This is a tip for all of you job seekers – take the marbles out of your mouth!
My reason for saying this – we get hundreds of messages from job seekers every week. At least half of the messages we have to play over and over to try and decifer who is talking and what is the message. When you leave a message for someone or talk to anyone on the phone, please speak clearly! Cell phones has made this task very difficult. Many times the connection is not clear, so it is twice as hard to hear the message.
When you are job searching, your phone message could be your first impression. Make it sound great. You want to sound positive – that means do not mumble and get rid of the attitude and frustration of being out of work. When you are on the phone, the person on the other end should be able to hear you smile. I know, that sounds weird, but think about it. You have talked to telemarketers on the phone that are boring and sound like they are half dead or falling asleep. You have also talked to people who are very upbeat and enthusiastic. Maybe they make you smile when you talk to them. That’s what you want to achieve.
If you had a really bad day or you don’t feel well, try not to leave a message that day. If you have to call that day, maybe preface your message with “I am sorry for my voice, I am under the weather today, or I am not feeling well”. You want your future employer to think that you are someone who sounds excited about work and at least deserves to move to the next step.
Companies are receiving hundreds of calls everyday. You know you have lots of competition for every job. Set yourself apart from everyone else. Practice your message before you call. Write it down. Look in the mirror when you practice. Smile when you talk. Be sure to speak clearly and not too fast. Sometimes you get excited and speak so fast, the person might not be able to get your information. Don’t make the message too long, but leave enough information to entice the person to call you back.
Think of radio personalities or infomercial people. They are always upbeat and speak very clearly and get everyone excited about what they are saying. You know you don’t need the product, but they could talk you into buying it. You want to talk the company into “Buying” you.
If your phone message is your first impression – make it fantastic! You can get the company excited about you and what you can add to their team. No one wants to hire someone who is not enthusiastic or excited about the prospects of working at their company.
Ok, do you feel great now? Write out your message, practice in the mirror, smile and pick up the phone and make that call!
Smile when leaving a message