How can I effectively communicate to recruiters that a phone call is not possible?

Question

I am a software developer in the UK, I am currently searching for a new job. Among the various methods I'm using are recruiters.

I understand that the normal workflow of a typical recruiter will involve a phone call. However, my personal circumstances prevent me from taking phone calls or using Skype. It is an impossibility. I don't have any personal conditions that mean I cannot perform my work, or enter discussions in person, etc. Other aspects of my current situation preclude it. This applies to outside working hours.

How can I effectively communicate that I cannot undertake that part of their preferred process, and would gladly enter into an alternative?

Occasionally an e-mail exchange with a recruiter will proceed something like:

[Introduction: thank you, reiterate purpose of message, discussion of skills and applicability to the invited role, etc.]

I can be contacted by e-mail or post at the addresses given in my CV; I am also available for in-person meetings to discuss the position. Please be aware I am not available for phone calls.

To which they would reply: (often within minutes)

Are you available for me to call you?

To which I simply don't know how to respond, other than to repeat that: no, I'm not.

(n.b. Please consider my situation as axiomatic. If you'd like to challenge the prerequisite, you're not answering my question. Please do so in another question.)

Answer 1

Provide the reason you are unable to field phone calls.

It is not necessary to be specific - vague language like:

"I have a condition which (temporarily/permanently) prevents me from using a phone" or "I do not have ready access to a phone/network connection suitable for voice communication"

would be sufficient.

It is not necessary to invite or entertain further discussion on that point, but I would argue it probably -is- effectively necessary to list some kind of reason.

Generally, being vague without being evasive is a strong signal to the other party that further discussion on that point is not desired, and most people will probably take the hint.

However, failing to list a reason at all is generally a suggestion that this is a question of preference instead of circumstance, which both invites further questions and suggests an undesirable candidate.

Answer 2

A former co-worker, not a recruiter but someone who deals with a ton of email, once told me that she only scans emails for the important information because that's what they're told to do.

Many recruiters are likely doing the same thing: scanning your email for a phone number and then emailing you when they can't find it rather than carefully reading it and finding your note about phone calls at the very end.

I suggest using bullet points for your contact information since that makes it easier to scan and will allow you to bold your contact types without it looking like yelling:

• Phone: Unfortunately, I am unable to do phone calls.
• Email: [your email address]
• Address: [your address]
• Other: I am also available to meet in person.

It will draw their eye right to it. I also think a slightly apologetic tone is appropriate here. It would help to show that you realize that this is an inconvenience for them if you can't disclose why you can't do calls.

Answer 3

If you have a medical condition that prevents you from using a phone, you should be upfront about the restriction. You don’t need to clarify what the specific condition is, but you should include the limitation clearly in your cover letters. You should also disclose the preference for email as early as possible in discussions with recruiters (e.g., in an online application or in the first email exchange).

Most recruiters prefer the phone, but will be accommodating of legitimate needs of candidates.

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If your avoidance of phones is personal preference, be aware that you are likely disqualifying yourself from most opportunities. Phone calls are more than just a preferred process for recruiters - talking over the phone is the norm for job seekers and recruiters across geographies. An unnecessary departure from this norm is likely to be a red flag for recruiters.

Good luck in the job search!

Answer 4

I think that being unable to take a phone call is going to be so unusual to a recruiter (or a prospective employer) that unless you can give a good reason they'll just perceive you as "awkward" and pass over your application.

The best reason is usually the truth, e.g.

My location has no cell/data coverage and I only have limited web access. I can call you from another location at a pre-arranged time.

or

I live in a military base and personal phones and Skype are prohibited for security. I can call you from another location at a pre-arranged time.

or some version of whatever applies to you.

Answer 5

Please note that eliminating the possibility of a phone call will cause some recruiters to refuse to work with you and will cause all sorts of problems with others that would make them less helpful for you.

That being said, if you want to communicate your no phone policy then you need to do so in your initial communication and do so definitively. Say something like:

I would like to make it clear that under no circumstances will I be able to communicate via telephone. I am available to communicate via email or the address on my CV. For any matters in which these forms of communication will not suffice, we can schedule an in person meeting.

Any recruiter that later responds with "Are you available for me to call you?" is probably not worth using as either they did not read what you wrote or lack reading comprehension skills. I would not respond to them at all.

Your pool of recruiters will be limited because of your demands but hopefully bluntly stating your desires should ensure that the remaining recruiters will accept your situation and try to work with you.

Answer 6

It might help to phrase things as follows:

I regret that I am not reachable by telephone, however I would be happy to travel to answer any questions you may have in person.

First, you present the issue with phone calls as part of your situation. If you say that you are "unavailable" for a phone interview, many people will think "well, make yourself available". If you are unreachable, that feels more like an immutable fact, and prompts the thought "how do I work with someone who isn't reachable by phone?" Right on the heels of that, you offer a concession: you will take your own time to come and meet them. Now you're collaborating to solve the problem.

If the issue is simply lack of attention on the part of the recruiter, as some answers have suggested, then changing the phrasing of something that they don't notice anyway won't make any difference. But if they are reading it, then a little bit of framing can help create a mindset that encourages them to work within your limits instead of trying to put you back into the business-as-usual box.

Answer 7

Are you available for me to call you?

Simply answer it politely. You don't need to give any specific justifications, just need to put your request clearly.

Sorry, I won't be able to take any phone calls. Please communicate over email and I'll make sure to respond promptly. I prefer email over phone as it makes the communication un-rushed/convenient and keeps it documented.

Answer 8

"Are you available for me to call you?"

How do I communicate that I cannot undertake that part of their preferred process,
and I would gladly enter into an alternative?

Just offer the alternative.
And acknowledge that you are asking for a deviation.

I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but as I mentioned, I'm not available for phone calls (nor Skype).

I am available for an in person sit-down. You can choose the location.
Because this will be our first meeting, I'll plan to buy my own.

Note that you are not apologizing for your personal situation.
That, of course, doesn't require an apology.

But you are asking for a deviation from their normal process.

You're also showing that avoiding their phone call is not to get a free lunch.
(In my experience, the recruiter pays whenever you meet in person... assume UK is the same.)

Answer 9

Just offer to buy coffee / tea / lunch to discuss it. You don't even need to mention phone limitations. Who would turn down a free meal? Plus it shows that you are assertive and seriously interested. Or even just drop by their office (if they have one) on your own time.

Remember, recruiters make money off of placing jobs. They will work with you if they believe you could get them a commission. Often more than one recruiting agency is trying to place the same position.

Answer 10

I understand that you do not wish to disclose your reasons to us, please don't take this answer as insistence on that.

If your condition is not absolutely unique (and with over 7 billion people on Earth it most likely isn't), then talking to other people with that limitation and how they dealt with it could be a good idea. Phone calls for interviews are very common in a lot of industries, so any cross-industry solution should be at least useful to you.

How to do that without disclosing your reasons in a public forum depends a lot on your condition. Perhaps Reddit is a good place to start looking?

Answer 11

When they email to arrange a call ask for their physical address as a scam check. Turn up in person at 9am saying you "were in the area".