3 VERY IMPORTANT Cell Phone Etiquette For Job Seekers

Cell phone etiquette is one of the most important practices that are often overlooked by many job seekers. This simple practice can put you ahead of the pack or at the very last.
When you apply for a job, you are always eager to have that phone ring with that important interview invitation. However, do things wrong and the interviewer might end up changing their mind. According to Ms. Cynthia Wangeci, a HR expert, something as simple as a phone call might end up ruining your chances for a job.

However, do things wrong and the interviewer might end up changing their mind.According to Ms. Cynthia Wangeci, a HR expert, something as simple as a phone call might end up ruining your chances for a job.

However, do things wrong and the interviewer might end up changing their mind.

According to Ms. Cynthia Wangeci, a HR expert, something as simple as a phone call might end up ruining your chances for a job.

“I must confess that I have had to cancel on a candidate and move on to the next for a reason as simple as their phone etiquette.”

To avoid falling into the reject pile, let’s look at some of the cell phone etiquettes for job seekers.

Must Read >>> 8 Top Mistakes Job Seekers Make In Their Job Search

Cell Phone Etiquette For Jobs Seekers That Is Overlooked

Normally, most job seekers will always list their cell phone numbers in the contact section of their CV. Ms. Wangeci’s advice is that it should possible to reach you anytime through the number you list on your CV.

Here is cell phone etiquette that might end up costing you your job.

1. Set up a professional voice mail

I cannot stress this enough.

Though most mobile service providers have their own generic voice mail message, Ms. Wangeci advises that it is important to set up your own voice mail message preferably with your name. Just remember to keep it short and simple.

For instance, your voice mail message could be something like “Thank you for calling Cynthia Wangeci. I cannot take your call right, but I will get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you.”

This is the same with things like call back tones.

It is very unprofessional when someone is calling you for something serious like a job interview and they are entertained by those funny “serikali saidia” ring back tones.

2. Answer your phone only when you know it’s appropriate

Just because you have your phone with you doesn’t mean you can answer it.

“There is nothing as annoying as calling a candidate and you can hear very loud music or matatus hooting in the background.” laments Ms. Wangeci.

When you are waiting for that call for a job you applied for, it is tempting to pick up the phone right where you are.

So when is the appropriate time and place to pick your phone?

Ms. Wangeci advises that you should pick your phone only when you are in a quiet place unless it’s a call from a friend or family.

If you have recently applied for a job that you are positive about, keep your phone close. If in case you are in a noisy place, excuse yourself and find a quiet spot where you can communicate well.

3. Never bring your phone to an interview

This is one of the things that most job seekers overlook when it comes to cell phone etiquette.

We are living in a generation where our cell phones have become an integral part of us. We feel empty when we can’t access them.

It is no wonder you find job seekers, bringing cell phones with them for an interview. This is not only unprofessional, but it’s rude, especially when you keep checking your phone in the interview room.

“I have seen candidates who even answer their phones when you are just sitting there interviewing them.” says Ms. Wangeci.

It is advisable that you leave your phone in the car or at home if you are going for an interview. If that’s impossible, put it on silent mode and keep it in your pocket.

When it comes to cell phone etiquette, these three cannot be emphasized enough. They will either break or make your interview. So next time you don’t hear from a hiring manager, be sure to check your phone etiquette.

On the issue of interviews; are you preparing for an important interview that you need help with? Interview coaching is one way of ensuring you ace an interview as it prepares you for the dos and don’ts for an interview as well as common interview questions and their answers. Get interview coaching by contacting melody@corporatestaffing.co.ke.

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Lilian is a Communications Officer at Career Point Kenya. Contact her via lilian@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke