Do you ignore people when they say “hello”? If someone offers a handshake, do you avoid it? Do you give out your home address to strangers? Do you interrupt people in the middle of sentences? Of course you don’t. Unfortunately some job seekers forget to apply everyday common courtesy to their digital communications and may unintentionally send the wrong message to potential employers. Remember employers expect you to be polite and professional in all aspects of your communication. If you are actively searching for a job, here are some basic boundaries to help you present a positive and professional image through digital channels.

CELL PHONE 101

• Answer Professionally (e.g. “Hello this is Pat.”): Most employers will contact you by phone first. In many cases you’ll be making your first impression so it is not the time for “Hey” or “What Up?” 
• Record An Acceptable Mail Box Message: No music, clever sound effects or jokes.
• Technology Down: During an interview, turn it off before you start…all the way off. Vibrating phones are a distraction too.
• Be Conservative: Even though you may be applying for a position in a casual environment, such as a restaurant, or a technical environment, such as a mobile phone store, don’t assume it’s acceptable to take calls or return a text during a meeting. If your potential employer takes a moment to answer a call or step out of the office, resist the temptation to check your messages. It demonstrates a lack of self-control and patience. Every company culture has a different approach to phone and texting etiquette so wait until you understand the policy.

EMAIL MATTERS

• Reply to Emails Promptly: If you are actively searching for a position check your emails daily.  
• Cover Letters: If you are applying to a position via email. Ideally cover letters should be placed directly in the body of the email and attached as a separate email. 
• Attach Your Resume: If you can, convert them to a PDF file to avoid downloading and formatting issues for the recipient. Label the file with your first initial (P. Smythe Resume) 
• Provide a Complete Email Signature: Be sure to complete include your phone and area code, LinkedIn or other personal websites in the footer. 

FACEBOOK,  LINKEDIN AND ONLINE CONSIDERATIONS

• Clean up any inappropriate or questionable content
• For security reasons: It is best not to include your address anywhere on the site, including on your resume.  Your email and phone number is sufficient.
• Do not list your references on your resume or anywhere else on your site.  They may not want their contact information all over Internet.
• Include a professional photo of you alone with professional attire and a neutral background.

While you can certainly spread the word to your friends, friends of friends and everyone else about your job search, Facebook is NOT a substitute for the emerging professional networking site LinkedIn.com or, the even more powerful and old-fashioned, in-person approach.

To learn why you should join LinkedIn and how to use it most effectively, watch this short video.