Apply by Phone: Messages, Calls and Follow-Up

When you find a job, you must contact the employer. Many people lose the chance because the message is too long, not clear, or never sent. Employers are busy. They like short, clear and polite messages. This lesson gives you simple scripts. Change the names and facts to your own. Use your own language if the employer uses it. The examples are in simple English.

A short message to apply

Use this when you contact an employer by WhatsApp, text or email. Keep it to a few lines.

Good morning, Mr Shah.
My name is Sunil Kumar. I saw your advert for an electrician in Pune.
I have 6 years of work with wiring in houses and shops. My resume
is attached.
I can start in one week. Please call me on 98XXXXXXXX.
Thank you.
Sunil Kumar

• Say hello and use the person's name if you know it.
• Say who you are, and which job you want.
• Say one or two real reasons you are a good choice.
• Say that your resume is attached, and attach it.
• Say when you can start, and how to reach you.
• Say thank you. Sign with your name.

An email needs a subject line

If you apply by email, the subject line should say the job and your name, for example: Application: Electrician - Sunil Kumar. This helps the employer find your message. Attach your resume as a PDF with a clear file name.

Making a phone call

1. Prepare. Write down your name, the job and two facts about you. Read the job advert again.
2. Choose a good time. Not too early, not at lunch time or late in the evening. Try mid-morning.
3. Find a quiet place with a good signal.
4. Say who you are: *Good morning. My name is Sunil Kumar. I am calling about the electrician job.*
5. Ask a clear question: *Is the job still open? May I send my resume?*
6. Listen and write. Write down the name, the address and the time. Repeat it back to check.
7. Thank them, even if the answer is no.

Caller:  Good morning. My name is Sunil Kumar. I am calling about
         the electrician job in Pune. Is it still open?
Employer: Yes, it is.
Caller:  Thank you. May I send my resume by WhatsApp? I have 6
         years of work with house and shop wiring.
Employer: Send it, we will see.
Caller:  Thank you. I will send it now. Can I call you again on
         Friday?

Voice notes

Some people like voice notes. But many employers do not listen to long ones. If you use one, keep it under 30 seconds. Say your name, your job and your phone number slowly. Text is usually better for numbers and addresses.

Follow up, politely

If nobody answers, do not give up and do not send ten messages in one hour. Wait two or three days, then send one short message.

Good morning Mr Shah. This is Sunil Kumar. I sent my resume
for the electrician job on Monday. I am still interested. Please
tell me if you need anything more. Thank you.

• Follow up once or twice. After that, move on.
• If someone says no, say thank you. Doors may open later.
• If someone says *call me next week*, write it in your list and call at the right time.

Keep a record

Use your job list from lesson 5. After each message or call, write the date and what happened. It will help you when an employer calls back and you must remember who they are.

When employers call you

• Answer in a calm voice, even if you are at work. If you cannot talk, say: *I am at work. May I call you back at 6?* and do it.
• Keep a pen or your notes app ready.
• Do not say yes to everything. If you need to think, say so politely.
• Save the number with the company name.

Your task

1. Write a message to apply for one real or sample job, using the script.
2. Say the phone call aloud three times with a friend, then make a real or practice call.
3. Write a follow-up message that you could send after three days.
4. Add the contact to your job list with the date and the next step.

How to check it worked

• Your message has your name, the job, one or two facts, your resume and your phone number.
• Your friend understood your call in the first twenty seconds.
• Your list shows the date of each message and the next step.