Blog

With smartphones becoming more and more prevalent, IT recruiters and IT consultants are finding that they’re using texting more and more often in their IT jobs and their IT job searches.  While the nature of texting is always a bit more casual, there are a few things IT contractors should avoid when texting with colleagues, clients, or technical recruiters and IT staffing firms.

Firstly, IT professionals should never use texting to schedule things.  You don’t know if your text will be received.  Sometimes texting isn’t a mode of communication somebody uses, or uses frequently enough.  A phone call or email makes things obvious and lets you know that everyone is aware of the date, location and time of a meeting.

Secondly, always double-check your messages before sending them.  Autocorrect can make a mess of a professional, well-worded message.  Don’t risk offending somebody or coming off poorly, especially when they hold your career in their hands.  Take a few seconds to re-read texts before sending them to IT staffing companies, coworkers, or clients.

Lastly, leave all negativity out of texts.  While in a phone conversation you can soften the blow of bad news or any negative statements, you can’t do the same in a text.  It’s better to keep texts neutral or collegial and warm, because you know there is no way you’ll be upsetting the recipient.