I have a confession to make: I haven’t recorded a new voicemail greeting since 2014. In the past four years, I (hopefully) have become more articulate, poised, and self-assured. But hear my voicemail recording, and you’d think I was still new to the work world, a little unsure of myself — and probably not an authority. Obviously I need toupdate it. And if you haven’t changed your voicemail greeting in over a year, you’re likely in the same boat. After all, a professional voicemail recording boosts your credibility, makes you seem more competent, and encourages whoever’s listening to it to continue the relationship. A relatively unprofessional one — like mine, for instance — does the opposite: It encourages prospects, recruiters, and potential connections to run in the other direction. With that in mind, I’ve written 18 unique voicemail greetings for every situation. Pick your favorite, practice a few times, then record your new voicemail.
Give your callers something to talk about with their friends and colleagues. Give your callers something that would make them want to tell their friends to call and listen to your greeting. Give your callers something to smile about. Give them something to think about. Give them something creative. Something smart. Something…you. “Hi, it’s Bob Johnson. I’m either away from my desk or on another line. Please leave a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.” “Hi, it’s Mary. Today is Monday, and I’ll be in meetings until 11am and then on sales call until early afternoon. Please leave me a message and I’ll return your call then.” “Hi, it’s Jane. I can’t get to my phone right now. But if you leave me a message I’ll call you back as soon as I can.” “You’ve reached John’s voicemail. I’m away at the moment, so please leave me a message. If you need immediate assistance, press zero for the operator.”
