Somewhere along the way, job hunting became an exercise in sending things into the void. You polish your CV, upload it to a job site or job board, click “submit,” and wait. Maybe you get an auto response. Maybe you don’t. Then… silence.

The irony? The most powerful way to break that silence has been sitting in your pocket the whole time. The telephone - that thing we now mostly use for scrolling or texting - is still one of the best tools in recruitment. And yet, barely anyone uses it.

The Lost Art of the Phone Call

Between LinkedIn messages, chatbots, and job portals, recruitment has become incredibly digital. Candidates are hesitant to pick up the phone, often worried they’ll be interrupting or sound awkward. Recruiters are guilty of this too - relying on email templates instead of having a proper chat.

But when you do make that call, everything changes. Suddenly, you’re not just another name in an inbox. You’re a voice, a person, and a potential match. It’s a human connection, and it’s memorable.

Why It Works

When you speak to someone, even for a minute or two, you can communicate far more than a CV ever could. Enthusiasm, personality, curiosity, they all come across instantly.

As a recruiter, I can tell you firsthand that I remember the candidates I’ve spoken to. The ones who call to introduce themselves, ask smart questions, or follow up after applying are far more likely to get noticed.

The phone lets you:

• Build rapport fast.
• Clarify what you’re looking for (and what the role actually involves).
• Get immediate feedback instead of waiting days for an email.
• Show initiative (which every employer values).

When and How to Call

Timing matters. Avoid first thing Monday morning as not much can happen over a weekend, or right before the close of business, as recruiters are usually in the thick of it. Mid-morning or mid-afternoon is the sweet spot. Also, don’t call right after you click ‘submit’, recruiters will usually designate time to go through their advert responses per day so if you haven’t heard anything in 24 hours, call them up.

Keep it simple. You don’t need a script. A quick intro, a clear purpose, and a friendly tone go a long way:
“Hi, I saw your advert for the [role]. I’ve applied online, but just wanted to introduce myself as I think my experience in [area] could really fit what you’re after.”

That’s it. You’ve instantly lifted yourself out of the digital crowd.

If you’re following up after sending your CV, a short, polite check-in works wonders:
“Hi [Recruiter’s Name], just wanted to touch base to see if you’ve had a chance to review my application for [role]. Happy to share any extra details if it helps.”

You’d be surprised how often that one call prompts someone to pull up your CV straight away.

From the Recruiter’s Side

Recruiters want to place the right person - fast. A phone conversation tells us a lot: communication style, confidence, professionalism, and enthusiasm. Those things don’t show up in bullet points.

And while not every call leads to a job, it does something arguably just as important - it builds a relationship. A good recruiter will remember you and keep you in mind for other roles. That’s how most great placements actually happen.

The Takeaway

Job boards and AI tools may have changed how we find roles, but the human voice still cuts through. A short, confident phone call can turn you from another online applicant into someone who’s front of mind.

So next time you hit “apply,” don’t stop there. Pick up the phone. The difference between being seen and being overlooked might just be one conversation.