TOPIC 18 OF 25
Calling About a Job Listing
How to respond to job advertisements and make a strong first impression by phone
Part 1: Dictionary • Part 2: Dialogue • Part 3: Article
PART 1 | COMPREHENSIVE DICTIONARY
21 essential vocabulary terms with definitions and context sentences
Context: Responding to job advertisements, asking about open positions, and making a professional first impression by phone
1. Job listing / Job posting (noun)
Definition: An advertisement by an employer announcing an available position.
Example: “She found the job listing on a hiring website and called the company before applying online.”
2. Position (noun)
Definition: A specific job or role within a company.
Example: “She called to confirm the position was still open before spending time on the application.”
3. Hiring manager (noun)
Definition: The person responsible for evaluating and selecting candidates for a job opening.
Example: “The receptionist transferred her call to the hiring manager who answered all her questions.”
4. Application (noun)
Definition: A formal request for employment, usually submitted through a form or resume.
Example: “He submitted his application online and called the next day to confirm it had been received.”
5. Qualifications (noun)
Definition: The specific skills, experience, or credentials required or preferred for a position.
Example: “She asked the hiring manager which qualifications were most important for the role.”
6. Pay range (noun)
Definition: The minimum and maximum amount an employer is willing to pay for a position.
Example: “Knowing the pay range helped her decide whether the job was worth pursuing.”
7. Shift (noun)
Definition: A scheduled period of work, often defined by hours such as morning, afternoon, or overnight.
Example: “The job offered a day shift from 7 AM to 3:30 PM, which was perfect for her schedule.”
8. Initiative (noun)
Definition: The ability to assess and take action independently without being prompted.
Example: “Calling the employer directly before applying shows initiative and genuine interest.”
9. Professional tone (noun)
Definition: A manner of speaking that is formal, polite, and appropriate for a work setting.
Example: “She practiced her professional tone before calling the employer to ask about the listing.”
10. Driver’s license (requirement) (phrase)
Definition: Some jobs require a valid driver’s license as a condition of employment.
Example: “The hiring manager confirmed that a valid driver’s license was required to operate company vehicles.”
11. Seasonal position (noun)
Definition: A temporary job available only during a specific time of year.
Example: “The landscaping company had seasonal positions available from April through October.”
12. Full-time vs. part-time (phrase)
Definition: The distinction between a 35–40 hour workweek (full) versus fewer hours (part).
Example: “She asked whether the position was full-time or part-time before discussing compensation.”
13. Follow up (verb)
Definition: To contact an employer after applying to express continued interest or check on the status.
Example: “She called to follow up three days after submitting her application online.”
14. Job fair (noun)
Definition: An event where multiple employers meet with job seekers simultaneously.
Example: “She found three promising leads at the community job fair and followed up with all of them.”
15. Indeed / LinkedIn (noun)
Definition: Popular online job search platforms used to find and apply for jobs.
Example: “She used Indeed to search for warehouse positions within 10 miles of her apartment.”
16. Cover letter (noun)
Definition: A written introduction accompanying a resume that explains a candidate’s interest and suitability for a position.
Example: “She wrote a short cover letter explaining her experience and why she wanted to work for the company.”
17. Reference check (noun)
Definition: When an employer contacts a candidate’s listed references to verify their work history and character.
Example: “She called her former supervisor to let him know a reference check might be coming soon.”
18. Work authorization (noun)
Definition: Legal permission for a person to be employed in the United States.
Example: “The job application asked her to confirm she had work authorization in the U.S.”
19. Clean driving record (phrase)
Definition: A driving history with no serious traffic violations, required for driving-related jobs.
Example: “She confirmed her clean driving record when the employer said it was required for delivery work.”
20. Salary negotiation (noun)
Definition: A discussion between a candidate and employer about adjusting the offered pay.
Example: “She waited for the job offer before beginning salary negotiation to strengthen her position.”
21. In-person interview (noun)
Definition: A face-to-face meeting with an employer to evaluate a candidate.
Example: “After the phone screening, she was invited to an in-person interview at the company’s office.”
TOPIC 18 — CALLING ABOUT A JOB LISTING
PART 2 | REAL-LIFE DIALOGUE
A realistic conversation demonstrating key communication in this situation
Setting: Calling to inquire about an advertised job opening
Key Phrases: Still available • Qualifications • Schedule an interview • Apply online
Receptionist: Good afternoon, Green Valley Landscaping. How can I direct your call?
Caller: Hi, good afternoon. I’m calling about a job listing I saw on Indeed. It’s for a landscaping crew member position. Is that position still available?
Receptionist: Let me transfer you to our hiring manager. One moment please.
Manager: This is Kevin in HR. How can I help?
Caller: Hi Kevin, my name is Roberto Sanchez. I saw your ad for a landscaping crew member online and I’m very interested. I wanted to call before applying online to make sure the position is still open.
Kevin: Hi Roberto! Yes, we’re still hiring for that role. We’re actually hoping to fill it quickly. Do you have landscaping experience?
Roberto: Yes, I have three years of residential and commercial landscaping. I can operate mowers, trimmers, and I also have some irrigation experience.
Kevin: That’s great. Do you have a valid driver’s license? We need crew members who can drive the work trucks.
Roberto: Yes, I have a valid license and a clean driving record.
Kevin: Perfect. Go ahead and submit your application on our website and mention you spoke with Kevin. I’ll flag it when it comes in.
Roberto: I’ll do that today. Can I ask about the pay range and the schedule?
