On this page
Before You Call
Get ready first. Find a quiet place. Have your CV in front of you. Write down the jobs you are looking for, the days you can work, and the areas you can travel to. Keep a pen and paper close, so you can write down names and times. If you saw a job advert, have it open. Many agencies are busy in the morning, so a call later in the day may be calmer. Take a slow breath before you dial. It is normal to feel nervous.
Hello, my name is Ana. I'm calling about work with your agency.
I saw your advert for a warehouse job, and I'd like to ask about it.
Is this a good time to talk?
Starting the Call
Someone at reception may answer first. They often ask who you want to speak to. You can say you are looking for work, and they will usually pass you to a consultant. A consultant is the person who helps match you with jobs. Say your name clearly. You can also spell it. Say what kind of work you want. Keep your first sentences short and simple. The consultant will usually guide the conversation after that.
Could I speak to someone about temporary work, please?
My name is Tomasz. That's T-O-M-A-S-Z.
I'm looking for full-time work in admin or reception.
Questions They May Ask You
The consultant will usually ask about you. They may ask about your experience, your skills, and when you can start. They might ask which days and hours you can work, and how far you can travel. Some may ask if you have a driving licence or certain training. Answer honestly. If you do not understand a question, it is fine to ask them to repeat it. You can also ask them to speak more slowly. This is very common, and most consultants are happy to help.
I have three years of experience in cleaning and housekeeping.
I can start next week, and I'm free Monday to Friday.
Sorry, could you say that again a little more slowly?
Questions You Can Ask
You can ask questions too. This shows you are interested. You might ask what kind of jobs they usually have, and where they are. You can ask about the hours and how long a job may last. You can also ask what happens next, for example if you need to visit the office or send documents. If you have questions about pay or your right to work, ask the agency directly. They can explain their own process to you.
What kind of jobs do you usually have at the moment?
How long does this job usually last?
What are the next steps after this call?
Ending the Call Well
Before you finish, check the key details. Repeat any dates, times, or addresses to make sure they are correct. Ask for the consultant's name and the best way to contact them. Thank them for their time. After the call, you could send a short email with your CV if they asked for it. If you do not hear back for a while, a polite follow-up call is normal. Agencies speak to many people, so a friendly reminder can help.
Just to check, that's Tuesday at ten o'clock, is that right?
Could I have your name and email address, please?
Thank you very much for your help. I look forward to hearing from you.
Common questions
What if I don't understand the consultant?
It is fine to say so. You can ask them to repeat, speak more slowly, or explain a word. You can say, "Sorry, I didn't catch that." Most consultants talk to many people from different countries and are used to this.
Should I call or send an email first?
Both are common. Some people send their CV by email and then call to introduce themselves. Others call first and send the CV after. A call can help the consultant remember you. Choose what feels comfortable for you.
What if they don't have work for me right now?
This happens often. You can ask them to keep your details and contact you if something comes up. It is also normal to call back after some time to check in. Many people register with more than one agency.