When you call someone, leave a message, and they don't call you back...

.. but you need an answer and have to call them again, what do you say?

Called someone in my building yesterday at 9am and still haven't heard back. My boss really wants me to get an answer from them.

How do you usually start the conversation?

"I left you a voicemail yesterday, did you get it?" seems so lame.

"Sorry to bug you, I know I left a message yesterday..." seems so wimpy.

I don't know this person at all, this is my first time dealing with her.

Re: When you call someone, leave a message, and they don't call you back...

I would say "I'm folowing up on the message I left yesterday."

Re: When you call someone, leave a message, and they don't call you back...

how about something like

"great, I caught you this time" and get right into it

it acknowleges the call but isn't too pushy or lame...

Re: When you call someone, leave a message, and they don't call you back...

Re: When you call someone, leave a message, and they don't call you back...

I would just ask them the question. If they feel a need to make an issue of the voicemail (by apologizing for not getting back to you sooner), that's their responsibility.

If they make a comment that they were going to get back to you, just say, "I'm sorry. I know you always get back to me. I just need an answer right away this time. Sorry to keep bugging you!"

Really, happens all the time - not a big deal at all, especially when it comes to work.

Re: When you call someone, leave a message, and they don't call you back...

Thanks girls, great tips.

This rarely comes up my job because I work for the gov't and everyone is.. well "laid back" about things. So I would have no problem giving her another day to return my call.

My boss, unfortunately isn't as patient.

Now the question is, what do I say if I get her voicemail again

See, I told you I don't have to do this very often at work!

Re: When you call someone, leave a message, and they don't call you back...

Then just say "I'm calling to follow up on the voicemail I left yesterday. I need an answer to a brief question quickly and was hoping you could help me out. Thank you." Then leave your number.

Re: When you call someone, leave a message, and they don't call you back...

Re: When you call someone, leave a message, and they don't call you back...

Posted by melbalalala

Thanks girls, great tips.

This rarely comes up my job because I work for the gov't and everyone is.. well "laid back" about things. So I would have no problem giving her another day to return my call.

My boss, unfortunately isn't as patient.

Now the question is, what do I say if I get her voicemail again

See, I told you I don't have to do this very often at work!

Re: When you call someone, leave a message, and they don't call you back...

I would say I called yesterday but I hadn't heard back from you and so and so really wants me to get this taken care of today so I figured I'd try you again.

Re: When you call someone, leave a message, and they don't call you back...

Re: When you call someone, leave a message, and they don't call you back...

Re: When you call someone, leave a message, and they don't call you back...

Posted by LaurenExp

Posted by melbalalala

Thanks girls, great tips.

This rarely comes up my job because I work for the gov't and everyone is.. well "laid back" about things. So I would have no problem giving her another day to return my call.

My boss, unfortunately isn't as patient.

Now the question is, what do I say if I get her voicemail again

See, I told you I don't have to do this very often at work!

I would just say "I left you a message yesterday, but the matter is a bit urgent..."