11 YOUR PHONE MESSAGE SYSTEM IS A “FIRST IMPRESSION” TOOL Remember, your voicemail message is part of the first impression a prospective employer gets, so make sure it is professional. Think of your voicemail message as an audition tape for potential employers. Keep your message simple and eliminate background noise, music and slang. An appropriate message is, “You have reached June Smith at 555-555-5588. Please leave a message and I will return your call as soon as possible. Thank you.” BE PREPARED WHEN YOU ANSWER A CALL FROM AN EMPLOYER If you include your cell phone number on a resume, make sure that you are prepared when you answer a call from a potential employer who may be interested in interviewing you. For example, do not answer the call if you are driving your car or do not have access to a pen and paper. If you are not prepared, then do not answer the call. Allow the employer to leave a message. Be prepared to answer calls by having an “elevator speech” prepared, no longer than 60 seconds, that highlights your skills and work experience and includes any questions you may want to ask about next steps or the interview. FOLLOW PHONE ETIQUETTE During your job search, make sure you identify yourself every time you answer the phone. When making phone calls, make sure there are no excessive background noises (for example: television, radio or children). Do not eat, drink or smoke while on the phone. Remember to smile while talking to a prospective employer. It may seem silly, but smiling helps you maintain an upbeat tone of voice. INFORM OTHERS WHO MAY BE ANSWERING YOUR PHONE Let everyone in the household know that a prospective employer may call. Ask household members to answer the phone politely. Emphasize to anyone answering the phone the importance of taking accurate messages and giving them to you in a timely manner.
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