iPrep_in_Pieces

iPrep In Pieces

When you are job seeking, you are spending countless
hours and resources distributing your telephone number to
anyone who may hire you. Hundreds if not thousands of
people are given your telephone number so that they may
call you when an opportunity arises.

Don’t make them sorry that they called.
Get the job first. Then change your message to
whatever you want your friends to hear!

Voicemail DO’s:

Thank you for calling. I am sorry to have missed your
call. Please leave your name, number and the best
time to return your call at the tone.

Hello, you have reached area code and number
(example 714-555-1212). We are unable to take your
call at this moment. Please leave your name and
number and we will be sure to return your call as
quickly as possible.

Voicemail DO NOT’s:

5 year old Suzy singing hellooo-hellooo. Mommy and
daddy are busy and say call back later.

While Grandma may think this is adorable, a
prospective employer will not.

YOHO, YONO... Loud, thumping music, unintelligible
lyrics. Leave a message.

No Dogs, birds, or pets of any kind making any noises.

No screaming children.

Absolutely no swear words and no jokes.

Refrain from having any music as a part of the
message.

This may be the only glimpse of your personal behavior that
the prospective employer will see or hear. Give them an
image of you that makes them comfortable and confident in
their decision to call you.

Your Voicemail Message – Outgoing

Pre-plan your voicemail message

When you call a prospective employer, expect to be
directed to their voicemail and be ready with your
message. Leave no more than one (1) message per day or
two (2) if they are specifically expecting your call.

Know exactly what you will say before you dial, even if that
means having to practice your message aloud before you
call. Do NOT sound surprised, demanding or irritated
because you have been put into voicemail.

Keep your message short. Say your name and phone
number twice, once at the start of your message and again
at the end. Say your telephone number slowly and speak
clearly. When the potential employer checks their voicemail,
you will be eliminated if they cannot understand what you
are saying. They cannot call you back if your number is
unintelligible.