The Unseen First Impressions

I called a prospective candidate today, and received his voice mail at what I assume was his home phone. Accustomed to getting voicemail, I start working on notes while waiting for the beep. That was until I heard something about "if you are calling and do not personally know anyone at this residence, hang up and don't call back - we're not interested."

Huh. I knew this message was targeted at deterring telemarketers, but, it made me think - for a split second - since the tone sounded and my recording time began. I left my message, and at the end - for good humor, I added "I do not personally know you, or anyone else at your residence, but you did invite me to contact you at this number by putting it on your resume."

I've heard many different greetings. One of my least favorites include a young child leaving the greeting, while an adult voice is screaming at the child in the background -- and it turns out that "adult voice" is the candidate. Not only did I have a unfavorable first impression of the candidate - it left me wondering if the candidate had any level of detail or professionalism to have left that recording as is?

Other messages run the gamut from the use of colorful language, questionable wit and humor to off color jokes.

Your voicemail greeting is a purely personal choice, but if you list that number and your recruiter or prospective employer calls and hears that greeting - what kind of a first impression are you giving?

Remember that your first impression, after the resume, may be your voicemail greeting. At least for the time you are conducting your job search, make sure your greeting leaves a positive first impression.