Job search etiquette

Throughout your job search, remember that you are being evaluated at all times by prospective employers. Before deciding who to hire, they're looking at everything from how your résumé is written to your telephone and email etiquette, to your responsiveness. It's important to make every effort to show a prospective employer that you are the best candidate for their job. Here are some tips to make you shine and help you land that all-important first interview.

• Good manners and common sense combine to make a positive first impression that may increase your chances of being hired, especially in a competitive and challenging economic environment. Without them, you might never get a chance to interview to find out if the job is right for you.
• If an employer contacts you, it's important to return their call or email promptly. Even if you aren't interested in pursuing the job opportunity at that time, you should communicate with every employer in a timely manner. You may become interested in the position or another opportunity with that employer in the future. If you didn't show them the courtesy of responding in the past, they may not give you a second chance.
• If your résumé and cover letter are impeccable, but your email address is unprofessional, you may not get a call. Make sure that your voice mail message is professional, appropriate and easy to understand, and be sure to state your name in it. If your voice mail greeting is inappropriate or unclear, a prospective employer may not even leave a message, and you'll never realize you missed out on an opportunity.
• Make sure your social networking profiles are professional and free of embarrassing photos or posts. Employers know to check these sites to get an idea of the type of person they are considering for employment.

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