29 Professional Voicemail Greetings to Help You Record the Perfect One

I have a confession to make: I haven‘t recorded a new voicemail greeting in nearly a decade. Since then, I’ve (hopefully) become more articulate, poised, and self-assured. But if you heard my voicemail recording, you'd think I was still new to the work world, a little unsure of myself — and probably not an authority.

Obviously, I need to update it. And if you haven‘t changed your voicemail greeting in over a year, you’re likely in the same boat. It boosts your credibility, makes you seem more competent, and encourages the listener to keep in touch. A relatively unprofessional one — like mine, for instance — does the opposite: It encourages prospects, recruiters, and potential connections to run in the other direction.

In this post, I’ll share what makes a good voicemail greeting — and the best voicemail greeting scripts you can use.

Tip: If you’re not sure how to leave a good voicemail, check out the most effective voicemail script ever and how to end a voicemail that keeps the sales conversation open.

Table of Contents

• What is a good voicemail greeting?
• Work Voicemail Greetings
• Short Voicemail Greetings
• Business Voicemail Greetings
• Funny Voicemail Greetings
• Vacation Voicemail Greetings
• Holiday Voicemail Greetings
• Sales Voicemail Greetings

What to Say in a Voicemail Greeting

Here’s what you should say in a professional voicemail greeting:

• A greeting.
• Your name.
• Your company.
• A simple explanation for missing the call (e.g., you’re away from the phone or are on holiday).
• A rough estimate of when you’ll get back to the person.
• An alternative person to reach out to (if you’re out of office).
• An alternative mode of communication (if you prefer email or text).
• A call-to-action such as “Leave a message” or “Send me an email at me@example.com.”

That’s the simple structure of a voicemail greeting. Overall, your greeting should be professional, but the wording can vary depending on the situation. Check out a sample below.

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Voicemail Greeting Sample

“Hello, you‘ve reached [name] at [company]. I’m unable to come to the phone right now. Leave your name and number, and I‘ll return your call as soon as I’m free. Thank you.”

Easy, right? And yet, why is it so hard?

I’ve got you covered. I’ve compiled some of the best voicemail greetings you can use for virtually any situation you’ll come across.

Work Voicemail Greetings

These work voicemail greetings are for the work phone that you and only you use. They’re highly effective because they help you establish a relationship straight from the voicemail. Or, they help you share an important update in a simple, straightforward way.

1. Sales Results Voicemail Example

“Hi, you’ve reached [your name] at [your company]. I’m unavailable right now — probably helping [type of company] get [X results, e.g., ‘double their leads in 60 days,’ ‘hire the best and brightest engineers,’ ‘convert 40% more customers‘]. Leave your name and number, and we’ll discuss how your company can see similar results.”

If you‘re a salesperson, you can continue your lead nurturing process via your voicemail. In this voicemail script, you have the option to include a brief description of what you help customers do so that your callers don’t forget your value proposition. And even if it‘s not a sales prospect, it can help wrong callers understand whether they’ve reached the right person.

What I like: This voicemail uses the company name and allows you to share a bit about your role. I appreciate that the caller can learn a little bit about you in just a few seconds.

2. Email Option Voicemail Example

“Hi, you’ve reached [name] at [company]. If you need a quick response, please shoot me an email at [insert email address], and I’ll be in touch by EOD tomorrow. If it’s not urgent, leave me a message with your name and number. Have a great day.”

Prefer to be contacted via email? Make that clear in your voice memo so that listeners reach out to you through your email instead. This particular voicemail script makes email even more desirable by implying that it's a faster mode of communication.

What I like: When I leave a voicemail, I may wonder when (or if) I’ll hear back. This voicemail gives a specific timeline for when the caller will hear back.

3. Alternative Contact Voicemail Message

“Hey, this is [your name]. If you’re calling for [X reason], please [contact so-and-so] or [go to our website, send me an email]. For all other inquiries, leave your name and a brief message, and I’ll call you back within [one, two, three] business day[s].”

