One of my pet hates is to have to call a candidate and be forced to listen to some ridiculous voice mail message. 

You know the ones I am talking about.......the ones with a pre-recorded message which makes it sound as though you have called the pilot on the Enterprise from the StarTrek movie.  Suddenly, you are brought crashing down to reality when you hear the name “Michelle” slotted in the middle somewhere.  The galactic voice then continues on letting you know that Michelle is unavailable because she is currently battling the Cling-Ons.  

Or another scenario: you hear a recorded voicemail message that sounds as though the candidate has just crawled out of bed.  Or better yet, no voice mail at all!

What often springs to my mind is “You cannot be serious!”  If you were serious and were awaiting call backs from recruiters do you really expect them to hang on the line for five minutes listening to your fantasy or better yet, would you blame them for suddenly deciding to change the nature of their call, because they have realised they have called someone highly unprofessional? 

Your quirky voice mail messages may be all fun and games between friends and family, but when looking for a job, you have no business doing so when you are wasting the recruiter’s time.  Put yourself in the shoes of the recruiter.  Realise that your voicemail can be an extension of your resume.  If a recruiter is calling you, be on your best behaviour and ensure everything is professional – you haven’t got the job yet!