You love cactus or cemeteries or even incense. Does your email address announce that in terms like: cactuslover123 or graveyardsrule or even incenseburner345? What message is that sending to a potential employer, professional contact, or
college recruiter?
First impressions count, in face-to-face meetings as well as in email addresses. The individual who sees your email may not read past that and therefore, will never know your stellar qualities. He or she will only see that you have an unprofessional email address. Don't short circuit your chances for employment or college entrance in that way.
If possible choose your name for your email address. If your "actual name" isn't available try it in a different form; hyphenate it, put a period between your first and last names, add in your middle initial. If you simply don't want your name on an email address go for something with a professional feel and look. Are you a graphic designer or a woodworker? Put that in your email address, for example: graphicdesignersuzy or jon.woodworker. Those addresses show your name while announcing a bit about your talent.
If you have your own business or a website, check to see if the site host that you use offers email addresses with your business name attached. Some of the free services even offer a paid email version where you can get an address that incorporates your name, such as
john@johnsmith.com. Depending on what type work you are seeking, this might be a way to go.
Perhaps you've used the same email address since you originally signed up and are more than a little partial to it. If you are seeking employment or college entrance, now is the time to look at your information with an impartial eye. You don't have to stop using your personal email, but you certainly should choose another email address for your professional dealings. In today's competitive marketplace, don't let a "bad email" stand between you and a face-to-face.
While it's true that all of your success doesn't hinge on your email address, why let a "bad" one close a door before you've had a chance to prove yourself. You can't make a good first impression if your email address doesn't make the potential employer even read your resume or application. Making good first impressions count...even in email addresses.
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Robbi Hess is an American Educational Guidance Center staff writer. She has written articles on subjects which include
online degree programs, financial aid,
online colleges, and changing careers.
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