Professional Cell Phone Etiquette

1. If you forget to check your favorite app, stop everything you're doing in the middle of your shift and immediately check in.

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False

Using your cell phone for social purposes is never acceptable while at your service learning placement. ONLY do this if you are instructed to do so by your supervisor as part of your work (for example, posting a news announcement to your agency's Facebook page). Wait until you're on your way home to check your personal apps and social media sites.

Explanation

Using your cell phone for social purposes is never acceptable while at your service learning placement. ONLY do this if you are instructed to do so by your supervisor as part of your work (for example, posting a news announcement to your agency's Facebook page). Wait until you're on your way home to check your personal apps and social media sites.

2. If someone calls you on your cell phone while you're working, interning, or volunteering and you can't hear them, you should talk louder.

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False

Talking louder will not help you hear the other person better. It is inconsiderate to have a loud conversation which might distract others in your workspace. If you receive an urgent or emergency call, move to another location and speak quietly.

Explanation

Talking louder will not help you hear the other person better. It is inconsiderate to have a loud conversation which might distract others in your workspace. If you receive an urgent or emergency call, move to another location and speak quietly.

3. Texting your supervisor "Hey I think I'm sick 2day" is a great way to let them know you will be missing a shift.

True

False

Don't automatically assume it's OK to text your supervisor. Only do so if your supervisor clearly allows or permits this. Even if they do allow it, never use slang or abbreviations in professional texts. If you are sick enough to miss class or service learning, politely explain this with adequate notice. Be ready to provide medical documentation for any extended absence.

Explanation

Don't automatically assume it's OK to text your supervisor. Only do so if your supervisor clearly allows or permits this. Even if they do allow it, never use slang or abbreviations in professional texts. If you are sick enough to miss class or service learning, politely explain this with adequate notice. Be ready to provide medical documentation for any extended absence.

4. Let others know if you plan on using a function on your smart phone (such as a map or calculator) to complete a work-related task, so they don't think you're just wasting time or playing on your phone.

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False

Always be aware of how your supervisor, fellow volunteers and clients may perceive your actions. You don't want them to think that you are goofing off or not paying attention if you're actually doing something important.

Explanation

Always be aware of how your supervisor, fellow volunteers and clients may perceive your actions. You don't want them to think that you are goofing off or not paying attention if you're actually doing something important.

5. The first thing you should do when leaving a voice mail is state your name. For example, "Hi, this is John Smith...."

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False

Always identify yourself by first and last name before leaving any sort of voice mail. Speak clearly, and be sure to leave a callback number.

Explanation

Always identify yourself by first and last name before leaving any sort of voice mail. Speak clearly, and be sure to leave a callback number.

6. It is OK to keep your cell phone out on a desk or table during work-related meetings, as long as it is on vibrate.

True

False

Vibrating phones can still cause distraction. When you are working, interning or volunteering, keep your phone silenced AND put away in a pocket, purse, or backpack.

Explanation

Vibrating phones can still cause distraction. When you are working, interning or volunteering, keep your phone silenced AND put away in a pocket, purse, or backpack.

7. It's OK to call someone and expect them to call you back even if you don't leave a message. They'll see your number in their missed calls anyway.

True

False

This is extremely unprofessional. If you want someone to return your call, leave a clear, brief message stating your name and the best way to contact you.

Explanation

This is extremely unprofessional. If you want someone to return your call, leave a clear, brief message stating your name and the best way to contact you.

8. Be sure your have a unique song set as your ring tone so you can tell when it's your phone ringing and not someone else's.

True

False

In any professional setting, your phone's ringtones and alerts should be silenced. If for some reason your phone does not need to be silenced, use a standard, work-appropriate ringtone.

Explanation

In any professional setting, your phone's ringtones and alerts should be silenced. If for some reason your phone does not need to be silenced, use a standard, work-appropriate ringtone.

9. You should never take any calls on your cell phone at your workplace or service learning agency, even urgent or emergency calls.

True

False

Calls from friends or family who just want to chat or catch up should NOT be taken at your agency. However, if you have an urgent or emergency call, excuse yourself and step aside.

Explanation

Calls from friends or family who just want to chat or catch up should NOT be taken at your agency. However, if you have an urgent or emergency call, excuse yourself and step aside.

10. To avoid any problems, you should just leave your cell phone at home when you go to your job, internship or service learning placement. Don't even bring it with you.

True

False

Cell phones can be an important safety device as you travel to and from your destination. Smart phones can be helpful for navigation, scheduling, and so on. Feel free to bring your cell phone with you, but limit your use on-site.

Explanation

Cell phones can be an important safety device as you travel to and from your destination. Smart phones can be helpful for navigation, scheduling, and so on. Feel free to bring your cell phone with you, but limit your use on-site.

11. While you're at your job, internship or service learning, it's better to text than talk on the phone, because it's silent.

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False

Professionalism means giving your undivided attention to the task at hand. Texting or constantly checking your phone sends a message that the people around you aren't important and you aren't really focusing on your tasks.

Explanation

Professionalism means giving your undivided attention to the task at hand. Texting or constantly checking your phone sends a message that the people around you aren't important and you aren't really focusing on your tasks.