Voicemail Messages Can Make or Break a First Impression

People underestimate the power voice messages can hold. It is perhaps one of the most overlooked aspects of the job search. However, if an employer is interested in you, they will dial your phone number and the first impression they will have of you is your outgoing voice message.

Simple enough, right? Let’s face it; some of us don’t want the generic voice messages provided by our phone company. Why? Because they are boring and have no personality. It is fine to personalize your voice mail and add some humor in it for your friends, but with recruiters it is a different story.

Employers want to know your maturity level. If you have Tupac Shakur saying “F” the police or Slayer sermonizing occult rituals as your musical greeting, rest assured the recruiter will probably not be contacting you again. They want someone that is personable and professional. No need to be loquacious on the phone – just be succinct. Exactly, what should put in your voice message?

First, replace your old greeting or music by clearly stating your full name.

Then, follow it with your phone number (area code first). If you have secondary phone number, then you may want to provide it.

Next, say something to the effect of “your call is important and I will return your call as soon as possible.”

Finally, replay the message to yourself, family and friends. You may not find anything wrong with your message, but others may have suggestions that you might not have thought of earlier.

It is important to make sure that the only sound is your voice, nothing else. Don’t perform this task in a subway or a bar as extraneous sounds will obstruct the integrity of your message. Do not use humor (some people may not “get it”), but do speak with confidence and clarity. At the end of the message, you may want to, subtly, sell your asset. For example, if you know a second language, then translate the message. The recruiter will be impressed.

Remember, your message should be short, concise and professional. Recruiters may have hundreds of people to call, so don’t waste their valuable time. After all, you want to make a good impression for your employer and you can start by altering your voice message.