When you are talking on the phone to a future employer, it is important that you make a good impression and that you present a polished picture – even if you are sitting there in your pajamas! I often call my students at home in order to confirm enrollment and also to follow up on their experiences on the job. I am often appalled at what I hear on the phone and I am realizing more and more that a lot of people just don’t realize how important good phone etiquette is and how it can impact their job search. When you are interacting with a potential future employer by phone, it is important to observe some specific guidelines. These, along with what you already know about telephone manners, can help you be successful in your job search.
No Background Noise
Barking dogs, screaming children, loud music – all of these are major no-nos. To you, it’s just noise. To the employer, it sounds like your life is out of control. Who would want to hire someone who can’t even keep their home life in some semblance of order? Do whatever it takes to have quiet in the background while you are talking. You may have to take your portable phone to the front yard or into another room. I even had one student who would go into a coat closet and close the door while she talked on the phone because of her loud home environment.
Know What You’re Going To Say
Be prepared to talk about yourself, your skills and your work history when you are on the phone. Keep your resume and maybe some notes handy so that you will have something to refer to if your mind goes blank.
Be Prepared To Take Notes
Have a notepad and pen by the phone at all times. If an employer calls to offer you an interview, you don’t want to have to scramble for a pen and scrap of paper. By being prepared, you show that you value the employer’s time and that the interview is important to you.
Answering Machine Message
I hate to tell you this, but if you have a cute or funny answering machine message it really needs to go while you are job seeking. Children baby talking, loud music, gangster talk, etc do not make you look professional. Also, a long or goofy message can irritate your potential employer. Change it to something simple and, well, boring! Make sure your message includes your full name and then says something simple like please leave a message. A good choice would be “You have reached the home of Jane Doe. I can’t come to the phone right now, but please leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you for calling.”
Who Else Answers Your Phone?
If someone besides you answers the phone on a regular basis, it is important that you coach that person on proper answering skills. It doesn’t look good for you when the person says “Who?” when the employer asks for you or if they say “She’s not here” and don’t offer to take a message. Also, a pet peeve of mine that is shared by many employers is when the person hollers with the phone receiver too close. “Joe! Phone!” at an earsplitting volume just doesn’t sound very good to someone who is considering offering you a job.
Keep in mind that these many of these principles are important whether you are calling out or receiving a phone call in. Make a good impression over the phone and you’ll be much more likely to be given the opportunity to make a good impression during an interview.