Receiving constant calls on behalf of another person or for routine inquiries can be a huge time waster. With this voicemail script, you can provide alternatives to the caller, especially if you get calls for a common reason that you're not responsible for.

What I like: When I make a call, I want to make sure I’m reaching the right person. This voicemail offers an extra layer of assurance.

4. Parental Leave Voicemail Script

“Hello, you’ve reached [your name and title]. I’m currently out on parental leave until [date]. In the meantime, please direct all phone calls to [alternate contact name] at [phone number] and emails to [email address]. Thanks, and I‘ll see you in [month you’ll be back in the office].”

Ah, the joy of welcoming a new family member! If you’ve received parental leave, consider using a voicemail script like the one above, which directs callers to another point of contact. You don’t have to be so formal — feel free to customize it as much as you'd like to show your personality.

What I like: As a caller, I don’t want to interrupt your time with your bundle of joy! I want to know who to contact instead. This voicemail is transparent and gives your caller instructions on who to contact instead.

5. Resignation Voicemail Message

“Hello, [Person’s name] is chasing new adventures and is no longer with [Company name]. Please forward all future requests to [New or interim person’s name] at [phone number]. Thank you!”

You or someone at your now-former company can use the voicemail script above to direct callers to the best current contact. I like that it includes a friendly note that you're “chasing new adventures” — you can use a similar phrase to convey excitement at your new opportunity.

What I like: Why aren’t you getting back to me? Oh, you have another job? Congratulations! As a caller, I know exactly what’s going on and don’t feel abandoned.

Short Voicemail Greetings

Your clients don’t have a lot of time, and neither do you. Use the following short voicemail greetings to get to the point quickly and invite them to leave a message.

6. Short Sales Voicemail Greeting

“Hi, this is [your name]. I’m either on a call or away from my desk. Please leave your name, number, and a brief message, and I’ll get back to you. Thank you.”

This short voicemail script is particularly apt for salespeople who are often on calls. But you can use it if you‘re a higher-level employee who’s often in and out of meetings and if you often miss calls for that reason.

What I like: Short, simple, and to the point — this voicemail gets to the gist fast.

7. Short Voicemail Script with Requested Reason

"Hello, this is [your name] at [company]. Thanks for calling. Please leave your name, number, and the reason you’d like to chat, and I’ll get back to you ASAP."

If you'd like your voicemail entries to be a little more specific, you can request that the caller mention the reason for their call. This is a great way to ensure you know why (or even if you should) reach back out to them. You can also use this example as a personal voicemail greeting by removing the “at [company].”

What I like: This voicemail is short but still conveys a sense of urgency. I feel like my call is important and know that I’ll hear back.

8. Short Classic Voicemail Greeting for Landlines

“Hi, you’ve reached [your name]. I’m unable to come to the phone right now. Leave your name, number, and a short message, and I’ll be sure to call back.”

This classic voicemail message simply states that you couldn’t come to the phone in time to pick up the call — which is particularly useful for landlines, which you don’t carry on your person. (If you’re creating a voicemail greeting for your cell phone, this one wouldn’t quite work because you usually have your phone on you.)

What I like: If you appreciate brevity, this voicemail will do the trick. I like that it's simple and to the point.

9. Short Classic Voicemail Message for Cell Phones

"Hey, this is [your name]. Thanks for reaching out. I’m busy at the moment, but if you leave your name, number, and message, I’ll return your call.”

Another classic voicemail script, but this time, it’s more device-agnostic. All it says is that you’re busy at the moment and asks the caller for their contact information and their message. Simple and easy.

What I like: You can use this voicemail message on any device. You also ask for all of the essentials you’ll need to return a call.

Business Voicemail Greetings

Are you creating a voicemail greeting for your entire company or team? These business voicemail greetings will do the trick.

10. Front Office Voicemail Script

“Hello, you’ve reached [X company]. We can’t take your call right now, but please leave your name, contact information, and reason for reaching out, and one of our team members will be in touch within 24 hours.”

This simple voicemail message is a good fit for most businesses. Whether you’re a local shop or an enterprise company, this script will courteously take messages if one of your employees doesn’t pick up the phone.

