As a career coach, a great deal of the advice I give to clients pertains to resumes, interviewing, and dressing for success. However, it is also crucial to pay close attention to the small details in a job search. Those can include choosing a professional email provider, writing thank you notes after interviews and cleaning up your social profiles. However, I frequently see clients overlook how they’re using voicemail as a job-seeking professional.

It’s difficult to remember a time before texting, caller ID or cell phones. Just a short 10 years ago, answering machines were the norm. Even though we’re no longer coming home, seeing that red blinking light and checking our answering machine every day, the art of the voicemail is still very much alive today.

Your voicemail greeting may be a small detail, but I promise you, it could be the deciding factor for an employer choosing between multiple qualified candidates. 

Below are some voicemail etiquette tips for jobseekers:

1. Don’t let that voicemail box get full! 

How will hiring managers leave you a message if your mailbox is full? This applies to iPhone users too. Be sure to clear your voicemail, sometimes you may not even be aware that your mailbox is full.

2. Have everything set up! 

“We are sorry. The person you are trying to reach has not yet set up their voicemail system. Please try again later.” If not a worse offense, this is at least equally as bad as having a full voicemail box. A system not ready for recruiters or phone screeners makes the jobseeker look lazy and as if they did not take the time to set up their voicemail. It is important to present yourself as reliable and reachable.

3. Answer your phone ONLY when you are available to speak!

Recruiters get easily irritated when a job candidate asks that they return their call at another time OR take the call when several distractions can be heard in the background.

If you are unavailable, let the caller go to voicemail, have a pen and paper readily available and return the call in a quiet place where there are no interruptions for the duration of your conversation. This will also allow you to collect your thoughts and do your research on the company that called—you never know when you will get a call for an impromptu phone interview.

4. Make sure you have a professional voicemail! 

Go into a quiet room and record a simple,

“Hi, you have reached ______. I am sorry I missed your call, but if you please leave your name, number, and a brief message I will get back to you as soon as I can. Thanks!”

You really cannot go wrong with this!

5. Do not use ring back tones!

Always assume that someone will be irritated by being forced to listen to music against their will. When job searching, remember that everything you do (or do not do) is evaluated and taken into consideration by a potential employer! Trivial things like a simple, professional voicemail can set you apart from your competition. 

*For more tips from Kelly and her team, visit the Hire Heroes USA Website  or you can listen to her empowering interview with AWTR

Kelly Grivner-Kelly is the Serving Spouses Program Manager at Hire Heroes USA.  She is married to an Active Duty Airman and leverages 8+ years of professional experience in the Human Resources and Business Management field. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management and her Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA). She is also a Career Coach and Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW).  As a Military Spouse, Kelly has experienced the hardships that come along with finding meaningful employment. She found her permanent home when she joined the Hire Heroes USA team and has been fully committed to its mission especially tailoring its services to help Military Spouses. 

Kelly focuses on providing personalized career coaching and resource sharing to Active Duty Military Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses. Since starting with Hire Heroes USA  in September of 2016, she has helped 1000+ Veterans and Military Spouses find employment.