Email Job Search Netiquette

Despite email sometimes being a black hole for job seekers résumés, it is still the dominant method for applying online. Here are some tips that will help you master email as a form of job hunting and improve your chances of getting noticed.

Tip #1: Don't apply for jobs with your work email address! If you are still using your work email to apply for jobs it's probably not a good idea. Not only is it a misuse of company resources, it's a good way to get caught looking for a job by your current employer. People get fired for less. Plus, prospective employers will not look favorably on this.

Tip #2: Get an email account from an email provider. Some are paid and some are free. The most professional thing is to have an email account at a domain you own. This gives you complete control over your domain name, looks more impressive and gives you a permanent email address. GoDaddy.com, for example, offers low cost domain names with email accounts. They even offer users a free blog with every domain. Try a domain that incorporates your name.

Tip #3: Choose the right username! Many job seekers use email addresses that are just not professional. When choosing a username, you've got to consider how it makes you look. Email addresses used for professional purposes should not be cute, crude or even personal. Names like partygal, golferdude, yankeesfan or nyengineer are not appropriate or effective for applicants. Plus, it makes it very difficult for a recruiter to find your name when looking through an inbox. It's much better if you actually have a username that is close to your actual name. For instance Joe.Smith@ or JoeSmith@.

Tip #4: Send yourself an email! A good practice is to put yourself in the recruiter's shoes. So once you choose your username, send an email to yourself at another account. Observe how it appears in your inbox. Check your email signature, your name in the FROM line, etc. Make sure that all elements look professional.

Tip #5: Avoid the spam filters. Avoid numbers in your e-mail address otherwise it may be seen as spam tracking code. Send e-mail as Plain Text. Creating colorful fonts and backgrounds in your e-mail program usually means it will be seen as HTML coding which may trigger spam filters. Avoid words like "Free" in the subject line. Avoid using punctuation such as exclamation marks in the subject line. Finally, do not send your résumé as an attachment unless told to by the employer. Just copy and paste your plain text résumé version into the body of the e-mail. You can always send a hard copy via U.S. Mail if needed.

Tip #6: It's important to craft your own personal signature at the bottom of each email you send out. All e-mail programs let you create a standard signature which serves as your marketing and contact information. Keep it short and consistent with the job you are seeking. Using a signature like the one below will give you a more professional image.

Sample Signature

John Miller
Customer Service Specialist
Phone: (222)111-3333
E-mail: jmiller17@aol.com