You put together the perfect resume and emailed copies to five or ten of your target companies. That was several weeks ago and you haven’t heard anything. Why haven’t any of your potential employers called?
Of course, there can be a number of reasons, especially in a highly competitive job market. However, if you feel stuck in your job search, it is a good time to be proactive and take the necessary steps to become a Top Job Candidate (TM). Let’s start with an honest self-check around three ways you can put potential employers off using technology.
Email addresses that are not strictly commercial
Email is much more than just a method of messaging between you and potential employers. Your email address can tell a lot about who you are. After all, people use their email addresses as an expression of their personality. They declare their affiliation to political or social groups. Express your love for nature or the environment. Show off your devilish side with a feeling of mild anonymity. All of which is fine, for the most part. However, when it comes to an active job search, less is definitely more. As in, tell potential employers a lot less about your personal life and you will get much more interest.
Your email address must no include:
o References to parts of the body.
o Religious or political affiliations.
o Obscenities.
or Slang.
o Street or nicknames.
o Anything that generally scares potential employers.
The email address used in your job search. should:
o Be professional.
o Include your full name or something similar.
o Check regularly.
Recruiters and potential employers see inappropriate email addresses used every day. It questions the judgment of the candidate for the position; offends potential employers or recruiters; and subjects the candidate to potential biases, intentionally or not.
Hit a sour note with Ring-backs
Mobile phone technology allows users to show our individual style, personality and style. From custom ringtones to ringback tones. The ringback tone is what you hear when you call someone. Traditionally, it is a simple ring. But, thanks to recent technology, mobile phone users can select a callback that suits their personality. Typically, the ring-back selected is a popular song, a quote from a movie or television personality, or a short comedic dialogue.
The use of ring-backs can be precarious for job seekers. Potential employers and recruiters may feel off, surprised, or offended by ringbacks with daring and controversial music or objectionable comedy routines. Even ringbacks that you might consider safe – orchestral music, standard classics, or inspirational music – could be a blackout for some.
Don’t risk jeopardizing your chances of landing your dream job. Forget cheesy or sassy ring-backs and stick with the traditional ring, at least during an active job search. You can always go back to your favorite callback after you’ve secured your new dream job.
Voicemail depreciation
Imagine you are a potential recruiter or employer. You are overloaded with resumes in addition to your usual duties. A potential job candidate’s resume catches his eye and he gives him a call, only to find that he doesn’t have voicemail. Will you call her again later? How many times will you call in hopes of catching the candidate before moving on to the next one?
Don’t risk missing out on your dream job because a potential employer can’t reach you. Use voicemail during an active job search and be sure to check your messages regularly.
The mistake job applicants often make regarding voicemail is using an unprofessional voicemail message. Think of your voicemail message as an audition tape for potential employers. Give them a sample of how you will sound on the phone with your customers. Keep your message simple and eliminate background noise or music and jargon.
Technology plays an important role in our daily life. The use of email, mobile phones and text messages makes communication easier and more casual. Use technology strategically during your job search. It will give you a definite edge over the competition and prevent you from making three foolproof mistakes that scare potential employers.