Voicemails

The next reason I don’t want to hire you is very related to and no less painful than the first. You’ve thrown a few red flags on the field before we ever spoke. Since they all occur on the phone, I’ll lump them all together:

• Your voicemail message is wildly unprofessional.
• Your voicemail box is full.
• You have a catch phrase.

Allow me to explain. Rapping is cool. Lots of things are cool when you do them with your friends, but stupid when you do them with your boss, right? Don’t leave a rap on your voicemail message. Don’t wish me a blessed day. Don’t make me listen to Flo Rida while my party is located.

Now you know that what you say/sing on your voicemail message can damage my impression of you. Equally as damaging is what you don’t say. If I call your cell- the only contact number you’ve listed- and your voicemail box is full, I have to assume that it’s because you’re too busy selling crack and stockpiling guns to delete your messages. Do I have to remind you that YOU applied to MY job? Why would you send me a letter, asking me to call you, listing ONE telephone number, and then NOT allow me to leave a message? Congratulations; I no longer want to talk to you.

Lastly, you are not a running shoe. You are not a new soft drink. You are a grown person looking for a job. There is NO need to have a catch phrase. Here’s a true story I still have nightmares about: I once interviewed a man who was a part-time clown at children’s parties. When I called him to explain that I was unable to offer him a position with my company he closed our conversation (as I can only assume he usually does) with, “Thank you for your call. And promise me this; if you have a child, remember to hug them today.” *Click* …Kudos, Clown! Not only am I shredding your resume, but I’m dialing 9-1-1.

Stay tuned for more tips on how to be less frightening.