On this page
Before you call
Get ready first. Find a quiet place with good phone signal. Have your CV open in front of you. Write down the job you saw, or the type of work you want. Keep a pen and paper close for names, dates and email addresses. It also helps to write a short sentence about yourself. Read it out loud a few times. Many agencies are busy in the morning, so a call later in the day can feel more relaxed. If nobody answers, you can leave a short message with your name and number.
Hi, my name is Ana. I'm calling about a job I saw on your website.
Is now a good time to talk for a few minutes?
Could I please speak to someone about temp work?
Saying why you are calling
Start with your name and the reason for your call. Keep it short and clear. If you saw a job ad, say the job title. If you are looking more generally, say the kind of work you want, like warehouse, cleaning, office or hospitality work. The person may ask you to send your CV first. This is very common. Ask for their name and their email address. Write it down and read it back to check. In New Zealand, people are often friendly and casual on the phone, so a simple, polite tone is perfect.
I'm looking for temporary or casual work in warehouse or factory jobs.
Could I get your name, please?
Can you spell your email address for me, please?
Questions the agency may ask
The recruiter may ask some quick questions. They might ask what work you have done before, when you can start, and which days or hours you can work. They may ask where you live and how you travel to work. They might also ask about your work rights in New Zealand. Answer honestly and simply. If you do not understand a question, it is fine to say so. Recruiters talk to many people every day. They are used to hearing different accents, and most will happily slow down.
I can start straight away, and I'm free Monday to Friday.
I worked in a food factory for a few years before I came here.
Sorry, could you say that again a little more slowly?
Asking your own questions
A phone call goes both ways. You can ask questions too. This shows you are interested and helps you understand the job. You might ask about the type of work, the location, the hours, and what the next step is. You can also ask how the agency will contact you about new jobs. Some people feel shy asking about pay. You can ask politely what the pay is for the role. Choose two or three questions and write them down before you call.
What kind of work do you usually have available?
Where is the job located, and what are the hours?
What is the next step after I send my CV?
Ending the call and following up
At the end, check what will happen next. Maybe you will send your CV, fill in a form, or come in for a short meeting. Repeat the main details to make sure you understood. Thank the person by name. After the call, send your CV soon, while they still remember you. In your email, say you spoke on the phone today. If you do not hear back after some time, it is okay to call or email again. Agencies are busy, and a friendly follow-up is normal.
So I'll email my CV to you today. Is that right?
Thanks so much for your help, Sarah. Have a good day.
Hi, I'm just following up on my call last week about warehouse work.
Common questions
What if I don't understand the recruiter?
That is okay. Ask them to repeat or slow down. You can say, "Sorry, my English is still improving. Could you say that again?" Most recruiters are patient. You can also ask them to send details by email, so you can read them later.
Should I call or just send my CV?
Both can work. Many people send their CV online first, then call to introduce themselves. A short call helps the recruiter remember your voice and your name. If the job ad says not to call, follow that and apply online instead.
What if they say they have no work right now?
This happens often and it is not personal. Politely ask them to keep your CV on file and to contact you if something comes up. You can check in again later. Many people sign up with more than one agency.