Is a cell phone necessary in today's era as a job seeker?
Yes! There are several basic models that can be bought for less than $25 at a store like Meijer, Target or Wal-Mart. Plus there are several pre-paid phone options, that do not require a service contract or credit check.
The hiring manager can learn a lot about you just from the greeting, and/or the person answering the phone
Imagine the scenario of a job seeker who is out of the house when an interviewer calls to set up a time for an interview.
What happens when a young child answers the phone? What if the person answering the phone is a less than enthusiastic spouse, teen or adult household member? Even when you instruct others on proper phone etiquette, they may not take down the correct information; or worse yet--not relay the information.
Plus with a home phone, you've given the hiring manager an opportunity to form an opinion about you through the message takers, and/or the voice mail greeting. In contrast, on a cell phone, your greeting (if business like and includes your name in a warm tone of voice) does not allow the hiring manager to find out whether you are married, have children, have other people living with you. All of which they can find out if you use a home phone or use an answering machine.
Worse yet...you probably played the game of "operator" as a child in a classroom? What happens to the message in the process of another person writing down the message, and/or recalling the conversation (without taking down the pertinent info).
Delays in returnng messages to an employer can be costly
What if the job seeker is at work or out of the house for a lengthy period of time. Often, the hiring manager has more qualified candidates to consider. Especially in Michigan, where there are so many highly qualified candidates, a delay in responding to a recruiter or hiring manager can result in another person being given the interview slot.
Say you can't afford a cell phone? Can you afford the lost opportunity and the potential for errors?
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Comments
Excellent advice for the job seeker Joye. I agree with all of the points that you make. One thing people should remember is to always keep that phone charged when looking for work. I have a habit of forgetting to do that as it is always in my purse..lol
As far as I’m concerned a cell phone is an important “tool” in your job search. I would rather speak directly to a candidate then leave a message.
I never thought of that or the options that you mentioned. I have a number of friends on the job search and I will make sure they see this article.
Thanks for the reminder on recharging the cell phone!
I prefer the contact to be directly with the person I want to contact, so I prefer a call, great article!
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