An integral part of Job Search Central is the effective use of an answering machine or voicemail to take your calls when you are out. If you do not have an answering machine yet, purchase one immediately. If you already own an answering machine, you might consider updating your "Doctor Strangelove" greeting or any other "unique and unusual" greeting. Just imagine that your future boss is being greeted by your answering machine and then answer this question: Will it enhance or detract from what they think of you? If it is the latter, change it. Otherwise, your future boss may end up being someone else's future boss.

I realize I should not even have to address this subject, but woefully, over 50 percent of the college answering machines I reach have an inappropriate outgoing message. They often make reference to social habits ("I'm unable to answer my phone because I'm either out partying or passed out on my bed"), study habits ("I'm blowing off my normal classes to pursue advanced studies in chemical inebriation"), or even sexist remarks ("guys leave your phone number, girls leave your measurements") and many others, some of which are not suitable to print. I've heard them all. Take note--when I hear one of these sophomoric messages, that is likely the end of your candidacy with our company. You will never even know that I called. I will probably just hang up and cross you off my list. Think about it the next time you hear the caller "click off" on your machine without leaving a message. That could have been your dream job gone bye-bye. It may have been fun for the first few years, but don't blow your job opportunities over a stupid message. Stop right now, put down this book, and change your message to one of the following:

(If you live by yourself) "Hello. This is (name). I'm not available to take your call right now. Please leave your name, phone number, and the best time to reach you. I will get back to you as soon as possible."

(If you live with others) "Hello. You have reached (names). We are not available to take your call right now. Please leave your name, phone number, the best time to reach you, and the name of the person you are trying to reach. We will get back to you as soon as possible."

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