Monday, April 28, 2008
Making a Professional Impression with Email and Voicemail
Email Image - I use Janice@WorthingtonResumes.com. And those I want to reach know from where the mail is coming. I realize that some address books are out of control and even with an identifying address, recipients may still be nervous. But for sure I'd delete mail from dhgty8j@beatsme.com without blinking! Also create a header in the subject line that defines the email and again confirms your identity such as "Rsume - John Smith" or "Engineering Manager position."
Voice Mail Problems - The resume finally succeeded but when the Human Resources Manager attempted to extend the interview invitation by phone, what he heard was some digital voice expressing regret that 222-2222 was unavailable. No mention of name and no gracious invitation to leave a message were present. Most important there was no strong, communicative voice that could have served as a positive first impression. The phone call to the next candidate wasn't any better. An adorable but inappropriate message from a 4-year old stating that neither Mommy nor Daddy could come to the phone was certainly a joy to make but less than impressive to the caller attempting to hire a Chief Financial Officer.
Voice Mail Solutions - This is where the cell phone saves the day. For security we needn't breach our commitment to never attaching a name and phone number to a residential location. Better yet, we carry our cell phones with us so employers have a better than average chance of actually connecting. If we are unavailable we can actually acknowledge, in a professional manner, that the employer has indeed reached the intended person and encourage him to leave a message by indicating that his call will be efficiently returned. Don't get so wrapped up in voice mail that you forget to practice the way you answer your phone in real time. Nothing fancy is required; "This is Carl Candidate" is fine if spoken with authority.
Voice Mail Problems - The resume finally succeeded but when the Human Resources Manager attempted to extend the interview invitation by phone, what he heard was some digital voice expressing regret that 222-2222 was unavailable. No mention of name and no gracious invitation to leave a message were present. Most important there was no strong, communicative voice that could have served as a positive first impression. The phone call to the next candidate wasn't any better. An adorable but inappropriate message from a 4-year old stating that neither Mommy nor Daddy could come to the phone was certainly a joy to make but less than impressive to the caller attempting to hire a Chief Financial Officer.
Voice Mail Solutions - This is where the cell phone saves the day. For security we needn't breach our commitment to never attaching a name and phone number to a residential location. Better yet, we carry our cell phones with us so employers have a better than average chance of actually connecting. If we are unavailable we can actually acknowledge, in a professional manner, that the employer has indeed reached the intended person and encourage him to leave a message by indicating that his call will be efficiently returned. Don't get so wrapped up in voice mail that you forget to practice the way you answer your phone in real time. Nothing fancy is required; "This is Carl Candidate" is fine if spoken with authority.
