Answering a business telephone in French

[ajk62883754]

I took five years of French in high school and went to France twice on short visits and am now gearing up for an interview for an administrative position with a France-based company. I was wondering if someone could help me with what I am supposed to say when I answer a business line?

For example:

"No, I'm sorry, he is busy right now" which is probably something like "Non, je suis très désolée, ....?"

"Can I take a message for him?" which is probably something like Eest-ce que je peux....?"

"He is out of the country right now" ...?

"I will have him call you/send you an email as soon as he can" ...?

Is there anything else I should know for answering a business line in French?

[community.french]

Hi ajk62883754,

We don't use "Je suis très désolé" but you can say "Je suis vraiment désolé".
then, if you want the translation of your sentences:

"No, I'm sorry, he is busy right now" -> "Non, je suis vraiment désolé mais il n'est pas disponible pour le moment".
"Can I take a message for him?" => "Est-ce que je peux prendre un message?"
"He is out of the country right now" => "Il est actuellement à l"étranger"
"I will have him call you/send you an email as soon as he can" => Je lui demanderai de vous rappeler/de vous envoyer un email aussi vite que possible"

I'm not sure what to add to this list, but if you have other questions, don't hesitate to ask.
Good luck for your interview!

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