When you’re job hunting, every detail counts. You’ve polished your resume / LinkedIn profile and rehearsed your interview answers, but have you updated your phone voicemail? It might seem like a small thing, but your phone message could make or break your first impression with a potential employer or recruiter.
Here’s why having a sharp, professional voicemail is a non-negotiable:
1. It Reflects Your Personal Brand
Your voicemail is an extension of your professional brand. Just like your email signature or social media presence, it tells the world who you are. A crisp, concise message shows that you’re serious about your career and understand the importance of professionalism. It’s a subtle but effective way to demonstrate you’re organised and pay attention to detail.
2. You Never Know Who’s Calling
Recruiters and hiring managers are often on tight schedules. If they reach your voicemail and it’s unprofessional, unclear or even worse, the generic “you’ve reached this number” recording, it could raise red flags. Think of your voicemail as an elevator pitch; if they don’t feel confident leaving a message, they might not bother calling again.
3. It Sets Expectations
A well-crafted phone message sets clear expectations. You can inform callers of your availability and provide instructions for leaving an effective message. This not only saves time but also signals that you respect the caller’s time, an important quality in any professional role.
4. Demonstrates Confidence and Communication Skills
A professional voicemail conveys that you’re confident and have strong communication skills, qualities that are essential in virtually every industry. Use your voicemail as an opportunity to speak clearly and demonstrate that you’re articulate, approachable and ready to engage.
5. Stand Out from Other Candidates
Recruiters interact with hundreds of candidates. A polished voicemail might seem small, but it can be the factor that makes you stand out from the pack. It’s the little touches that can set you apart from equally qualified candidates.
Our Tip: Take a moment to listen to your voicemail today. Does it sound professional, clear and friendly? If not, now’s the perfect time to record a fresh message that mirrors your career ambitions.
Small changes can lead to big opportunities let your voicemail be the first step to landing that next great role!