6 Ways Your Cell Phone May Prevent You from Landing a Job

I have worked for a staffing agency for two and a half years now recruiting for both labor and professional positions. One thing that many people overlook when applying for a position is their cell phone. Poor first impressions, lack of professionalism, and even conflicting personal tastes can be some of the reasons your cell phone is preventing you from landing a position.

Pay as You Go Plans

Make sure that you pay so you are ready to go. I understand that if you are seeking a job that you may not have the funds to keep all your bills current. However, I suggest if it comes down between the phone and the cable bill you miss American Idol, and keep your phone juiced! If a recruiter can't get you on the phone they aren't going to hire you.

Some phones simply say that the phone is unavailable at that time. If an employer needs someone for immediate hire, even if your name is first on the list they will not hesitate to contact another applicant if you cannot be reached. If they are able to leave a message that you do not check because your phone isn't charged, they might assume you do not care about the position if you aren't returning their call. Either way you will not land the position.

Ring Back Tones

These may sound cool. You might love listening to the Beastie Boys and want to share this love with your friends. I beg you, unless you know your recruiters favorite band and you have only applied to one job, stick with the standard ringtone. When I am trying to get someone on their cell phone, especially if I am facing some serious pressure to fill a job, the last thing I want to hear is offensive rap music, scremo or country. If a recruiter loathes a particular song, or is annoyed at your song of choice they may be hesitant to take you seriously. Even worse they may decide that your ring back tone is completely unprofessional and not hire you.

Voice Mail Messages

Keep it professional people. The big list of "don'ts": Do not play a joke by pretending you said hello. Do not play music, it often sounds terrible played back and it is highly unprofessional. Especially do not play music, after you have made the caller endure a ring back tone, recruiters have iPods too if we wanted to listen to music we are capable on our own. Do not read bible verses. Do not shout or scream. Do not have your children shout or scream. Refrain from being rude. "Leave it," is not an acceptable voice mail message. Neither is "You know what to do." Do not give the impression that you have no intentions of calling back. "Hey this is Britney, leave a message and I'll call you back if I feel like it," doesn't really say hire me now does it? Do not leave just your phone number, it might seem professional but it is nice to confirm to your caller that they have reached the right number.

Now that you know what not to have as a voice mail lets go over what you should record. Keep your messages brief, and polite. Also make sure that your name, first is sufficient is in the message. A great example would be, "Hi, this is Todd sorry I missed your call. Please leave a message and I will give you a call soon. "Make sure that you speak clearly and smile when you record it. You might think that this is silly but people can tell that you are smiling on the phone and will absorb some of your good cheer. Cheerful people are more likely to hire you. Make sure that you record your message in a quiet space and speak clearly, but do not speak too loud. You want to be audible but not so loud that you blow the callers ear drums out.

If you absolutely do not like leaving a voice mail that you are speaking in, use the automated name voice mail. Even though it isn't personal and maybe slightly irritating to callers who don't like talking to machines, it will at least be short, professional and will identify you.

Ring Tones

Similar to ring back tones, ring tones can be particularly upsetting. Make sure that either your phone is on vibrate or that your tones are professional. Even if you are sitting in a lobby waiting to apply, if your cell phone is constantly ringing an irritating ring then people are less to hire you. That goes the same for text message alert messages. Also, keep in mind no one wants to hear the Verizon Default tone anymore.

You are Texting Crazed

When you arrive for your interview turn your phone off, even before you go in to the reception area of the place you are applying. Never underestimate the power a receptionist holds when it comes to determining whether or not you are hired. The receptionist, secretary and possibly even the security guards or cleaning crew could be watching your every move. It does not relay a good message if you are texting the entire time. You will most likely be viewed as either apathetic or unprepared neither of which makes for a star employee.

Refusal to Give a Cell Phone Number

Finally if you are going to refuse to give a cell phone number to a potential employer, do not ever show your phone to the employer. Make sure the number that you do give is reliable and has an answering machine. If you have a cell phone and flaunt it at your interview by playing with it in your pocket or pulling it out to check the time make sure if the recruiter requests your cell number you give it to them. Not providing your cell phone number will make it look as though you are trying to duck their calls before you even work for them.

There you have it five simple ways you can safe guard yourself from losing a position due to your phone. If you are looking for more job seeking tips check out my article on writing effective resume objectives here: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1947770/writing_the_right_rsum_objective.html?cat=3