Communication skills are considered important in many executive, as well as non-executive, roles and are one of the easiest things to demonstrate during the recruitment process. Unfortunately, we see many people miss opportunities to showcase this valuable skill and leave a good impression on the potential employer or recruiter. So here are three simple ways to improve the presentation of your communication skills during the recruitment process.
Leave a voicemail message
Communicating about a role often involves telephone communication, but it’s not just your phone conversation that is important. When phoning about a role, you may need to leave a message for a recruiter or potential employer. Leaving a professional voicemail message leaves a much better impression than not leaving a message or leaving a poor one. Keep it short and clear, including your name, phone number and what you are calling about. A good message can help to build rapport and show your ability to communicate well.
Have a professional answer on your own voicemail
As well as leaving messages well, you also need a professional sounding message on your own voicemail. There are many reasons why you may not be able to answer a call from a recruiter or potential employer, particularly during business hours, and we understand that. However, it is a good idea to have a professional phone message for when you can’t take a call. Although some phone services have voice-to-text messages or automated voicemail answering, we suggest recording your own message. When you miss a call, you want people to hear your friendly, professional greeting. Speak clearly and, if possible, give an indication of when you might return your missed calls. Take a moment to listen back to your message before setting it, to make sure you are happy with how it sounds.
Use a professional email address and signature block
Another element of professional communication to consider is your email address and signature. Since applications are typically sent from a personal email account, make sure that your address is in keeping with a professional image. It is generally best to avoid nicknames in email addresses, unless they resemble your name and reflect your personal brand. If your personal email address is more fun than formal, perhaps consider setting up an email account for job applications that uses your name in the address.
When it comes to writing emails, it is a good idea to develop a signature block to sign off with. You don’t need anything fancy. Just keep it simple with your name and contact details. You might also like to use a title that describes what you do. If you use relevant social media, such as a LinkedIn profile, you can include a link to that as well. It may sound simple, but it adds an extra touch of professionalism to your communication with potential employers and recruiters.
Implementing each of these simple strategies will help you to leave a good impression when communicating with recruiters and potential employers. In addition, you will be demonstrating your skills in professional communication.
