Dont Let a Subway Ride Derail Your Job Search

Dont Let a Subway Ride Derail Your Job SearchDont Let a Subway Ride Derail Your Job SearchJust because Wi-Fi is available, doesnt mean you should be.As reported by TechCrunch, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has switched on wireless connectivity in 30 underground subway stations around Manhattan. Whats more, over the next two years, cell phone service and free Wi-Fi will continue to expand to all of the MTAs 277 subway stations.For many New Yorkers, this is great news. Professionals can be more productive during their commute, which may translate to shorter work hours in the office, or at home during family time. Job seekers can also reap the benefits of having phone and www access while in transit by taking advantage of the uninterrupted search time for job sourcing, networking and applying.However, just because Wi-Fi is available, doesnt mean you should be. Typically, the best policy is to never speak to a recruiter or participate in an interview while commuting.Bet ween interrupted service, booming MTA announcements, and crowds of strangers filing in and out at various stations, theres no way to guarantee a professional and confidential conversation. Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Dont let a subway ride derail a potentially valuable connection. Before you accept a call in transit, ask yourself the following questions.Can you control the environment?Dont answer the call if your current location is noisy or your cell service is spotty. Instead, let the call go to voicemail, and call the person back as soon as you can find a quiet spot where your call wont be interrupted. Its important to return the call within the same business day, even if its after normal business hours. Theres nothing wrong with leaving a message to say youre sorry that you missed the call and would like to speak the following day.Are you prepared to answer the callers questions?Sometimes a recruiter will reach out immediately after you submit a n application before youve had time to prepare for the phone screen. If thats the case, use the rest of your transit time to review the job description and your application. Have copies of these materials handy when you return the call so you can tailor your responses to reflect your qualifications for the role.Will your conversation be confidential?If you answer your phone in a quiet subway car, then assume your conversation will be overheard by others. While you may not recognize anyone in the car, that doesnt mean your conversation is safe. Theres no way of knowing who is in that car, or who they might know. This is especially important if youre currently employed and exploring other opportunities. The last thing you want to do is get caught talking to a recruiter with a colleague standing in the same subway car.Whether youre underground in the subway, watching your kids at the playground, or ordering coffee in a crowded cafe, pause before fielding a phone call from an unknown ca ller. If you cant guarantee a professional and confidential conversation in a controlled environment, then youre better off returning the phone call later that day when you can.