So far you’ve done everything right in the job hunting process. You put the work in on your application, updated your resume, and tailored your cover letter specifically for the employer. You’ve followed up on your application, and your skills and experience match the needs of the company.
The employer decides to either email or call you in for an interview. And that’s where things can potentially unravel.
Are You Making a Poor Impression With Your Email Address?
The hiring manager might have been favorably impressed by your qualifications and your attention to detail in your resume and cover letter, but when it comes time to send you an invitation for an interview, how will an email address like beerdude@verizon.net or hotmama@gmail.com come across?
Your friends might find these addresses comical, but the hiring company could deem them to be unprofessional, perhaps even immature. They are looking for someone who is serious about a long-term career with their organization, and your email address may tell the opposite story.
Some Rules For Choosing a Professional Email Address
- Your email address should not be suggestive, silly, flirtatious, or funny
- Make it professional and easy to remember
- Include your first and last name, if possible
- Keep it as a personal email address, and don’t share it with family or friends
Your Voicemail is Also Important!
Look at that same scenario, only this time the hiring manager gives you a call. The phone rings, and instead of getting you or your message, there is a computerized recording informing the caller that your voicemail box is full. Once again, you may have given the impression that you’re not taking this seriously, so the manager moves on to the next candidate.
Here are two more ways to frustrate a hiring manager:
A Silly Voicemail Message: You might think it’s hilarious to begin your greeting by singing the Philadelphia Eagles’ fight song, but the interviewer probably won’t be amused. Record a simple message like “Hi, you’ve reached Jim Smith. I’m sorry I missed your call, but if you leave your name, number, and a brief message, I will get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks!” To the point, professional, and unbiased in regards to sports teams
No Voicemail at All: The hiring manager calls to invite you for an interview and is informed that you have not set up your voicemail system yet. Again, the company needs to hire someone quickly and can’t wait for you to do what you should have done when you bought the phone. You’ve made yourself unreachable. Your potential employer goes to the next applicant on the list.
Sometimes it’s the little things that make the difference. Don’t lose out on your dream job by holding onto an unprofessional email address or a silly (or non-existent) voicemail.
