New York City cab with the windows down, it’s gonna be pretty obvious to your callers.
Landlines continue to have a place in business and are in fact more prevalent than cell phones as primary telephone numbers -- at least for now.
As you look to update your script, here are a few questions to ask: Will your voicemail greeting be funny, so your callers think your business is fun? Do you want the tone to be more professional, so it gives callers the impression you only work with Fortune 500 companies? Do you want to record a brief message, or will a more detailed message be helpful? Knowing these answers will help you craft a personal voicemail greeting unique to your company.
I find it helpful to imagine that I am writing a memo when I leave voicemail messages. Outlining points enhances my own clarity and puts the listener on notice for the information.
2. Press the right arrow key twice and highlight Msgs then press the center navigation key.
If you are currently in the job market and you can’t remember what your voicemail greeting is, it might not be a bad idea to check in and see if it needs updating. Depending on what it is, when a hiring manager hears it, they may decide to not leave a voicemail after all. “You have reached the voicemail box of Jane Smith. I am sorry I missed your call. Please leave your name and number and I will return your call as soon as possible. Thank you.”
Don' let background noise do the talking for you. Ambient noise on your recording could be sending the wrong message to your clients. The sound of your kids arguing in the distance could be the sign of a distracting work environment. Clinking glasses and restaurant chatter may leave the impression that you don't take your work seriously. When you record your voicemail greeting choose a quiet spot free from interruption, so your message is the only thing callers hear. It's also good to avoid large, cavernous spaces where sound verberates.
What should I say on my voicemail? Your voicemail should state the purpose of your call, and should include a value statement as well as your contact information.
8. Let Your Callers Know What To Tell You. This tip is more for you than your callers. It’s particularly helpful if you need more information than the standard name and phone number.
You’ve reached [Company Name], the [company’s slogan]. Please choose from the following menu options: To speak with the operator, press 0. For customer support, press 1. For troubleshooting questions, press 2. For accounting questions, press 3. For a list of our staff members, press 4. To leave us a message, press 5. To repeat these options, press 6. After-Hours Greetings
23. "Happy holidays! [I'm, the team at X company is] away until [date]. We'll make sure to call you back straight away when we return. If your request is urgent, email [emergency contact] at [email address]. Thanks, and have a wonderful day."
For all the above cases and more, preparing yourself and being careful will ensure that you only send professional and meaningful voicemails. Here’s how:
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