Most recruiter calls are friendly and fairly short. They want to learn a little about you, share a role, and gauge your interest. Knowing roughly what to expect helps you sound calm and prepared, even on the spot.
If it's not a good time, say so
You're never obliged to have a full conversation on the spot. If you're at work or can't talk, it's perfectly fine to ask to reschedule the chat.
Thanks so much for calling. I'm at work right now — could we talk at lunchtime or after 5pm? I'm keen to hear more.
Have a few things ready
If you're job hunting, keep these within reach so any call is easier:
- A one-line summary of what you do and what you're looking for.
- Your general availability for a longer chat or interview.
- A pen and paper to note the role, company and next steps.
Questions worth asking
Recruiters expect you to ask questions — it shows genuine interest. A few useful ones:
- What's the role, and who is it with?
- Is it permanent, contract or casual?
- What are the next steps and timeframe?
If a phone interview is likely to follow, skim our phone interview questions guide beforehand.
Wrap up clearly
Before you hang up, confirm what happens next and how they'll reach you. If the call moves to salary, our Salary Expectation Answer Generator can help you word a calm response.
Key takeaways
- It's okay to ask to talk later
- Keep a short summary and your availability handy
- Asking questions shows interest
- Confirm the next steps before you hang up
Practise the likely questions
Rehearse natural answers to the questions a recruiter or interviewer might ask.
Open the question generator