Tools for Today’s Working Woman
Wow, I can remember the very first time I made a phone call in reference to a job. I think the person on the other end was trying to figure out if I was really serious. I had absolutely no clue about phone etiquette. In fact, at that point in time, etiquette was just another fancy word that did not fit in my vocabulary. I certainly did not have a smile on my face; neither did I feel like smiling because of my inexperience.
Back in my day, there was not an abundance of seminars offered on the ABC’s of Phone and Workplace Etiquette. Now, I am not saying I lived in the dinosaur age, but you would think I had if you heard my grandchildren talk about age at times. According to them, forty is old; and since I’m now fifty one, I guess I’m ancient!
Back to my point, as a woman that receives phones calls practically non-stop on a daily basis, I realize there is a great need for phone etiquette. The lack thereof can cause your message to be unclear and/or ignored.
To improve my phone etiquette skills, I now place a smile on my face and pretend the person on the other end is standing in front of me. The next step is to try to lead the conversation and be the person in charge. This way I can “be myself.” I can relax and better relate to the person on the other end. I am not saying to dominate the conversation (smile). It is important to listen.
Listening to others has also helped to make me more aware of ways to improve my phone conversation. However, you should place in your mind, “I am in charge”; and keep the conversation flowing with a magnanimous spirit (noble at heart).
If you are the person to initiate the phone call, always, and I do mean always, start off with a great smile on your face. Follow through and say firmly, “Good Morning” (or other appropriate greeting), while adding a touch of gentleness.
If you are inquiring about employment, make sure you write down all things on a note pad that are pertinent to the job; and a few facts about the company to which you are applying. You never know what they may ask, or what you might share, that will get you the actual physical interview.
Ladies, if we are having a bad moment, are not feeling good. or are in a rush, do not place a phone call to inquire about a job. This is because you want the person(s) that you are calling to know the charming person on the other end (which is you).
Keep in mind, our feelings tend to be projected through our voices and seen in the looks on our faces. Do you remember when Mom or Grandma would say, “I know something is wrong; I can hear it in your voice or see it in your face?” So this month ladies, as we pick up the phone to inquire about a job, get assistance with a need, inquire about your child in school, etc, let’s be Happy People with smiling faces.
If there is a topic you would like to see discussed in this column, if you have any questions, or would like to see this week’s topic discussed more, send me an email to
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. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your month. Until next time, we are sending our smiles through the phone!!
Sarahlyn U. Argrow is founder and chairman of the Savannah-based AWWIN (A Working Woman in Need) Inc., a nonprofit organization designed to help single working women and their children better their circumstances. She is the mother of five adult daughters and grandmother of six. She is currently at work on her first book.
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