What I like: As a caller, this voicemail lets me know I contacted the right person and gives me reassurance that I’ll hear back.

11. Customer Service Voicemail Script

“Hi, you’ve reached customer service at [company]. Unfortunately, we’re currently unavailable. But we want to help — so please leave your name and number, as well as your reason for calling, and someone will call back ASAP.”

If many customers are calling your customer service department, it’s possible you might miss a few calls. (This is especially likely if you don’t have a call center or call center software.) This voicemail script is ideal for catching the few customers who might miss your team.

What I like: This voicemail has a friendly tone and reinforces that my call is important. I still feel valued as a customer.

12. Business Hours Voicemail Message

“Hi, you’ve reached [company]. We’re available by phone from [hour] to [hour] [time zone] Monday through Friday [optional: and from hour to hour on the weekends]. You can also contact us by going to our website, [URL], and live-chatting or emailing us. If you’d like us to call you back, please leave your name and number after the tone.”

You can get ahead of frequently asked questions, such as those about your business hours and website, by including that information in your voicemail greeting, like in the example above. This script also provides an alternative mode of communication for your team.

What I like: As a caller, I know exactly when I should call back to get my issue resolved. I also know how I can get help if my issue is urgent during off hours. I’m empowered to take matters into my own hands if needed.

13. “For More Information” Voicemail Script

“Hello, you’ve reached [company]. If you’re looking for information on [X], please check out our [Facebook page, company website, etc.] If you want to know more about [Y], take a look at [Z page on our site, our YouTube channel, etc.] Still have more questions or just want to chat with our team? Leave your name and number, and we'll return your call straight away.”

Like the previous example, this voicemail greeting gives the listener several pieces of information that are often requested from your team. That not only saves you time but also makes for a more comfortable and seamless experience for your callers.

What I like: Looking for a quick way to plug your social channels? This allows you to do so over the phone!

14. Sales Team Voicemail Greeting

“Hello, you’ve reached the Sales Department at [Company name]. All of our representatives are currently helping clients [insert goal, such as achieve 40% growth through streamlining HR operations] and are unable to take your call. Please leave your name, company, and phone number, and we’ll give you a call back ASAP. Thank you!”

I love this sales team voicemail script for two reasons: It once again repeats the company's value proposition, and it implies the team is busy with other clients, signaling that the product is coveted.

What I like: This voicemail allows you to reinforce your company mission, showing people that you are dedicated to helping your clients.

15. Promise to Get Back Voicemail Greeting

“Hi! Irene from Spylix is this. Send me an email if you’re hoping for a quick response, and I’ll make sure to get back to you as soon as possible tomorrow. But don’t worry if it’s not very urgent! Please leave your name and phone number, and I’ll get in contact with you as soon as I can. I hope today is fantastic for you!”

Irene Graham, co-founder of Spylix, an online phone tracker for parents, loves this voicemail greeting that she’s set for herself.

What I like: As a caller, I like how specific this message is. I know exactly what I can do to hear back quickly and when I can expect to hear back over the phone.

Featured Resource: Free Voicemail Greeting Templates

Download free templates to leave a better voicemail greeting.

Funny Voicemail Greetings

A word of warning: These greetings will not do you any favors if you’re in the midst of a job hunt or work in a conservative industry. Always remember your target personas. If there’s a chance they won't appreciate your sense of humor, opt for a straightforward greeting instead.

16. James Bond Funny Voicemail Greeting

“This is Bond. James Bond. Okay, it’s really [your last name]. [Your first name] [your last name]. I’ll get back to you as soon as I’m done helping M16 save the world — which will probably be tomorrow at the latest. Have a good day.”

This one is self-explanatory — adapt James Bond’s famous greeting for your own use, and you’ve got a charming voicemail message that will get at least a smile out of your caller.

Pro tip: When using a funny voicemail message, make sure the contents are authentic. If you’re a James Bond fan and have a great sense of humor, this voicemail may be a great fit for you.

