Submitted by Robert Swanson, CPRW
Career Services International
Contact information. Perhaps the most important information on your resume since without it no one can reach you. Keep it brief, no more than two lines. There is no need to label e-mail addresses because the “@” and the “.com” make it obvious what it is. So how about the telephone number(s)?
Surprisingly, there’s some controversy when it comes to labeling telephone numbers. It’s clear that if you punch these numbers into the phone, your phone will connect to their phone. Does the hiring agent need to know it’s a cell, home, or work phone? And what if, heaven forbid, the number is both a home phone AND a cell phone? Which label do you use? Home/Cell? Cell/Home? Okay, that’s a bit facetious and indicates where I land on the labeling “controversy.” No label (with one exception).
The Labelers believe it necessary so the caller knows when to call – do they need to be circumspect when calling a work number? Wait until after work and call the cell? Use their own cell to call your cell in case they share a network?
No, no, no. The only decision you want the hiring manager to make is “offer an interview or not?” Only include phone numbers that can be called at any time. Can’t take a call at work? Don’t include your work number, include your cell number. Can’t take a cell call at work? Record a professional voice mail and keep your phone off, checking for messages regularly.
Use one phone number only unless the cell phone has spotty reception. Better for the caller not to have to guess which number to use.
The exception? If you use international numbers, label mobile and landline since the calling conventions may be different.
Have a different opinion? We’d love to hear it!
Thank you Robert. As always, your insight is valuable to all levels in the career management field.
Danny Huffman, MA, CEIP, CPCC, CPRW
Owner, Author, Publisher
Career Services International
Education Career Services
dhuffman@careersi.com
www.linkedin.com/in/dannyhuffman
407-206-5883 (direct line)
866-794-3337 ext 110
