subject: Phone Etiquette Tips [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 one of the main areas that needs immediate attention. If you have a phone interview it is vital that you put forth the most professional image you can muster. Even after you've landed a job, professional phone skills are helpful to have.
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, sneeze, slurp, 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 have dramatic consequences such as lost sales, bad relations, or even the loss of a potential job.
Being professional on the phone is only one area of professionalism. Read articles and study other young professionals to learn other rules of business etiquette. If you plan on getting a stable 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 many ways to do this, but the most effective way is to install a home security system.
