You Can Mumble Your Way Right Out of Employment Consideration

Have you heard the new "Mathnasium" tutoring school radio commercials where students of various ages laud the school for helping them get better grades?

The first student sounds like a 7 or 8 year old girl, who clearly and powerfully announces, "I LOVE coming to Mathnasium."

That's followed by two teenage girls, who also speak clearly and eloquently  about the reasons they attend Mathnasium.  "I want to be best in class," explains one.  She sounds like "Marcia Brady" at her charismatic best.

Why they chose to include the last student, I have no clue.  Her valley-girl mumbling is almost indecipherable as she blurts out something about "My parents @#%@%@% ask me hey how'd you get an A on that test... (Vocal Fry)?  I say I go to Ma#^#^##^#^."  Sounds like her parents really needed to send their daughter to Speaknasium, instead of Mathnasium.

Perhaps, this young mumbling student gets a pass for her age, but I have to tell you that mumbling is a chronic problem for many jobseekers in their twenties, thirties and beyond.  In fact, it is also quite apparent that leaving clear and understandable phone messages for and speaking properly with employers is a real problem for a lot of job applicants.

I can't tell you how many times job candidates call or leave me messages starting off with blurting out their names so fast and garbled that there is no way of me telling who is calling.  PLEASE, help yourselves by making sure you speak clearly and slowly into the telephone, especially when it comes to letting the person on the other end know who is calling; for what reason(s); and how you can be reached to have your call returned.

Furthermore, if you are calling a company recruiter to follow up on a resume you may have submitted (sometimes, many months ago) or even after a recent quick and casual meeting, please give some thought to that person possibly not remembering you, since he or she meets and speaks to dozens of job seekers each day.

Believe it or not, I get two or three phone calls daily that go something like this: "Hey Marc! This is Fr@#@%@% (no last name given) what did you think of my resume?"  Like his or hers was the only resume I received that day!?!  Sorry. At least, give me a hint as to who you are and for what position you are applying BEFORE you get into the "I'm your newest best friend" speech that inevitably follows.  I love meeting new people and care about and respect everyone I meet, but this "too familiar" stuff really makes it difficult to discuss possible employment in a professional way. Slow down when you speak and don't think you can "just add water" and a lifelong friendship will begin between recruiter and applicant that will lead to a immediate hire.  It can't and it won't.  Slow down. State your name and job interest clearly each time you call employers first time and every time.  And, don't try to act "too familiar." because you are clearly not - not yet.

Be aware that mumbling also sends the wrong message about you as a person.  It is accepted by most that mumbling is the talk of lazy people, who seem too tired to want to bother expressing themselves articulately and with a conviction of words.  "Blah, blah, blah" is more than just a way of talking, it is also a signal of lack of energy. It is also disrespectful to the listener, who struggles to find out who you are and what you seek from him or her.

Speak clearly and with authority if you want to be heard and seen as an impressive communicator and serious employment candidate.  If you are mumbling at this point, how clearly will you speak to customers, co-workers and managers when you are called upon to work with them?

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are solely those of the author in his private capacity and do not in any way represent the views of his employer, Edgewood Properties (Company), or any other entity of the company or ownership.

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Author Bio:

Want to learn about Property Management Job Openings? Go to: www.edgewoodproperties.com/careers. Like us on Facebook at:https://www.facebook.com/CareersatEdgewoodPropertieshttps://www.facebook.com/CareersatE...Marc LeVine is currently employed by Edgewood Properties as its full-time corporate recruiting specialist; charged with building an employment function from the bottom up, staffing the company and developing and administering full-cycle employment policies and procedures. In collaboration with corporate marketing and internal systems, Marc functions as architect of an employment branding strategy designed to establish an employee value proposition message fashioned to attract, reward and retain talent.A highly sought after Digital Strategist for e-Recruiting, Writer, Speaker & Social Media Consultant & Trainer, Marc has a diversified background in BOTH B2C and B2B Social Media initiatives, Marc uniquely bridges Recruiting Strategy,Targeted Objectives and ROI with Social Media, Recruiting & Staffing, Digital Media, Public Relations and Traditional Marketing Initiatives.Mr. LeVine is also a respected thought-leader, whose popular Social Media Blog has caught the attention of many major trade publications interested in publishing his insightful works.Mr. LeVine is a proud graduate of Syracuse University and previously served as Director of Social Media Marketing for RiaEnjolie, a division of InfoPro Worldwide, Director of Human Resources for New Jersey Press, the former operator of Asbury Park Press, Home News and Tribune and NJ101.5, as well as General Manager for Brickforce Staffing.Specialties:RECRUITING/STAFFING* e-Recruiting & "Employer of Choice" StrategiesYou may reach Marc at 732-985-1900 x1140 or by email at [email protected].