Research shows callers are 80% more likely to leave a message when the greeting sounds professional and inviting. Your voicemail greeting tells callers three important things:
They've reached the right person
You value their call
They know what to expect next
A poorly recorded, confusing, or overly long greeting can cost you business opportunities, job offers, or important personal connections.
The Anatomy of a Great Voicemail Greeting
Every effective voicemail greeting includes these elements:
1. Greeting
Start with "Hi," "Hello," or "Thank you for calling."
2. Identification
State your name (and company if applicable) so callers know they've reached the right person.
Briefly explain why you can't answer—"I'm currently in a meeting" or "away from my desk."
4. Call to Action
Tell them what to do next—leave a message, include specific information, or try alternative contact methods.
5. Timeframe (Optional but Recommended)
Let callers know when to expect a callback—"within 24 hours" or "by end of business day."
Ideal Length
Keep your greeting between 10-30 seconds. Any longer and callers may hang up before leaving a message.
Professional Voicemail Greeting Examples
Standard Professional Greetings
Example 1: Classic Business Greeting
"Hi, you've reached [Your Name] at [Company Name]. I'm currently unavailable, but your call is important to me. Please leave your name, number, and a brief message, and I'll return your call within one business day. Thank you."
Example 2: Short and Direct
"This is [Your Name]. I can't take your call right now. Leave a message and I'll get back to you as soon as possible."
Example 3: Friendly Professional
"Hey, it's [Your Name]. Sorry I missed you! Leave me a message with your name and number, and I'll call you back shortly. Thanks!"
Example 4: With Email Option
"Hi, this is [Your Name]. I'm currently on another call or away from my desk. Please leave a message, or for a faster response, email me at [your email]. I'll get back to you within 24 hours."
Example 5: Specific Callback Time
"You've reached [Your Name] at [Company]. I'm in meetings until 3 PM today but will return all calls before end of business. Please leave your details and I'll call you back."
Customer Service Voicemail Greetings
Example 6: Standard Customer Service
"Thank you for calling [Company Name] customer service. We're currently unavailable, but your call is important to us. Please leave your name, phone number, and reason for calling, and we'll respond within one business day."
Example 7: After-Hours Customer Service
"Thank you for calling [Company Name]. Our office is currently closed. Our business hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern. Please leave a message and we'll return your call on the next business day."
Example 8: With Urgent Option
"You've reached [Company] customer support. For urgent matters, please email support@company.com with 'URGENT' in the subject line. Otherwise, leave a detailed message and we'll respond within 24 hours."
Sales and Business Development
Example 9: Sales Professional
"Hi, this is [Your Name] with [Company Name]. I'm excited to connect with you! I'm currently helping another client, but leave your name, number, and how I can help, and I'll return your call within a few hours."
Example 10: Real Estate Agent
"Thanks for calling [Your Name], your local real estate expert with [Brokerage]. I'm likely showing properties right now, but your call is my priority. Leave your message and I'll call you back as soon as I'm free."
Example 11: Consultant
"Hello, you've reached [Your Name], [Your Title] at [Company]. I'm currently with a client but want to hear from you. Leave your contact information and a brief description of how I can help, and I'll return your call promptly."
Small Business Owner Greetings
Example 12: Solo Business Owner
"Hi, thanks for calling [Business Name]. This is [Your Name], the owner. I'm currently with a customer or working on a project, but I value your call. Leave your info and I'll get back to you personally within 24 hours."
Example 13: Local Business
"Thanks for calling [Business Name], proudly serving [City/Area] since [Year]. We're currently assisting other customers. Please leave a message with your name and number, and we'll call you back shortly."
Example 14: Service Business
"You've reached [Business Name]. We're currently on a job but want to help you. Leave your name, number, and briefly describe what you need, and we'll return your call within one business day."
Personal Voicemail Greeting Examples
Casual Personal Greetings
Example 15: Simple Personal
"Hey, it's [Your Name]. I can't get to the phone right now, but leave a message and I'll call you back."
Example 16: Friendly Personal
"Hi! You've reached [Your Name]. Sorry I missed your call—leave a message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can."
Example 17: Brief Personal
"It's [Your Name]. Leave a message."
Example 18: With Personality
"Hey there! You've reached [Your Name]. I'm probably doing something fun right now, but I promise to call you back. Leave me a message!"
Job Seeker Voicemail Greetings
Example 19: Active Job Seeker
"Hello, you've reached [Your Name]. I'm currently exploring new career opportunities and may be in an interview. Please leave your name, company, and callback number, and I'll return your call as soon as possible. Thank you."
Example 20: Professional Job Seeker
"Hi, this is [Your Name]. I appreciate your call. Please leave a detailed message with your contact information, and I'll get back to you promptly. Thank you for reaching out."
Example 21: Networking Professional
"You've reached [Your Name]. I'm currently unavailable but am always happy to connect. Leave your message and I'll return your call within 24 hours."
Situation-Specific Voicemail Greetings
Vacation/Out of Office
Example 22: Vacation with Return Date
"Hi, this is [Your Name]. I'm currently out of the office and will return on [Date]. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague Name] at [Number]. Otherwise, leave a message and I'll call you back when I return."
Example 23: Extended Leave
"You've reached [Your Name]. I'm currently on leave and will have limited access to voicemail. For immediate assistance, please contact [Alternative Contact] at [Number/Email]. I'll respond to messages when I return on [Date]."
Example 24: Holiday Hours
"Happy Holidays from [Company Name]! Our office is closed for the holiday season and will reopen on [Date]. Please leave a message and we'll return your call after the new year. Thank you!"
Medical/Healthcare
Example 25: Doctor's Office
"Thank you for calling [Doctor's Name]'s office. We're currently with patients. For medical emergencies, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. For prescription refills, press 1. For appointment scheduling, leave a message and we'll call you back within one business day."
Example 26: Therapist/Counselor
"You've reached [Your Name], licensed [credential]. I'm currently in session and cannot take your call. Please leave a brief message and I'll return your call within 24 hours. If you're in crisis, please call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or go to your nearest emergency room."
After Hours
Example 27: After-Hours Business
"Thank you for calling [Company Name]. Our office is closed. Business hours are [Hours], [Days]. Leave a message and we'll return your call on the next business day. For emergencies, contact [Emergency Number/Email]."
Example 28: After-Hours Personal
"Hi, you've reached [Your Name]. It's after hours, so I'll return your call tomorrow. If it's urgent, send me a text and I'll get back to you sooner."
Seasonal/Temporary
Example 29: High Volume Period
"Thank you for calling [Company Name]. We're experiencing higher than normal call volume. Your call is important to us. Leave a detailed message and we'll return your call within 48 hours."
Example 30: Temporary Situation
"Hi, this is [Your Name]. I'm currently in training sessions all week and have limited phone access. Leave a message and I'll call you back in the evening, or email me at [address] for a faster response."
Creative and Unique Voicemail Greetings
These work well for creative industries, personal branding, or when personality is part of your brand:
Example 31: Humorous (Use Carefully)
"Hi, you've reached [Your Name]. I'm either saving the world or grabbing coffee—hopefully the latter. Leave a message and I'll be your hero when I get back."
Example 32: Motivational
"Hey, it's [Your Name]. Every call is an opportunity, and I don't want to miss yours. Leave your message and let's make something great happen."
Example 33: Memorable
"You've reached [Your Name]—thanks for calling! I'm temporarily unavailable, but your message is permanently important. Leave your details and I'll call you back."
Example 34: Industry-Specific (Tech)
"Hey, this is [Your Name]. I'm debugging something (probably my coffee maker). Leave a message and I'll ping you back shortly."
Example 35: Industry-Specific (Creative)
"You've reached [Your Name] at [Creative Agency]. I'm probably brainstorming something brilliant right now. Leave your info and let's create something together."
