Job Interview by Phone? What NOT to Say to the Recruiter

What You Say Can Hurt Your Job-hunting Chances

Finally, a recruiter responded to your resume. It's been on Monster and CareerBuilder forever, and you've responded to hundreds of ads.

Following are three rules to follow when you've got a recruiter on the phone. Your phone etiquette will not only kill your chances for the job at hand, but all other positions a recruiter may be seeking talent for -- now and in the future.

1. Answering the Phone: When you're job hunting, it's extremely important at all times to answer your phone professionally. And, more importantly, have those who may be answering your phone follow this rule as well.

I can't tell you how many times I've heard obscene music, obscene messages and been subjagated to dealing with a rude person who answers the phone.

If you have 50 cent or Guns 'n Roses on your voice message, you might want to change it to Bach - at least until you secure a position.

If you're mad at your boyfriend/girlfriend, don't chance them answering your phone with a "What? Who is this?" Answer it yourself.

Kids answer your phone? Make sure they know proper phone etiquette and are old enough to take a succinct message.

Even if a recruiter manages to get past a child or an angry boyfriend/girlfriend, they are unlikely to pass your resume along to their client. Why? Because they think, if this happened to us, then it might happen when the client calls as well. And, as candidates are a direct reflection on the recruiter and his/her agency, there are very few second chances.

So, ensure your phone etiquette -- and those who may answer your phone -- is on at all times while you are job hunting.

2. Lazy: Even though it's a phone interview, many recruiters are skilled at picking up laziness. I don't care if you're sleepy, if you're tired or if you've had the most exhausting day -- put some pep in your voice.

NOTE: Many recruiters will wonder how serious you are about job hunting if they call at 11am and you're still sleeping (or sound sleepy).