Your email address is often the first impression you make on a hiring manager.

There is no need to tell the hiring manager in the first few seconds that you are a “mama to three kids” [real email address: mamaofthree@)domain.com], and they certainly don’t need to know the nickname your, uh, close friends call you “sweet & low” (real email address: sweetandlow@domain.com).

Two Quick Tips for Choosing An Email Address To  Use In Your Job Search

1. The domain name kind of matters
If you’re going for an office or tech job, this is important. There are a several free email providers out there. An @gmail address makes a person look current. An @aol address might make a person look outdated.

2. Put your name on it

It could be your first name, last name, or both. Just as long as it has your name on it. For job searching, it is wise to use either your first and last, or just last.  This makes it easier for a recruiter to find your resume later after it gets buried in their Inbox. Do not use a shared email address such as theandersonfamily@domain.com. Think job search:  how would you want your resume to be sorted in a recruiter’s  Inbox? Under theandersonFamily, or under Anderson? Take advantage of the chance to tell a recruiter your name by using firstlast@domain.com.

I hope this helps you choose an email address to use in your job search!