Press '1' To Eliminate Yourself Immediately As a Candidate...

First up, I'm a Gen X'er, so don't tell me I don't understand because I am too old... Is being in your 30's too old now?

Why do seemingly quality candidates insist on leaving inappropriate greetings on their voice mail? Do they understand recruiters like me might call their number and get voice mail?

I've been known to be hard on voice mail. If I am calling a candidate off a resume and get voice mail, I treat it like a freebie. Good energy and kind of dynamic sounding in your voice mail greeting? Cool, I'm more interested than I was when I called. Sound depressed and seem like the whole thing takes too much energy? I'm out - you lost the opportunity. I rate your voice mail - if you are rated 5 or worse, you'll never hear from KD again..

Just called a strong candidate back after a phone interview to set up a face-to-face session. Hadn't gotten her voice mail yet in the process. Got it this time - BAM!!! I'm treated to 30 seconds of a profane Notorious B.I.G track before the innocent, professional voice I was expecting comes through over the track during the chorus. Professional position, 50-60K job. Bye-Bye...

It would be the same deal whether it was Marilyn Manson or Larry the Cable Guy. Market to me, the recruiter. Don't take risky chances with your brand when I call.

Posted by Kris Dunn on February 10, 2009 at 04:05 AM in Recruiting | Permalink