How your email address can ruin your chances for an interview
Posted on January 29, 2008
Filed Under Job Search Tips |
You and I know that you are a superior employee 
. We know that you show up everyday on time and go above and beyond in everything you accomplish; you are a supervisor’s dream… but… when sending in your resume for that new position you’re seeking, you never even get a called for a phone screen or interview; …why? (This tip should resonate with anyone looking for a job or hiring perspective applicants.)
I do most of my recruiting through online means, and require applicants email a resume and cover letter to me for review prior to phone screening and actual interviews. I think a lot of employers do this because it is quick and easy, and is most times, linked right in with CareerBuilder or another online recruiting website.
With that in mind, here’s a tip for you job seekers: Your email address makes an impression, so make it professional. There are times when you want to stand out to your perspective employer, but your email address is NOT one of them!
Here are some examples of applicant email addresses that I have received over the years: (last part changed to protect the foolish! 
)
pimpstockings @ asdf . com
bigtuna19 @ asdf .com
screwedup @ asdf.com
legalizethis @ asdf.com
yourmomsamilf @ asdf.com
sexyhotlilmaiden @ asdf.com
mrballs @ asdf.com
batmanundercover @ asdf.com
suckonthis1979 @ asdf.com
eatmebeeotch @ asdf.com
lilpartier @ asdf.com
bustamovie @ asdf.com
gogogettayo @ asdf.com
These are just a few. Keep in mind, I am hiring people who will represent my company to the public. I also want someone who will be able to get along with my current employees and managers… I think a guy with an email address like “suckonthis1979″ might have some sort of talent, but I certainly wouldn’t want him around my secretary now would I?
I realize the examples above are quite extreme, but your email address can also create other types of impressions that could be negative. Let’s pretend that your name is John Jackson. If you use an email address of: MrJackson@ asdf.com you might also make an unfavorable impression about yourself. Someone seeing that could think you are snobbish or too formal.
“Just who does this guy think he is referring to himself as ‘Mr’ in his email address,” is what some employers might think.
I realize that this may be nit-picking, but remember, you are applying for the job and your main goal is to get the interview. Anything up until that time is window-dressing. I want you to think “beige” when you choose and email address. “Beige” is a non-offensive color. It does not turn anyone off. It is just plain. That’s how your email address should be. There will be time later for you to show off all your bright and extravagant talents, but for now, when it comes to an email address, let’s just be beige so we can appeal to the biggest segment of the market. Got it?
So, if your name is John Jackson, I would recommend an email address of JohnJackson @ asdf.com. That is very simple and beige. If you can’t get your exact name like that in a Yahoo or Gmail account, then add something non-descript to it like JohnJackson1 @ asdf.com. Whatever you do, DO NOT use your birth year in the email address as that can also hurt your chances and conjure a negative image to the perspective employer.
I know that some of this sounds discriminatory or petty, but remember, you want the job. That is our main goal here and it starts with a plain-Jane email address that is used to deliver that all important shining resume!
Your comments are welcome.
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You’ve GOT to be making those up. That’s hilarious. I don’t know how I’d feel about hiring people with those emails. I don’t think it would prevent me from hiring them, but it might taint my first impression of them.
LMAO!
That’s why I have 2 e-mail addresses. One for “business” & one my friends & whatever.
Pimpstockings…omg, LOL.
Hi guys, thanks for commenting.
Those email addresses are real and I have a bunch more to boot!
You’d be surprised what skills people are lacking these days when it comes to communicating.
Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving feedback!!!
Hahahah I agree with you 100% Goodness these people are unconscious of their email choices. Well, thanks a lot for posting this article–funny but candid.
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