dimanche 20 septembre 2009

Is Your Email Address Holding You Back?

By Robbi Hess

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.

Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression? Well that counts as much in email "introductions" as it does in face-to-face meetings. When an email pops into an inbox, the first thing the receiver sees is your email address, so make certain it's a professional image your address is projecting. You don't want to have a door close before you even had a chance to get a foot in, do you?

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.

Are you seeking success? Admission to a good college? Don't let your email address hold you back. Don't send a negative message to a stranger behind a desk before they even open your resume and give it a look. In today's electronic age, your email address is your first impression. Be certain you're making a good one.

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