Resume Tips: Contact Numbers and Voicemail

How Many Contact Numbers Should You Include?

Some people list multiple contact numbers on their documents, but what works best? How many should you include on your cover letter and resume?

The short answer is: whatever works best for you. However, we recommend including just one number with voicemail enabled. Use your cell phone if you have one, so you’re accessible at any time of the day.

Why Is Voicemail Important?

We once had a client who was concerned after weeks of job searching that she wasn’t receiving interview calls. We reviewed her cover letters, resumes, and the job postings she had applied to, and everything seemed fine. However, when we called her, the phone rang and rang—no voicemail.

After emailing her, it took a day or so to get a response because she was working rotating shifts and didn’t have immediate access to a computer. Her reply? “It costs too much.” Yikes! While voicemail does have a small cost, consider the opportunity cost of missing out on job interviews and potential offers. Spending $5 a month could mean landing a better-paying job.

Key Takeaway

While there is a small cost to having voicemail, the potential cost of not having it is far greater—missing out on a better-paying and more fulfilling job. Save up, invest in voicemail, and don’t forget to set it up! We’ve encountered many people who forgot this crucial step.