In any professional setting, clear and proactive communication can make or break your chances of success. Recently, we encountered a situation that demonstrates this point.
A candidate we were interviewing shared a story. This person was in the middle of a trial period for a position when a personal emergency occurred, and they needed to take four days off. Normally, this wouldn’t be a problem — life happens, and employers usually understand that. However, this individual lost the job because they made a critical mistake in communication.
What went wrong? Instead of using multiple channels to ensure their message was received, the candidate sent a single text message. There was no follow-up phone call, detailed voicemail, or email to confirm their urgent need for time off. As a result, the employer felt blindsided and left hanging, and the necessary mutual trust between employer and staff was compromised.
What Should They Have Done?
- Start with a phone call. Always pick up the phone first. Leave a clear, detailed message explaining the situation if the call goes to voicemail.
- Send a follow-up text and email. After the call, reinforce your message with a text and an email. This ensures your message is documented and accessible across different platforms.
- Follow up again if needed. Repeat the process if you have not received a response within four hours. Emergencies can create a communication gap, so it’s your responsibility to make sure your message gets through.
- Be professional and thorough. In all your communications, maintain a professional tone and provide enough details for clarity. This shows respect for the employer’s time and reinforces your reliability.
It’s important for staff to understand that this is the culture of our clients. Most come from corporate America, an intense, fast-paced, and detail-oriented world, where communication isn’t just a courtesy — it’s a requirement. They have high expectations and the ability to communicate effectively is often viewed as a reflection of your professionalism and capability. Effective communication isn’t just a skill — it’s a key to success in any job.
We Love What We Do
At Crimmins, we specialize in working with family offices, high-net-worth, and ultra-high-net-worth families, so we understand their unique needs and expectations. If you’re ready to take the next step in becoming a candidate, we invite you to reach out to us today.
Visit the Crimmins website to learn more about our approach, our values, and our proven practices.
