How to Sabotage Your Job Search: Part One

Just this morning, I called a client to confirm his appointment with me.  The only number he’d given was his cell phone, which I dialed.  For approximately three full minutes (I timed it), I was constrained to listen to a piece of music the man obviously thought would entertain his callers.  Although the music was pleasant, I found it rather excruciating.  I had to listen to the piece in its entirety until his actual voice mail kicked in, allowing me to leave a message.  But that, too, was another minute’s wait as I was treated to the man blessing me in two languages and asking me to have an absolutely wonderful day in the light of the Lord.  As he represented business, I found the patience to hang on … by a thread.

That was four minutes of my life that I will never get back.

Had I been a potential employer contacting the man to schedule an interview, I would have hung up long before those four minutes were up.  I’d have granted the interview to someone else who

           a.       Displayed some common courtesy for my time, or rather, the lack thereof, and

           b.       Had set up his voicemail in a much more professional manner.

As much as it astounds me that self-professed serious job applicants demonstrate this type of behavior, I feel compelled to point out the obvious. 

Many job seekers have deep six’ed their landline phones, and have done so in order to

          a.       Reduce their expenses in this sinking economy and

          b.       Remain available to prospective employers round-the-clock.

If you are one such job candidate, please engage your gray matter; be considerate of the hiring managers.  Imagine the employers’ annoyance should they reach voicemails such as the one my client currently prefers.  If you are using a system similar to my client’s, do yourself a favor if you do not wish to sabotage your job search.  Change your voicemail!   If your friends and loved ones cannot deal with the lack of “warm and fuzzy” from your message mechanism, you have two choices:

          a.       Allow them to locate and secure a job for you or

          b.       Tell them to get real.

You are seeking employment.  You are supposed to be a professional.  Project that in your electronic message!