Recording Tips for the Perfect Voicemail Greeting
Before Recording
Find a Quiet Space Record in a room with minimal background noise—no traffic, HVAC sounds, or other people talking.
Write a Script Write out exactly what you'll say. Practice it several times before recording.
Smile While Recording This sounds odd, but smiling changes your voice. It sounds warmer and more approachable.
Speak Clearly and Slowly Nervous speakers tend to rush. Slow down—especially when saying your name, phone number, or email.
While Recording
Stand Up Standing while recording opens your diaphragm and makes your voice sound stronger.
Speak at Medium Pace Not too fast (sounds rushed), not too slow (sounds awkward).
Enunciate Pronounce every word clearly, especially names and numbers.
After Recording
Listen to the Playback Most phones let you review before saving. Listen and re-record if needed.
Have Someone Else Listen Ask a friend or colleague if it sounds clear and professional.
Test by Calling Yourself Call your own number to hear exactly what callers will experience.
Common Voicemail Greeting Mistakes
Too Long If your greeting is over 30 seconds, callers may hang up. Get to the point quickly.
No Name Identification Always say your name. Callers need to know they've reached the right person.
Outdated Information If you mention specific dates or situations, update your greeting when things change.
Mumbling or Speaking Too Fast If callers can't understand you, they won't leave a message.
Unprofessional Background Noise Dogs barking, kids yelling, or music playing makes you sound unprofessional.
No Call to Action Tell callers what to do—leave a message, include specific info, or try alternative contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a professional voicemail greeting say?
A professional voicemail greeting should include: your name (and company if applicable), a brief statement that you're unavailable, instructions for leaving a message, and an expected callback timeframe. Keep it under 30 seconds.
How long should a voicemail greeting be?
The ideal voicemail greeting is between 10-30 seconds. Research shows callers are more likely to leave messages with shorter, clearer greetings. Anything over 30 seconds risks callers hanging up.
Should I include my phone number in my voicemail greeting?
Generally no—if someone called you, they already have your number. However, if you're forwarding calls or have multiple lines, you might include it for confirmation.
How often should I update my voicemail greeting?
Update your greeting whenever circumstances change: vacations, extended meetings, holiday closures, or job changes. A dated greeting (like "I'll be back January 5th" heard in March) sounds unprofessional.
Is it okay to use humor in a voicemail greeting?
Humor can work in creative industries or for personal voicemail, but use it carefully. Avoid humor for job-seeking situations, client-facing roles, or if you're unsure about your audience.
Should my business voicemail mention business hours?
Yes, especially for after-hours greetings. Telling callers when to expect a callback sets proper expectations and reduces frustration.
How do I record a voicemail greeting on iPhone?
Go to Phone app > Voicemail tab > Greeting > Custom > Record. Follow the prompts to record, listen, and save. You can also use "Default" for a generic system greeting.
How do I record a voicemail greeting on Android?
Open Phone app > tap the three dots (menu) > Settings > Voicemail > Voicemail greeting. Options vary by carrier and phone model.
Can I have different greetings for different callers?
Most standard voicemail doesn't support this, but some business phone systems and VoIP providers offer conditional greetings based on caller ID, time of day, or other factors.
Should I say "leave a message after the beep"?
It's optional. Most people know how voicemail works, so you can skip this. However, including it doesn't hurt and can help older callers feel more comfortable.
Related Guides
Looking to improve other aspects of your phone communication? Check out these guides:
Your voicemail greeting is more than a message—it's a representation of you or your business. Whether you need a professional greeting for work, a friendly message for personal use, or something in between, the examples above give you a solid starting point.
Key takeaways:
Keep greetings between 10-30 seconds
Always include your name and a call to action
Record in a quiet space with a clear voice
Update your greeting when circumstances change
Match your tone to your audience and industry
Test your greeting by calling yourself
Take 5 minutes to record a better voicemail greeting today—it could be the difference between a callback and a missed opportunity.
