There once was a time where we could actually get by without mobiles! We somehow managed to travel safely, turn up at meetings, arrange our social life, find out the weather or news, not to mention use our memories to recall actual phone numbers!
We live in a world where we have become dependent on our mobile phones and have them near us at all times. It’s not only our animals that are developing Separation Anxiety.
They are conducting studies on people who develop symptoms when they are separated from their mobile devices!
Seems crazy doesn’t it?
Our attachment to our mobile phones is only going to increase as the phone manufacturers continue to improve their product capabilities.
So it is up to us as consumers to set guidelines on what is acceptable when it comes to mobile phone etiquette.
Although you would think what I am about to say should be common sense, for some it is not.
In recent weeks we have had a number of candidates attend interviews during which they have left their mobile phones (face up) on the table in front of them during their interviews.
This is not only unprofessional and disrespectful; it is also very distracting for both interviewer and person being interviewed.
One cannot possibly give their best performance if they are constantly looking down at a vibrating phone reading messages that come through interrupting their train of thought.
So with this in mind, we thought we would highlight a few unwritten rules to be aware of relating to mobile phone etiquette in an interview situation:
-Switch your mobile OFF and keep it in your bag or pocket so that the even the vibration alert does not interrupt your train of thought or that of your interviewer. You do not want your future employer thinking that you are easily distracted or that this job is not your first priority. “Where ever you are, be there”– if you are with people then be in the moment and not checking your phone.
-If you are expecting an important phone call and can’t inform them prior to your interview, then change your voice message to inform the caller that you will be unavailable for the next hour.
You only get one chance to make a good impression, don’t let your mobile ruin it for you.