Kevin: It’s $17 to $19 an hour depending on experience. Hours are typically 7 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Saturday in the spring and summer season.
Roberto: That schedule works well for me. Thank you, Kevin. I’ll apply right after this call.
Language Notes
Calling before applying shows initiative and helps confirm the position is still open. Have your experience and qualifications ready to summarize. Ask about pay and schedule to avoid surprises.
TOPIC 18 — CALLING ABOUT A JOB LISTING
PART 3 | INFORMATIONAL ARTICLE
How to respond to job advertisements and make a strong first impression by phone | CEFR B1 Level
Key Vocabulary: job listing • hiring manager • qualifications • initiative • professional tone
Finding Job Opportunities
In the United States, job seekers use a variety of methods to find employment. Online job boards are the most common starting point. The major platforms include Indeed (the largest job search site), LinkedIn (important for professional and white-collar jobs), ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, and Monster. Many companies also post openings directly on their own websites under a “Careers” or “Jobs” section.
For trade, manual labor, and service industry jobs, options include local newspaper classified ads, community bulletin boards, and direct applications at the business. Some industries rely heavily on referrals — employees recommending friends or family for open positions.
When you find a job posting that interests you, read it carefully before applying. Note the required qualifications (skills and experience the employer requires), preferred qualifications (skills that are a bonus but not required), the application instructions (how to apply — online, by email, or in person), and the contact information.
Why Calling Can Be More Effective
While most job applications are submitted online, calling the employer directly before or after applying can give you a competitive advantage. Calling shows initiative — the ability to take independent action — which is a quality American employers value highly.
A phone call can confirm the position is still open (some postings remain online even after the role is filled), allow you to make a positive first impression before your resume is reviewed, give you the opportunity to mention your qualifications briefly, and help you get the name of the hiring manager so you can address your application directly to them.
Keep in mind that your phone call should be brief and professional. Do not ask questions that are clearly answered in the job posting. Do not ask about salary in the first call. The goal is simply to confirm the role is open, briefly introduce yourself, and express interest.
How to Make a Professional Phone Call
Before calling, prepare by reading the job posting carefully and making brief notes about your most relevant experience. Have the company name, the job title, and your resume in front of you. Choose a quiet location with good cell phone reception.
When someone answers, introduce yourself immediately and state the purpose of your call: “Good morning. My name is Roberto Sanchez. I’m calling about the landscaping crew member position I saw advertised on Indeed. I wanted to confirm the position is still available before submitting my application.”
Listen carefully to the response. If you are transferred to the hiring manager or HR department, repeat your introduction and say briefly why you are a strong candidate: “I have three years of commercial landscaping experience including forklift operation and irrigation systems.”
End the call professionally: “Thank you so much for your time. I’ll submit my application today. Is there anything specific you’d recommend I include?” Then send your application as quickly as possible — ideally within an hour of the call.
Using Professional Language and Tone
In professional phone calls and job-related communication, the language and tone you use are very important. Your communication style creates an impression of your professionalism even before an interviewer sees you.
Use formal greetings: “Good morning” or “Good afternoon” rather than “Hey” or “What’s up?” Speak clearly, at a moderate pace — not too fast, not too slow. If the person on the other end has difficulty understanding you, they may make an incorrect judgment about your communication skills. Clear, organized speaking makes a much better impression.
Avoid filler words like “um,” “like,” and “you know” as much as possible. These are very common in informal speech but can make you sound less confident in a professional context. If you need a moment to think, it is better to pause briefly and then speak clearly.
When you end the call, express appreciation: “Thank you very much for taking the time to speak with me. I look forward to submitting my application.” These closing phrases are standard professional courtesy in American business culture.
Following Up After Applying
After submitting your application, it is generally appropriate to follow up once — either by email or phone — about 5 to 7 business days after the application deadline. This shows continued interest and keeps your application fresh in the employer’s mind.
Your follow-up message should be brief: “I’m writing to follow up on my application for the [position] role submitted on [date]. I remain very interested in the opportunity and wanted to confirm my application was received. I would welcome the chance to discuss my qualifications further.”
Avoid following up more than once unless you were given a specific timeline and that time has passed without any response. Too many follow-up calls or emails can appear desperate or annoying.
If you receive a response that the position has been filled, thank the employer and ask if they anticipate any similar openings in the future. This professional response may lead to an opportunity at a later date.
Understanding Job Requirements
Job postings often include a mix of required qualifications and preferred qualifications. Required qualifications are the minimum conditions you must meet — if you do not have these, your application will likely be rejected. Preferred qualifications are bonus factors that make a candidate more competitive, but their absence does not automatically disqualify you.
Do not let a long list of preferred qualifications discourage you. Research shows that many qualified candidates — particularly women — do not apply for jobs unless they meet 100 percent of the listed qualifications. Men typically apply even when they meet only 60 percent. If you meet the required qualifications and most of the preferred ones, you should apply.
When describing your experience, use the same language as the job posting. If the posting says “inventory management,” use those words — not just “I kept track of stock.” Matching your language to the posting helps your application pass through applicant tracking systems (software that screens resumes before a human reads them).
Quick Tips: Job Search Tips
• Call before applying when possible — it shows initiative and creates a connection.
• Use Indeed and LinkedIn as your primary job search tools.
• Match the exact language from the job posting in your resume and application.
• Follow up once, 5–7 days after applying — no more.
• Apply even if you meet only 70–80% of qualifications — preferred qualifications are not requirements.
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