17. Star Wars Funny Voicemail Script

“May the voicemail be with you! You’ve reached the Rebel Alliance at [Your Name]’s base. If you’ve spotted any suspicious droids, encountered pesky Sith lords, or just want to discuss the best techniques for wielding a lightsaber, please leave a message after the R2-D2 beep.”

Recommended for Millennials and Gen Xers, this voicemail script references one of the most beloved science fiction series of all time. Plus, you’re bound to get some interesting answers from your callers.

Pro tip: I advise using this voicemail message for your personal devices or if you work in a field where pop culture references abound. If this message doesn’t align with your organization, you’ll want to skip it.

18. Chicken-and-Egg Funny Voicemail Message

“Hello! You’ve gotten the voicemail of [your name]. Leave your name, contact info, and the answer to the eternal question, ‘Which came first, the chicken or the egg?’ Anyone who gets it right will receive a call back.”

This cute voicemail greeting asks a classic question for listeners to answer: Which came first, the chicken or the egg? You may not get satisfactory answers — or, alternatively, you may get a long and elaborate explanation. Stay prepared.

What I like: In my opinion, this voicemail message strikes the right balance. It’s funny but doesn’t rely on specific references. Anyone can understand the joke.

Vacation Voicemail Greetings

Out of town? Your callers should know. Let them know with the following vacation voicemail greetings.

19. Classic Vacation Voicemail Greeting

“Hi, you’ve reached [your name]. I’m away from [date] to [date]. If you need help with [X] before then, please contact [name] at [phone number]. Everyone else, please leave your name and number, and I’ll return your call when I return. Thanks, and have a great day.”

There’s nothing wrong with keeping it simple. This voicemail greeting template can be adjusted for any sort of professional — even if you’re in a more “casual” environment, such as a startup.

What I like: This voicemail is clear about when you’ll be out of the office. If I want to reach you specifically, I know when to call back.

20. Adventurous Vacation Voicemail Message

“Hello, you’ve reached [your name]. I’m currently [exploring Asia, hiking through the jungle in Costa Rica, hanging out on the beach in Bermuda] — or more likely, [recovering from extreme jet lag, googling ‘Are red spiders poisonous,’ or looking for SPF 150 sunscreen] and won’t be back in the office until [date]. Leave your contact info and reason for calling, and I'll get in touch then.”

If you’d like to inject a bit of humor into your vacation voicemail message, you can customize the example above for that purpose. Share your adventures with the listener, and be sure to include your return date.

What I like: This voicemail message is friendly. I can get a little sense of your personality and where you like to travel, helping us build a better connection.

21. Short Vacation Voicemail Script

“Hey there, this is [your name] from [your company]. I’m out of the office until [date]. In the meantime, please direct your inquiries to [coworker’s name] at [email address]. They can also be reached at [phone number]. Thank you.”

This vacation voicemail message hits all the right notes: It introduces you, states your vacation dates, and provides an alternate point of contact (with two ways of reaching out!). Simple, easy, and polite.

What I like: This message is short and provides a second person to contact. If you get calls from people you don’t have a relationship with, this voicemail message works well.

Holiday Voicemail Greetings

No one should be calling during the holidays, and yet some people do. When you’re out for the holidays, create a voicemail greeting that communicates the cheerfulness of the season while still staying professional.

22. Office-Wide Holiday Voicemail Script

“Hello, you’ve reached [your name, the office of X company]. The team is currently out of the office, but we’ll be back on [date] stuffed with good food and eager to speak with you. Leave your name, number, and — if you're so inclined — your favorite [holiday dish, Thanksgiving tradition, etc.]”

This friendly office-wide voicemail script not only informs your listeners when you plan to return but also includes space for a holiday-specific prompt. A voicemail greeting can feel impersonal, but this one fosters some connection.

What I like: There’s a chance for your caller to share a bit of their personality and spread some holiday cheer.

23. Personal Holiday Voicemail Greeting

“Hi, you’ve reached [your name, the office of X company]. We’re closed until [date]. Please leave your name and phone number, and someone will return your call ASAP. Have a great [New Yea's, Fourth of July, etc.].”

