Anxious. Concerned. Annoyed. “Hey guys, I think I see a parking space!” “Where!? Where!?” “Over there… Ugh, motorcycle.”  Thirty minutes later, still no parking spot is to be found.

Ring ring. Frantically, I begin searching my bottomless pit of a purse. Ring ring. “A SPOT!!! AN ACTUAL PARKING SPOT!!!” – “Hello, this is Lauren Switzer.” – “PULL OVER! PULL OVER! WE NEED THAT SPOT!” – I look at my friends with a panic stricken look: it was a potential employer. – “WE HAVE TO GET THAT SPOT!” – “Yes, this is a good time to talk. I’m so sorry for the background noise.” – “HEY GUYS, LAUREN IS TALKING TO HER BOSS. BE QUIET!” – Thanks, Emma. “Yes, I am still very interested in the internship. Oh no, really, now is a perfectly fine time to talk.” – “I can’t believe we got that spot (quiet shouts of joy continue).” – “My availability… I am available all day Wednesdays and Fridays… Great… Great. I look forward to hearing from you soon.”

A scenario worthy of a blog title reminiscent of that of a horror film? Indeed. I was absolutely convinced I would never work for that company. Luckily, through persistence and a profuse amount of apologies, I still got the job. On my first day, Susan, the hiring manager with whom I spoke to on the phone, asked to speak to me in the conference room. Terrified, I did as she asked. She was incredibly kind and asked if she could give me some advice for the next time an employer calls.

• Tip Number 1: It’s OK to say: “I’m sorry. Right now is not a good time to speak. May I please call you back?” In fact, in my case, it would have been much better had I said that rather than trying to speak over the shouts of my friends.

• Tip Number 2: If a potential employer catches you in a bad situation, let your phone go to voicemail. You can always call back.

• Tip Number 3: You can always ask, “May I please have a minute to situate myself?” Susan gave me so many opportunities during our initial phone call to do just that because she knew I was in a situation that was not conducive to having a phone conversation. Do not hesitate to take a moment to collect yourself (and your friends too, if need be).

• Tip Number 4: One bad phone call is not the end-all. If you find you do not feel like you represented yourself properly on the phone, be sure to send a follow-up e-mail with an apology, an explanation and why you still believe you deserve the job.

Hopefully, these tips will help you know exactly what to do the next time an employer calls.

– Lauren Switzer, Account Supervisor