Be Prepared for the Call

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Be prepared for the phone call to set up an interview or to be screened by a telephone interview.

Have your résumé by the telephone!  If employers ask questions, your résumé will be right there to help you highlight and summarize your skills. Often you will be busy and caught up with what you were doing right before you answered the phone and may blank out on what your skills are, so use your résumé as a "reminder" tool. It's a great source to refer back to at a moment's notice.

Pen and paper should also be available near the phone. When employers call, don't ask them to hold while you run around looking for a pen. Have materials ready to take notes, get contact names (first and last names) and correct spelling, write down detailed driving directions and note the date and time of the interview. A calendar nearby will also help prevent scheduling conflicts.  Remind your family, siblings, and roommates that the pen and paper are there to take good messages for you. While you are job searching it is not the time for young children to answer the phone. 

Answer your telephone. Some employers may not leave a message. Make certain the voicemail message on your home phone and cell phone (if you listed both numbers on your resume) are professional and identifies you so employers know they reached the correct person.  his is not the time for your child to record a message or to play music. Remind your family members and roommates to be professional when answering the phone, as well. 

Call employers back! The same day! When an employer does call and has to leave a message, respond to that message immediately.