Author: Jojo Varona
When you are searching for a new job, you will be receiving more emails and phone calls than you normally would. With so much of our communication being digital nowadays, people can form a first impression of you without ever seeing you or hearing your voice. Using a professional email address is one way that you can present a polished image.
What is a professional email address and how does it differ from an everyday personal account?
A professional account uses your first and last name and, if necessary, a few numbers.
What Your Email Should Look Like
An example of a basic professional email address would be: FirstnameLastname@gmail.com
An unprofessional or everyday email would look like this: FirstnameLuvsTodrink2020@gmail.com
Can you see the difference?
If you have a common name and your preferred email address is already taken, there are a few things you can do.
Try changing domains. Your name may be taken on Gmail, but might be available on other platforms, such as Outlook or Yahoo .
Other suggestions would be to add a number to your email address or incorporate your middle name or initial.
However, avoid using your birthday in your email address.
Your everyday email can be something fun and meaningful to you, but your professional email needs to present a businesslike front.
In addition to putting a professional foot forward, having a generic email address makes communication easier for recruiters and anyone else you’re emailing. If a recruiter is searching through their emails for the last message you sent them, they’ll have a far easier time getting the results they’re looking for if their search for your name matches your email address.
Another Account?
Creating an additional email account can seem like a pain and a waste of time, but there are plenty of reasons why it’s one of the best things you can do to help yourself when you are job hunting.
Having a separate email for job-related communication can help keep your personal inbox clutter-free. It can also ensure that important emails and interview invitations don’t get lost in the shuffle. You don’t need to keep and commit to your new, professional email address forever – simply use it when you’re in the job market, and forget about it when you’ve found a new position.