If the hiring happens over WhatsApp, then WhatsApp is part of your interview. The impression forms before they ever see your face.
The first message:
- Introduce yourself in the first line: your name, what you are writing about, and where you saw the advert.
- One complete message beats six short ones in a row. The six fill their screen and irritate.
- Write in normal, tidy language. It does not need to be formal, but heavy abbreviations and strings of emoji do not help.
- If you send your CV, name the file after yourself: "Mohamed Ahmed - CV.pdf" reads far better than "cv final final2.pdf".
Small things that make a difference:
- Your profile picture and display name. If your WhatsApp name is something like "The King", or the photo is unsuitable, change it while you are job hunting.
- Do not message at odd hours. A two-in-the-morning message says something about you.
- If they do not reply, wait three or four days before one polite reminder. Pushing harder does more harm than good.
- Voice notes: unless they asked for one, write. Plenty of people cannot listen at work.
On the phone:
- If they call while you are somewhere noisy, answer and say you will call back in five minutes — then actually do. Better than a call where nothing can be heard.
- Keep paper and pen, or a note on your phone. Their name, their number, and any times you agreed.
- Answer with your name: "Hello, Mohamed Ahmed speaking." Clear and respectful from the first second.
These are all small things, but at this stage they are everything they have to go on.