As a recruiter, the lack of phone etiquette from job seekers can be frustrating. I call. I post. But mostly I call. Right now I have 10 great opportunities - Executive Human Resources positions and it's my job to find great candidates. So it is all about the phone calls placed by my fellow recruiters and me. I have two requests, simple phone etiquette, really: include your name on your voice mail message and stop answering the phone when you are in a meeting.
Phone etiquette is typically your first interaction with a recruiter. Recruiters pay attention to everything they learn about you - you are judged by your manners all the time, and this includes phone etiquette.
Add Your Name to Your Voice Mail Message
When people call the number they believe to be your number, you can help them KNOW that they reached you by including your name in the voice mail message. Do you think it is possible that you have old versions of your resume out there with recruiters, former colleagues and great connections? Do people have an outdated business card for you? It is delightful to call a number and know that the number you dialed corresponds with the person you are trying to reach - and all you have to do is include YOUR name on the voice mail message. Here is why - people may be calling you on an obsolete number and believe they are leaving a message for you - and you are not getting the call!
Don't Answer the Phone If You Can't Take the Call
Really, if your phone rings, and you don't know who the caller is, and you are in a meeting, or unable to have a conversation because people are standing nearby - let the caller go to voice mail! It is RUDE to answer the phone and say "I can't talk, I am in a meeting." It is rude to the people who have carved out time to be in the meeting with you and sends a message that some stranger you don't know takes priority over whatever it is you are doing. It is also an unnecessary distraction and interruption of the business at hand. It is RUDE to the caller because you don't have time to speak with them, and it would be easier for that person to leave a message instead. Really, think about leaving the phone out of the meeting and give your full attention to your purpose.
It's up to you to make a great impression with the recruiter! Don't let improper phone etiquette stand in the way of your new career. And as a job seeker, it's crucial for you to check your voice mail message and tweak it if needed.
About this Author
Career Coach Kathy Shabotynskyj offers more than 10 years experience helping people in career transition, writing expert resumes and recruiting for Fortune 500 companies. Kathy's latest accomplishment is co-authoring the consummate career guide How to Find a GOOD Job in 90 Days - The 5 Step Guide to a Successful Job Search.
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