subject: How To Be Professional On The Phone [print this page] In this modern, fast-paced, and economically floundering world of ours, many people are fighting for the same jobs. In order to get the job you want you have to set yourself apart from the competition. One simple, yet long forgotten, way to do this is through having a professional image.
Communication is the first area that needs attention. If you have a phone interview or you get hired, it is vital that you put forth the most professional image you can muster. Even after you've landed the job you want, professional phone skills come in handy.
The first thing to do is make sure you have a short and business-like answering message on your cell phone. This is something that goes unnoticed by many young adults. Jokes, songs, funny accents, or long messages should be avoided. If your boss has to leave you a message you don't want him to hear you rattling off a page-worth of nonsense. State your name and explain that you cannot currently get to your phone and leave it at that.
When you are on the phone make sure not to chew, cough, slurp, sneeze, or make any other noises. Hold the mouthpiece approximately an inch away and make sure you are not breathing heavily into the phone. Make sure you speak clearly as well. Lack of clarity in the business world can result in lost sales, bad relations, or even the loss of a potential job.
Being professional on the phone is only one small area of professionalism. Read articles and study other young professionals to learn about the other rules of business etiquette. If you plan on getting a job that will cause you to be away from your home for long periods of time, you might want to consider protecting your house while you are away. There are several ways to do this; the most effective way is to simply install a home security system.
