iPhone trick for Extension Phone Numbers

I learned something new about my phone yesterday and wanted to share it.  What cool things have you learned recently?

I was calling someone the other day who works at an office and had their extension.  As I was putting their extension number into a different "work number" area on my phone, I took a look at the +*# on the bottom left corner.  I then noticed a pause and wait function and low and behold these are two great functions that have a lot of potential.




The purpose of these two functions are pretty intuitive and have great potential:
Pause- a comma appears and then you can type a number.
-This is used when you have to get through the same system often.  The first number is dialed, in my case the 800 number and then a pause for it to start ringing and then the next number.


Practical Use: Calling your work office, credit card company or bank- Instead of listening to the same automated messaging system over and over every time you call, write the number sequence down once and then insert pauses followed by the right number.

• Example: 800-555-5555,2,3,1,1 This looks a little weird but instead of listening to the choices your phone automatically dials the right sequence with the right amount of pauses so the other side connects properly! So cool!  
• Side note, the more commas/pauses you put in the longer the number takes to auto dial.

Wait- a semicolon shows up and after dialing the main number you have the option to dial the next number with the press of a button.
-This is used to dial a series of numbers when you know it to be right.  Some systems you need to listen to for updates or new information and then you want to dial an extension.  The dial number shows up on the bottom right corner for when you are ready to use it.

Practical Use: Calling the HR department of your large company and needing to talk to John.  In his contact card on your phone, put the HR department's number along with a wait (;) and then his extension. After you press the number, then you have the option of dialing his extension whenever you want.

Theoretically these two things are interchangeable.  I will be using this for my Real Estate agent, credit card company, and bank phone numbers so that I don't have to work my way through everything every time.


How will you use this cool short cut that is already built into your smartphone?