In yesterday’s post I started talking about using cell phones when you are job searching, and today I want to continue by looking at some of the basic functions which can be found on most handsets these days, and offer some tips on how to use them appropriately.
Voicemail
1. Whether you have a cell phone which is used exclusively for job search activities or one which is also used for personal communications, always make sure that the outgoing voice message that you record sounds professional. It needs to let callers know that they have reached the right person, provide information about your availability and tell them what steps they can take for contacting you as soon as possible. You might, for example, provide your e-mail address as an alternative means of contacting you.
2. Try to keep a pen and paper handy at all times so that you can note down any necessary details when you check your voice mail.
3. Whether you are at work or otherwise unable to take a job search related call, are somewhere noisy or are simply not prepared to take the call, then be sure to set your calls to go straight to voicemail and then get back to the caller as soon as you can.
Address Book/Contacts
4. Just how much information you can store in your address book will, of course, depend on the type of cell phone that you use. Some will only allow you to store names, telephone numbers and usually an e-mail address, whereas others have space to store a much fuller profile of each of your contacts. Fill in as much information as your phone allows, including any useful background on the company, so that you always have it to hand.
5. If your phone permits you to assign categories to your contacts, such as for friends, family, work, etc, then make a category specifically for job searching and, if possible, assign a specific ringtone to it so that you know as soon as the phone rings that the call is going to be related to finding work.
Calendar
6. The calendar on your cell phone is an ideal place to store all of your appointments and reminders of things which need to be done in relation to your job search, because wherever you are your phone is likely to be with you. Be sure to keep it updated though so that you don’t end up double-booking.
7. In most cases, when you store calendar items, you will have the option to set reminders. Set an alarm for an appropriate time in advance of appointments so that you don’t miss anything important.
To Do Lists
8. If your handset has the functionality for to do lists, then use these to keep a note of all your job search related tasks. In the same way as you would with a manual to do list, prioritize the tasks and set yourself deadlines for getting them done.
Notes
9. The notes feature is a great place to store any ideas that come to mind. You might, for example, think of a new company to target, remember a contact who is worth getting in touch with or something that you want to add to your resume. While it is tempting to think that you will remember these things later, often they can slip our minds, so jot them down straight away and then act on them.
In tomorrow’s post, I will look at some of the more advanced cell phone features and how these too can help in your job search.
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