ALT-1 Proper Phone Etiquette for Job Hunting
Proper phone etiquette for job hunting does make a great impression. Telephone calls are usually the first stages of the job hunting process. You have to be professional and courteous. Most of all, think positively and give only relevant information. There are many ways phone calls can actually harm your chances of getting the job you are interested in too.
Think about the way your message sounds when callers are trying to get a hold of you. Do you have annoying music that blasts the caller’s ear when they call? Do you sound professional saying your name and that you will return this call asap? Remember you are trying to get a job not impress your friends. Who will pay your bills? This should give you a clue who is more important when it comes to leaving those messages that play back for callers.
Do you know how important it is to turn off your phone when interviewing? Checking your phone during an interview shows you are interested in other things. This shows them you are a person who plays on the phone all the time and they do not want that. If your phone starts ringing during the interview, that shows disrespect. You should be giving them your full attention and they expect you will too. Be wise, turn off your phone for any interview.
If you are talking on the phone with a job possibility, do not make notice of another call. If the person calling wants, they can leave a message. It's basically the same thing as during a live interview. Give them your full attention. Go into a room that is quiet if you have a family and make sure everyone knows you need the time for an important call. Ask them to keep down the noise. Make sure that everyone knows you would like to answer the phone, just in case it is for an interview too. Having your three-year-old answer and having them not tell you that you have a phone call could be a missed opportunity.
It is better sometimes to let the call go to the answer machine and take it when everything is quiet and you have no chance for interruptions. You will be more confident and you can check your list to make sure you check and see exactly who it is you are talking to, if you are looking at more than one possibility at a time. If you do not answer with enthusiasm, they may just go on to the next name on the list. Decide what way to answer so you sound professional.
When calling about a job it is important to write down the name of the person you are speaking too, and personally thank him or her at the end of the conversation by using their name. Know something about the company. Show your interest. Write a list before you call so you can cover all the things you want to talk about.
Remember that phones are an important piece of contact and that giving a potential employer your full attention whether at home or at an interview in person is the most important thing to do. Be wise and be professional on your phone. Have your messages on your phone show you’re respectful of those calling. Good luck in your search of job hunting!
