Does your email address make a good first impression? Does it look like one of these: pugsareprecious, ihatemondays or even starbucksrocks? If so, you could be causing potential employers or college recruiters to hit the delete key before they even see what you have to say.
Your email and its address is sometimes the only chance you get to make a first impression. What does your email say to the receiver? Will they see an unprofessional email address and simply hit the delete key before you even get a foot in the door? You could be hobbling your chances at potential success because of a poorly chosen email address.
Choosing an email address with your first and last name could be a good way to go. If your name is a popular one and isn't available, try it with a period between your first and last names or try hyphenating it or adding a middle initial. Are you seeking employment in a particular area in which you have expertise, such as dog grooming or auto mechanics? Pick an email address that combines your name and specialty like: mike.thedoggroomer or automechanicbetty. Choose an address that reflects "who you are" in a professional manner.
Have a website? If so, your hosting company likely offers email addresses attached to the site with your business name. If not, check out some of the free email providers, they offer upgrades that allow you to customize your email address. You may be able to get something like this: carl@carlyoung.com or even carl@graphicdesigner.com
Your friends may have always complimented you on the clever email address you use. But it's likely that your friends aren't going to be offering you employment or opening doors to colleges so use your personal email address for that correspondence but find something more professional for strangers with whom you may be trying to get face-to-face meetings with.
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. - 29941
Your email and its address is sometimes the only chance you get to make a first impression. What does your email say to the receiver? Will they see an unprofessional email address and simply hit the delete key before you even get a foot in the door? You could be hobbling your chances at potential success because of a poorly chosen email address.
Choosing an email address with your first and last name could be a good way to go. If your name is a popular one and isn't available, try it with a period between your first and last names or try hyphenating it or adding a middle initial. Are you seeking employment in a particular area in which you have expertise, such as dog grooming or auto mechanics? Pick an email address that combines your name and specialty like: mike.thedoggroomer or automechanicbetty. Choose an address that reflects "who you are" in a professional manner.
Have a website? If so, your hosting company likely offers email addresses attached to the site with your business name. If not, check out some of the free email providers, they offer upgrades that allow you to customize your email address. You may be able to get something like this: carl@carlyoung.com or even carl@graphicdesigner.com
Your friends may have always complimented you on the clever email address you use. But it's likely that your friends aren't going to be offering you employment or opening doors to colleges so use your personal email address for that correspondence but find something more professional for strangers with whom you may be trying to get face-to-face meetings with.
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. - 29941
About the Author:
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.
