Your Email Address: What Does it Say?
Cuddlebunny2, guitarplayersrock or even iluvpuppies: Does your email address look like anyone of these? If so, sign up for a new address before you begin sending out emails looking for work or sending in college applications.
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.
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.
Look at your email address with an objective eye. Does it show a potential employer or college recruiter that you are a serious individual? Would it make a stranger take pause even if they weren't sure exactly whyand possibly pass you over for a face-to-face?
Do you want to be successful? Do you want to be considered a professional? If so, don't let your email address send a negative message before you even get to shake the hand of the person whom you are making initial contact with. Before you hit that send key, take an impartial look at your email address and decide if you're making the right first impression.
