So, you are on the look-out for a new job and you have put in all the ground work – checked the wanted columns, prepared and polished your CV, done up your cover letter and submitted yourself for consideration. Now you cross your fingers and eagerly await a call in hope that you get the opportunity to present yourself in a job interview… but are you ready for when that call comes in?

Here are a few more things you should consider:

• Remember: You are continually being assessed, even before the interview, so make sure you have a professional sounding voicemail set up just in case a possible employer calls and you are unable to answer.
• This may be the first time a possible “Interviewer” or a representative of the company, gets to hear you speak so present yourself in a clear and pleasant tone on your voice message, asking the caller to leave a name and return number.
• After you have recorded your message, make sure you play it back and re-record it if necessary until you are satisfied with what the caller will hear.
• Check your voicemail inbox regularly to make sure you don’t miss any important calls.

And never forget, your overall phone manner is very important: Every time you answer the phone your job search “goes live” so always pick up in a way that puts you forward in a glowing light. That call may be the all-important “First Impression”.

Post by Patrick James Horan