Jobs and Beyond

You put together the perfect resume and emailed copies to five or ten of your target companies. That was several weeks ago and you haven't heard a thing. Why haven't any of your potential employers called?Of course, there could be any number of reasons, especially in a highly-competitive job market. However, if you are feeling stalled in your job search, it is a good time to be proactive and take steps to become a Top Job Candidate™. Let's start with an honest self-check surrounding three ways you can turn off potential employers through the use of technology.

Email is much more than just a method of delivering messages between yourself and potential employers. Your email address can say a lot about who you are. After all, people use their email addresses as an expression of their personalities. They declare their affiliations with political or social groups. Express their love of nature or the environment. Show their devilish side with a feeling a slight anonymity. All of which is fine, for the most part. However, when it comes to an active job search, less is definitely more. As in, tell potential employers a lot less about your personal life and you'll get a lot more interest.

Your email address should not include:
• References to body parts.

• Religious or political affiliations.

• Obscenities.

• Slang.

• Street or nicknames

Anything that will generally creep out potential employers.

The email address used in your job search should:
• Be professional.

• Include your full name or something close to it

Be checked regularly.
Recruiters and potential employers see the use of inappropriate email addresses every single day. It brings the job candidate's judgment into question; offends potential employers or recruiters; and subjects the candidate to potential bias – intentionally or not.

Hitting a Sour Note with Ring-backs
Cell phone technology allows users to show our individual style, personality and flair. From customized ring tones to ring-back tones. The ring-back tone is what you hear when you call someone. Traditionally, it is a simple ring. But, thanks to recent technology, cell phone users can select a ring-back that suits their personality. Most commonly the selected ring-back is a popular song, a quote from a movie or television personality, or a short comedic dialogue.
The use of ring-backs can be precarious for job seekers. Potential employers and recruiters can be turned off, shocked, or offended by ring-backs featuring edgy, controversial music or objectionable comedy routines. Even ring-backs that you might consider safe – orchestral music, standard classics, or inspirational music – could be a turn off for some.

Don't take a chance on jeopardizing your chance of landing your dream job. Forego cutesy or edgy ring-backs and stick to the traditional ring, at least during an active job search. You can always go back to your favorite ring-back after you've secured your new dream job.

Imagine that you are a recruiter or potential employer. You are overloaded with resumes, in addition to your usual duties. A potential job candidate's resume catches your attention and you give her a call, only to discover that she doesn't have voicemail. Will you call her again later? How many times will you call, hoping to catch the candidate before you move on to the next?

Don't risk missing out on your dream job because a potential employer can't reach you. Utilize voicemail during an active job search and be sure to check your messages regularly.

The mistake that job seekers typically make regarding voicemail is the use of a less than professional voicemail message. Think of your voicemail message as an audition tape for potential employers. Give them a sample of how you will sound on the phone with their customers. Keep your message simple and eliminate background noise or music and slang.

Technology plays a large role in our everyday lives. The use of email, mobile phones, and text messaging make communications easier, more casual. Use technology strategically during your job search. It will give you a definite edge over the competition and keep you from making three sure-fire mistakes that scare off potential employers.

To learn about other common mistakes that can easily derail your chances of securing your dream job, register for the complimentary e-course, Five Job Search Mistakes Top Job Candidates NEVER Make and How to Avoid Them .

By: Roxanne Ravenel
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Roxanne Ravenel is the Career Coach & Job Search Strategist behind Urban Career Coach (http://www.urbancareercoach.com/) and the host of the Blog Talk Radio show, Top Job Candidate Strategies. She teaches job seekers to improve their resumes, strengthen their interview skills, make a powerful first impression, and create a multi-dimensional self-marketing plan through telephone-based workshops and live workshops.