Want to keep it brief? This individual voicemail greening can be used either by the front desk representative at your company or for your work phone.

What I like: This personal message shows both that your company is out of the office and that you’re away from your desk. I especially like the sign-off, which wishes the listener a happy holiday.

24. Emergency Contact Voicemail Message

“Happy holidays! [I’m/the team at X company is] away until [date]. We’ll make sure to call you back straight away when we return. If your request is urgent, email [emergency contact] at [email address]. Thanks, and have a wonderful day.”

Sometimes, you might want to provide a contact for callers to reach out to in case of an emergency. This voicemail script includes space to do just that and is courteous and friendly, too.

What I like: Emergencies can happen at any time. This voicemail acknowledges that urgency and provides a way for the caller to get the help they need.

25. Simple Holiday Voicemail Greeting

“Thank you for calling [company]. We’re closed for [holiday] from [date] until [date]. Please leave your message, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Have a happy holiday season!”

Want to keep it simple? This voicemail greeting script thanks the caller, informs them when the office will be closed, and wishes the listener a happy holiday. Can’t get much simpler than that.

What I like: This message is not tied to any specific holiday. You can easily adapt it to say “winter break,” so it’s inclusive of everyone.

26. One-Day Holiday Voicemail Message

“Hello! Thanks for reaching out to [company]. We’re closed today for the holiday and will reopen tomorrow. If you leave your name, number, and a brief message, we’ll give you a call when we're back in the office. Thanks again, and have a great day.”

Is your entire company or team taking a single day off for a holiday? This voicemail greeting script is perfect for one-offs such as Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or MLK Day.

What I like: You can use one voicemail for whatever holiday that you have on the docket, making the process simple.

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Sales Voicemail Greetings

Leaving a voicemail to a lead? These greetings from experts might come in handy.

27. Timely Launch Voicemail Greeting

“Hey [Name], I saw an ad for your product launch coming up, and if you’re launching a new product, our studio can help you create an amazing video for it. This will grab the audience’s attention, and you’ll get at least a 20% jump in qualified leads after launching it.”

Andrew Cussens, owner of FilmFolk, a video and photography services agency, always tailors his message to the client’s particular needs for that project. He left the voicemail above for someone from a company that wanted a promotional video.

“Following this approach consistently has led to our voicemail follow-up percentage skyrocketing by 42%.”

What I like: This voicemail shows that you keep track of what your prospects are working on. This offers a personal touch that shows you’re invested.

28. Results-Oriented Voicemail

“Hey [Name], it’s Laviet here at TP-Link. I wanted to let you know how our new range can increase your network performance by 30%. Let’s talk more.”

Laviet Joaquin, marketing head for TP-Link, suggests keeping the voicemail short and full of value.

“These voicemails are successful because they respect the recipient’s time while giving them a good reason to contact them again. Every message is personalized to make the recipient feel at the top of the priority list, essential for building a good first impression.”

What I like: Using specific metrics shows that your team has a goal for its clients. As a user, I’m interested to hear how you plan to achieve those results.

29. Pain Point-Oriented Voicemail Greeting

“Hi [prospect’s name], this is [my name] from VEM Tools. I recently came across [their pain point and or challenge] that many businesses in your industry face. I have a one-in-a-million solution that could potentially [key benefit]. I will follow up in a few days, but feel free to call me back if you would like to discuss further.”

David Reid, sales director at VEM Tooling, highlights a relevant pain point and offers a solution in the same voicemail.

What I like: A pain point is quickly acknowledged in this brief message. As a prospect, I know the business cares about my specific needs.

Create a Professional Voicemail Greeting that Keeps the Conversation Going

Creating a voicemail greeting might not be fun, but with the scripts I’ve shared, you should have an easier time. No need to practice time and time again — simply plug in your name, company title, and other details, then read it out loud to your phone’s voicemail greeting recorder. With a professional greeting, you’ll continue nurturing prospects even if you don’t pick up the phone.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in February 2018 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.