We all struggle with what to say when returning a missed call.
After all, seeing that you’ve missed a call can be very stressful, especially if it’s from your boss or a prospective employer.
However, there’s no need to fear! In this article, we’ll show you 6 ways to break the ice when you’re calling someone back.
So, read on!
Should I Call Back a Missed Call?
In general, you should call back a missed call, whether the call was made for social or professional reasons.
You may call a number back when you aren’t sure who it belongs to. This is particularly important if you are doing job applications and are expecting calls from prospective employers.
If you do know who the call was from and you want to know what the call was about, it makes sense to call the person back to find out.
In fact, if you know you have missed a call from a prospective employer, calling back could make or break your application!
So, we know it’s important to call back a missed call, especially in a professional setting. However, if you’re wondering how to return a call professionally, be sure to stick around!
In the next section, we’ll discuss 6 great alternative phrases that you can use when returning a call, leaving a voicemail, or sending a text in response to a missed call.
How to Return a Missed Call Professionally
Below, you’ll find 6 different phrases that you can use when returning a missed call:
- I’m sorry to have missed your call, but I’m available to speak now
- I see that I have a missed a call from this number
- I received your voicemail and wanted to call you back
- I am returning a call I received from this number
- This is [Name] from [Company] returning your call
- I see that you called earlier
1. I’m Sorry to Have Missed Your Call, but I’m Available to Speak Now
If you’re unsure what to say when returning a missed call about a job, a polite apology for missing the other person’s call is a great way to start.
The phrase I’m sorry to have missed your call, but I’m available to speak now is a great phrase to use in professional circumstances.
Firstly, by expressing contrition for missing the call, this phrase shows that you value the other person’s time and interest in you for the role in question.
Secondly, calling back and indicating that you have made yourself available to speak to the other person will show your genuine interest in the job.
This is sure to make a good impression!
Have a look at how we’ve used this phrase in an example:
Hi Mr. Kim. I’m sorry to have missed your call earlier, but I’m available to speak now and I would be very keen to discuss this role further.
2. I See That I Have a Missed a Call From This Number
The phrase I see that I have missed a call from this number is a great example of how to respond to a missed call by text professionally.
If you do not know the identity of the caller or the purpose of their call, you may be reluctant to call them back directly.
After all, it’s not uncommon to receive scam calls or accidental calls from strangers.
A text allows you to discern who the other person is without getting caught in an unwanted conversation.
However, you should still use a suitably professional tone in your text just in case the phone call was work-related.
Consider this text example:
Hi, I see that I have missed a call from this number. May I ask who this is and the reason for your call?
3. I Received Your Voicemail and Wanted to Call You Back
You can say I received your voicemail and wanted to call you back when someone has left a message on your phone’s answering machine.
This is also a good example of what to say when returning a missed call for an interview.
After all, stating that you wanted to call the other person back shows that you are interested in the role in question.
Calling back in these circumstances will also show that you are proactive and organized enough to listen to your voicemail and react as needed.
To see what we mean, check out this example:
Hello Morgan! I received your voicemail about the interview for the data analyst role and wanted to call you back to arrange a date and time to meet.
4. I Am Returning a Call I Received From This Number
I am returning a call I received from this number is a good phrase to use when you missed a call from an unfamiliar number.
This phrase is very clear and tonally neutral. This makes it a great option if you do not know what to expect when you call the number back.
If it turns out that the reason for the call was work-related, you will avoid being too casual in your response.
Moreover, this phrase makes clear that the purpose of your call is to respond to a call you received earlier.
This will help to reduce any unnecessary back-and-forth between you and the recipient of your call.
For example:
Hello, I am returning a call I received from this number about an hour ago. May I ask who this is?
5. This Is [Name] From [Company] Returning Your Call
The phrase this is [Name] from [Company Name] returning your call is a great phrase to use if you have missed a call from a client or a fellow professional from another organization.
You can use this phrase whether the other person answers your call or not.
For instance, if your call goes to voicemail or is answered by a secretary, you can use this alternative to leave a message to the intended recipient.
After all, this phrase sets out all the relevant information the other person would need to know when they call you back.
Moreover, this synonym has a very professional tone. This is essential when you are representing your company to clients or potential business partners.
Let’s see this phrase in an example:
Hi, this is Mahmoud from [Company Name] returning your call from this morning. Are you available to talk?
6. I See That You Called Earlier
If you’re unsure what to say when you missed a call from your boss, our final alternative is the one for you!
If you work in a busy office setting it’s important to get to the point. This is especially so when you are engaging with a superior.
The phrase I see that you called earlier will let your employer know that you are calling them for a specific purpose. Namely, to find out why they called you earlier.
This allows you both to get to the crux of the conversation without any waffling.
It is perfectly suitable to say this phrase when you call your boss back. However, you can also use it in an email.
Have a look at our final example to see this phrase in action:
Hi Miss Greene, I see that you called earlier. What can I do for you?
