Jason Monastra

My life and thoughts out on the web

Now I am sure that some will say i am beating down the door of personal email addresses again.  As I have discussed this before, however it took a personal meaning this past week as I was looking for an assistant to hire internally.  There was a level of surprise to some of the applications with their email address, with some even getting marked as SPAM due to their poorly chosen email names.  I found myself even at times smirking, wanting to call and let people know the personal damage that their email ID has done to them in the mist of a competitive market.  I refrained.

If nothing else, the fear of being caught in a SPAM filter for a prospective employer should be all the motivation needed to bring about change.  But I have learned, some will never hear the voice of the river running by them.  They simply will not change.  Names like Cheetah were attached to high profile resumes for executive assistants with 10 yrs experience.  One of the prime responsibilities I am looking for in someone is the ability to communicate at the highest levels with my firms client base.  With that comes a good amount of email correspondence.  How does one think that ID makes them appear from a email communications perspective?

One thing I have never looked to do is change someone, but better to guide them so they can be successful.  That does not have to include the loss of ones individual persona for the sake of landing employment.  However with the advent of free email and a host of options, one should show prudence and have a personal, as well as a business email address.  Business email for simply the job process.  It does not need to describe in anyway that you are a job seeker, but should not indicate any personal agenda.  Something like geraldc@yahoo.com or cgerald@yahoo.comis completely appropriate.  Keep from personal interests like soccergerald or bakingdad, as those show a level of casualness not appropriate for the job search.

Remember, this is a simple step that can keep you from causing job search suicide.  Most people do not take the time, nor the effort to understand the impact of their appearance on others.  With a digital world, that appearance is everywhere and manifests itself through everything.  Not just in person meetings.  From email, to phone etiquette, etc. - all showing representing you before you even meet someone.  This is commonly referred to as personal branding, but for the sake of this post we are only discussing the email ID side of things.  Place yourself in the shoes of the employer - what would you think?  I find that most people preach the liberal perspective saying such things would not effect them, however when placed in a position of authority, they become as shrewd as the 30 yr veteran.

Summary - be professional.  If you do not know how, find someone that does.  If you do not know someone, you have internet since you are reading this…look online for tips.  Simple things have great impact.  The slightest difference will be the cavern that keeps you from getting the job, or landing something you never thought you could have.