Blog Post: When opportunity "knocks" how do you answer your phone?

When looking for a new job, opportunity doesn't always just knock on the door where you can greet it face to face. Sometimes, it calls you on the phone.
When a potential employer calls you regarding your resume, what is the first impression they are going to get about you?
Today, most people list their cell phones as primary contact information. What will the recruiter hear when they call your phone? Instead of a normal ring, will they hear music?
I can't count how many times I have called on a resume, only to hear some death metal music, top 40 or hard core rap in my ear, in place of a normal ring. And I can't help but think, this is a person who wants to have a professional business conversation with me?

Now don't get me wrong, I understand that its fun to have music on your phone. I had it too. Just NOT when I was looking for a job. You want to make sure that you are consistently presenting yourself in the most professional manner possible. If that means taking a ringback tone off of your cell phone during your job search, then so be it. You can always add it back on later.

What are you saying when you actually answer the phone? Do you answer by saying, hello? or hello, this is... (Jessica)!
Again, I can't tell you how many times I have had applicants answer their phones like this: (yo, what up, yeah, who is this, or speak!) which can be considered a red flag when it comes to professionalism.
The recruiter might wonder how you would answer the phone at work, if this is how you answer your phone when seeking employment.

What about your voice mail, asking the caller to leave you a message? Does is sound professional, or like you just woke up after sleeping for a month? Are you speaking in at least a somewhat professional manner, or are you saying things that should be reserved for friends and maybe family?

So, call me old fashioned, but these are just some things to think about when waiting for a recruiter to call you about an interview.

Remember, opportunity usually only knocks once! Make sure you answer appropriately!

Good luck to all!

Please call or email me if there is anything I can do to help you with your job search!

Jessica Starr
602-861-0208 x1019