Tip of the day for College Students and Teens: Put your best name forward!
Consider these tips from a human resource manager for a major department store chain to show potential employers you are the right person for the job. Will your cell phone block your chances for a summer job? It could if your voicemail for job hunting is the same voicemail your friends hear. First impressions count.
2. While you’re being pleasant, try to project some energy and interest. Don’t make the caller think you’re falling asleep or bored.
3. Keep your introduction short and avoid slang. Say, “Hello! This is [name, e.g., Cheryl],” not “Hey, there! It’s [knickname, e.g., Cha-cha].” No need to elaborate on why you cannot take the call.
4. Resist the urge to entertain callers with your favorite track. Employers are busy. They called to speak with you, not “enjoy the music.” Be respectful of their time.
5. Remember your manners: “Please leave a message.” “Thank you!”
6. Check for messages several times daily and return calls promptly. You’ll score points for reliability and responsibility.
Online applications, for which you need an email address, have become the norm. Set up a separate email account just for job hunting. (Use a free site such as Hotmail.com or Yahoo.com.) Save the fun address that reflects your interests and personality for social emailing. Choose an address that communicates professionalism: cutie@email.com does not leave the same impression as janedoe@email.com.
