Could your email address be keeping you from getting a job? It could be if you are relaying information you hadn’t intended. See if you can spot what I am talking about in these examples:
Twinky8baller@blank.com
Iwanttobeoutdoors@blank.com
Juliebrown59@blank.com
Those who use email addresses like Twinky8baller@blank.com and Iwanttobeoutdoors@blank.com will likely have a hard time being considered for an office job because their email addresses scream that they would rather be playing pool or playing outside.
With Juliebrown59@blank.com, the “59” in the email address could tell hiring managers that Julie is 59 years old, or that she was born in 1959, or that she graduated from high school in 1959. Regardless of what the 59 really means, Julie is “leading with her chin” and telegraphing her age before she ever gets to show a company how perfect she is for the job. Including such a number could also hurt young job seekers' hiring chances.
If you need to make your email address longer than just your name, consider adding your field or brand identity instead of a number. For example, make it edwarddailey.engineer@yahoo.com or beth.topseller@att.net.
What about your email address?
Think about the email address you use for your job search. Does it reflect you in a positive, professional light? If not, consider starting a new email address for your job search and business correspondence. Often, if you start a new account with the same email service, you can have emails that are sent to your old account routed to your new account so you won't miss messages.
And one last thought ... when you do change your email address, email everyone you know to let them know your preferred email address … or they could be sending you important leads to a wrong address and you won’t even know! Also include your new email address in your email signature to prevent needless confusion.
Rethink your email address …after all … it could help you Get a Job!
What do you think?
Share your pet peeves or suggestions about email addresses via the Contact Us tab or on the LinkedIn discussion board that might have brought you to this blog. Forward this email to your job-seeking friends by clicking the envelope icon below. Receive this blog by email twice a week by subscribing via email or RSS feed. Thanks! Kathy
Helpful "Get a Job" resources
• Subscribe to Get a Job! Tips via email or RSS feed
• Find help! Dozens of tips in the Get a Job! Topical Archive
• Save and use printable resources
• Join the Get a Job! Tips for Getting Hired LinkedIn group
• Request coaching, LinkedIn and resume reviews
• Invite Kathy Bernard to connect on LinkedIn
• Follow Get a Job! (Kathy Bernard) on Twitter
• Attend or schedule a Get a Job! Workshop
0 comments:
Post a Comment