What Do You Do If Someone Doesn't Answer During a Phone Interview?

by Nicole Vulcan
If you're using a mobile phone, make sure you're getting good reception.


BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images

You've spent a lot of time preparing for the job interview and taking steps to avoid common pitfalls, so it can be frustrating to experience a hiccup due to no fault of your own. When you're scheduled for a phone interview and the hiring manager doesn't answer your call, you'll have to endure some waiting. Use the time to stay calm and focused, while at the same time continuing to attempt to make contact.

The Initial Call

If it's up to you to make the call to initiate a phone interview, make the call exactly when you're expected to. If the person doesn't answer, listen to the voicemail message carefully to make sure you've called the right person. Leave a message stating your name, phone number and the purpose of the call, but be pleasant, do not sound annoyed or disappointed. People get busy. Her boss may have walked into the room, a crisis may be erupting -- you never know. Stay positive and let the hiring manager know you're looking forward to talking with her when she's available.


During the waiting time, check into your past correspondence with the hiring manager. If you've e-mailed back and forth a few times, use your e-mail's search function to find those past e-mails. Read them over to double-check the phone number and the scheduled interview time. You should have checked these details well ahead of the interview, but if you didn't, now's the time. Best-case scenario at this point: you misdialed and only need to call the right number to get things on track.

Call Back

If you've waited about 10 minutes and still haven't gotten a call back, try the number the hiring manager provided you one more time. If the phone system gives you a chance to "opt out" of going through voicemail or provides you an option to speak to someone else, follow the instructions, advises the interview site Interview Back Door. Be courteous to the person on the other end of the line and explain the situation.

Finding Someone Else

If you're not able to redirect your call, leave another quick message letting the hiring manager know you made a second attempt, and remember to keep calm. When she returns to her desk or checks her voice mail, the hiring manager will know that you made a sincere attempt to contact her. Another option: Call the company's front desk or reception desk and try to talk to a person who may be able to provide you with some information about why you're not getting through. If it turns out that the hiring manager never calls back or contacts you again, consider it a blessing. You may have wanted that kind of job, but not with a company that so easily disrespects your precious time.

About the Author


Photo Credits

  • BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images
bibliography-icon icon for annotation tool Cite this Article