Check with your local phone companies. If your telephone is frequently in use, consider adding a second line to expedite your job search. A few dollars a month can mean the difference in making that crucial contact. Send the Right Message - Call your home and listen to your answering machine or voice mail message. This is likely to be a potential employer's first opportunity to learn how you present yourself.
Cute messages can come off as rude, annoying, or worse.
And please do it properly. Even if you are not in the habit of receiving business calls at home, please present yourself in a professional manner when you answer the telephone. Make sure that everyone understands that when you are on the phone, you are not to be interrupted. Teach your children and your spouse proper phone etiquette as well. Make sure everyone in the family can answer the phone politely, and that paper and pen are handy.