Now, a little on phone etiquette.  :)

Scene:  Trisha, Napoleon Dynamite’s love interest, calls him to confirm a date to the dance:

Trisha: Hi, is Napoleon there?
Napoleon Dynamite: Yes.
Trisha: Can I talk to him?
Napoleon Dynamite: You already are.

It’s funny ‘cause it’s true.  Does it annoy you too when you call to speak with someone and instead of just saying “speaking” or “this is he,” the person on the other end thinks it’s cute to play little yes or no games?   Drives me batty. 

Well, think about how it makes a potential employer feel.  As a recruiter, I called countless candidates – most of whom were expecting my call – who greeted me like this.  You know what?  It doesn’t set up a good first … second … third impression.  If you worked for my company and a customer called your office line, would you answer this way?  I hope not, but if this is the way you answer with recruiters or interviewers, you run the risk of giving off the Napoleon vibe.  It may be the first data point they receive about your communication skills.

So remember, if you put a phone number on your resume or give it to a potential employer, make sure you answer professionally and behave in a courteous manner.  Or just let your machine answer it … :)