So, I recently acquired a new cell - and an unintended , yet convenient side effect is that I get to keep one phone for work related matters and another for personal use. Even if I'm not looking for work, it seems like a good idea to keep matters separated like that. Anyway, I got a job offer today, and it was pretty much the usual routine. I pick up phone, wait for the caller to identify them self and state their purpose, but ended up waiting for what seemed like an eternity in terms of phone conversation time.  What was I met with?   ....   ....   ....   silence.  Not a word spoken on the caller's behalf.  Until, about 30 seconds in, the caller finally said in a shaky voice, "H-h-hello?"

Somewhat pleased to have gotten at least this little of an active response, I decided to take over from there and lead them into the natural conversation which followed.  Not interested in their teaching job, I said "no thank you" and they abruptly hung up.

What are your phone calls with Chinese people usually like?  I am beginning to think that the general lack of initiative when it comes to being straightforward and confident translates to the phone too.  It seems people don't have phone skills here...? You'd think to counter the problem, they could just follow a pre-written script and fill your name in the blank.