How to answer is it a good time to talk
We live in a time of interruptions, and this is something you need to keep in mind when scheduling your job interview call. A few people still ask is this a good time to talk.
Is this a good time to talk?
How do you answer the question is this a good time to talk? Most people don’t answer it honestly. Instead, they may say sure when you don’t have their attention.
Schedule your Interview Call for when they have your Full Attention
Why might they not have your full attention?
Yesterday I was on my way to an outside appointment, and the phone rang. I thought I knew the number, so I answered the phone. It was my banker. She just wanted me to tell me the work I'd done was approved and ready for signature.
But I was nervous! I try very hard to be prompt for my appointments, in the office with clients as well as the myriad of a doctor, dentist, hairstylist, and luncheon meetings.
I told her I couldn’t talk and I would get back to her on time to meet because I was in a rush and couldn’t access my calendar right then. I didn’t want to think about one more thing.
When shouldn’t you answer the phone?
Perhaps I shouldn’t have answered the phone, especially since I was trying to get down the steps to get to the car.
She didn’t have my full attention, I was:
- In a rush
- On the steps and afraid of falling
- Not in a position to answer her questions
- Worried about being late for my appointment
- Concerned that if I were late for my appointment, it would snowball and I would be late for my client appointment in the office.
- Couldn’t concentrate on checking my calendar
It wasn’t her fault for calling. I don’t even know if she asked if it was a good time to speak because I wasn’t listening.
Jobseeker Lesson #1: Ask if it is a good time to talk
You don’t know if the other person is available.
Today we have voicemail, but people still fail to use it when they should. You don’t know if the person is:
- Off to a meeting
- On a deadline
- In a meeting with a staff member
- Late for lunch
- Hurrying to get home
- Driving
There can be a myriad of reasons that it is not a good time to talk. Be courteous and ask.
Make your interview calls brief and to the point. Script your calls to hiring managers in advance.
Jobseeker Lesson #2: Don’t answer the phone if it is not a good time to talk
Nothing can blow your chances more than taking a call when you are not prepared. Voicemail is there for a reason. Call back when you are in a position to talk without interruptions.
People respect that you will not always be available to answer the phone. Just return the call as soon as possible.
Communication is often difficult. Today’s world is full of interruptions and diversions. Common courtesy goes a long way.
I teach job seekers how to land new jobs quicker and create value-filled resumes and LinkedIn profiles.
Resume Design and Job Seeking Tips
Here are Design Resumes' latest articles on job search, resume design, resume writing, and Linkedin optimization articles I've written.
Julie Walraven
Professional Resume Writer
Here are ways I can help you land your dream job.
You may be halfway across the country or the world. When you work with me, we share coffee, laughs, and concerns. This turns the scary job search into creative, consultative writing and learning sessions.