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.
Why not choose your name for your email address? If you have a popular name (like John Smith) try to hyphenate it, use a middle initial or put your first name, add a period and then your last name (example, john.smith). If for some reason you don’t want to have your whole name in your email address put your first name and then a hint of what you do. Are you a writer or a chef? Try something like this: medicalwriter or chef.john. Addresses like these let the recipient know “who” you are while announcing your talent in a professional way.
Individuals who have his or her own website, typically have the option through the hosting company to have an email address attached to the website. Many of the free email address providers offer a paid upgrade that will allow you to buy an email address that incorporates your name. You could have something like this: mary@marydoe.com.
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.
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.
