Page 121 - Marky Stein - Get a Great Job When You Don't Have a Job-McGraw-Hill (2009)

Get a Great Job When You Don’t Have a Job

that they are equipped with a professional-sounding message (with-
out dogs barking, kids yelling, traffic sounds, music, or other
distractions).
The simplest message to leave would be something in your
own voice (not a mechanical or prerecorded voice if possible)
that says:

“Hello. You’ve reached Bob Winston at 243-777-
7877. Thank you for calling. Please leave a complete
message after the tone, including your phone num-
ber and the best time to reach you.”

Again, after you get the job, you can put a more personal or fun
touch on your message, but for now, keep it simple and to the
point. Try to get an answering machine or voice mail system that
allows you to check messages remotely if you are not near your
phone so that you’ll stay on top of your messages and be able to
return calls promptly. Employers absolutely love to get a quick
response. It shows that you’re efficient and enthusiastic about
the job.
You might also consider a call forwarding system, so that if
the employer calls your home phone, for example, the call will be
automatically forwarded to your cell phone so that you can
answer it immediately.
Call forwarding is also available on most cell phones. Call
your local phone company or cell phone provider to arrange
for one of these easy and inexpensive systems while you’re job
hunting.

Tips for Your
Objective Block

When you’re submitting a résumé as a direct response to a
printed or Internet ad, always use the job title that is used in the
job posting. For the reader, who, you remember, may have 350
résumés on his desk or in his inbox, it is annoying to say the
least to have to wonder what job you’re applying for. As much
as you may like to think that the person will read your résumé
and find the best “fit” for you in his company, that is not his job,

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