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The Problem:

I applied to a number SA jobs recently and just got a voicemail from a firm I really want to work for. Unfortunately, the voicemail arrived Wednesday and I didn't get it until today because I was in Cancun. The message merely gave a name and number to call, and the zip code indicates it's a cell phone. What do I do?

Additional info:

This isn't a callback or something. I merely sent them cover letter, an unofficial transcript (with grades), resume, and writing sample. This is the first contact I've had from them since I mailed the materials. I did, however, speak with them about an internship before starting law school and really got on with their HR person, likely helped somewhat by some indirect family connections to the firm.

Call back during the day as soon as possible (Sunday is better than Christmas). Lawyers are used to getting calls on the weekend, and they wouldnt've given a cell number if they didn't want you to call a cell phone. If they don't want to answer, leave a polite voicemail explaining that you'd been out of the country and don't think about it until Wednesday. If they do answer, apologize for calling on a weekend and explain quickly that you'd been out of the country and offer to call back on Wednesday if it's an inconvenient time.

Just my opinion.

Lots of people will work a 1/2 day on Monday, so I'd just call first thing Monday morning, but if you really want to call tomorrow, just leave a voicemail (for example, using http://www.slydial.com/)

This actually happened to me last year. I'd call Monday morning and leave a voicemail with your info as well as a brief explanation for the late call.

Call Sunday afternoon (you never know if the person you are calling is religious and in church during the morning). Leave a message explaining you were out of the country if they don't pick up and offer that you will call again on the next work day after the holidays.

I'd call on Sunday or very early on Monday. No huge difference between the two. Two reminders:
(1) Call only once—leave a message if no one answers.
(2) Take care to avoid sounding overly apologetic, nervous, or otherwise weird in the voice mail.

rinkrat19 wrote:Call back during the day as soon as possible (Sunday is better than Christmas). Lawyers are used to getting calls on the weekend, and they wouldnt've given a cell number if they didn't want you to call a cell phone. If they don't want to answer, leave a polite voicemail explaining that you'd been out of the country and don't think about it until Wednesday. If they do answer, apologize for calling on a weekend and explain quickly that you'd been out of the country and offer to call back on Wednesday if it's an inconvenient time.

Just my opinion.

Agree.

Note also that they probably would not provide you with a number that you can only call at certain, specific times and then not tell you what those times are. Just call ASAP.

Also, I'd just say you were out of the country and not mention Cancun, but that's just me.

I ended up leaving a message Sunday, she called me today and we set up an interview for Friday.

Good luck, OP.