Often we overview and discuss some of the most common ways to best represent yourself to the outside world, a sense of personal branding. It is important since the web allows a seamless and inexpensive way for other people, especially employers, to peer into your lives and determine whether you can work for them or not. With that sort of easy information comes a sense of responsibility on behalf of the candidates. Self evaluation to see how they appear from the outside looking in.

A great point was raised when I was reading an article about unprofessionalism. Something stood out as a point I have never mentioned but find myself commenting on in our office quite often. The message that is left on your voicemail or answering system. This message tells a great deal about who you are. Why let it be something that you would not want an employer to hear. I call often to the arising voice of a comedian or rap artist, some with language I would turn off if presented on my TV much less a voicemail. Be careful as you never know who might be calling.

Even if the decision is made not to have a celebrity on your message, the language that is left on your voicemail is just as important. Slang and unprofessional language is not acceptable. This sort of message will offer nothing but a negative first impression for a potential employer. In addition, given escalating economic circumstances, the possibility of offering wrong first impression is something one cannot afford to make.

Jason Monastra is a 10 year veteran in the recruiting industry and current partner with United Global Technologies, http://www.ugtechnologies.com - a leading recruiting and consulting firm serving the IT and engineering vertical based out of Charlotte NC.

Jason Monastra maintains a major career advice and job search blog at http://www.lambentpath.com - making it easy to access key informational points to better help navigate your search for your next position.