Tony has an excellent section on how to use the phone in your career search process. He offers specific scripts for nearly all situations. On page 78 he discusses whether to leave a voice mail. Long time readers will recall where I left an unscripted voice mail for a referred contact - and fumbled it. Then - when I went to delete and re-record, instead - my embarrasing message was saved. OUCH. And of course, I never ever heard from that contact.

Be prepared - have a script at the ready. Tony also recommends not leaving a voice message unless it is clear you are not going to get the person live.

Another point that I learned - keep notes and keep track of your calls and contacts. Seeking your next career is a ful time job - it's business. Keep a form at hand that keeps track of your calls and contacts. Include the date & time, the contacts name and phone/email. Where did you find this contact (or who gave you the persons name and how do you know that person). And of course, the results of the call - and next steps.

Like many, I started with yellow stickies and found myself in a situation where I could not keep track of my calls and contacts. I then put together a simple form and a note book. It makes sense and you will find it in Tony's book - well organized.

If you'd like to buy Tony Beshara' book - click on the link on the Jobstuff Bookshelf. And let me know what you think. Up next - how you can get my book for free.