What does your email address say about you?

I am responsible for adding names and email addresses to our e-news letter contact list.  I read some very interesting and sometimes amusing email addresses.  Others are pretty mundane or maybe even boring depending upon your take on the situation.

But let's discuss for a few moments the effect your email address, twitter handle or blog name will have on a potential employer or business associate.

• If you are a sports fan that is great, but what if you are a Cubs fan and the person you are trying to impress with your credentials absolutely detests the Cubs?
• You are a family man and your email says Smithfam6@ what ever service you use.  A potential employer can get a clue as to your personal life without you saying a word.
• Your email address references part of your anatomy or romantic interests and isn't quite appropriate if you are trying to do business with a very conservative organization.

The point is that you need to save those "personal" email addresses for your private correspondence.  It is very easy these days to set up a new email account on one of the web based services like gmail, hotmail or yahoo.  Try to use your first and last name so that someone will be able to identify you easily should they want to contact you.  If you have a common name such as John Smith, perhaps you can use a period or a number to associate with your name and it will still sound professional.

What are your thoughts?

Make the Most of a Job Fair

I recently had a booth at a very large job fair in the area.  Many of the attendees were dressed in suits or other professional attire.  I cannot stress enough that the way you present yourself is your first impression.  So, do you want a business owner or hiring managers first impression of you to be in jeans and sneakers?


Granted, when running errands, I may not have perfect hair, make-up and outfit, but, I am not going to a job fair.  If you cannot afford to go to Neiman Marcus for a new business suit or other professional clothing, there are less costly alternatives.  Some organizations offer unemployed job seekers assistance with clothing for interviews, Goodwill often has clothing that still has the original tags on it, and many resale shops have great bargains, not to mention, one suit with different shirts or blouses can carry you through many interviews.  If nothing else, a freshly laundered pair of khakis and a dress shirt, along with a shave and haircut can show that you value the interviewers time and your own pride.

If you haven't ever seen the tips we offer to "Make the Most of a Job Fair" here are the highlights:

• Dress for a business interview.
• Bring pens and paper to make notes.
• Bring extra resumes, enough to leave at least two with every recruiter.
• Keep yourself and your materials organized. You may want to use a portfolio, folder and/or small bag.
• When you meet with the recruiter:
• Introduce yourself. Express confidence with a firm handshake and a smile, and by maintaining good eye contact.
• Be interested. Briefly explain what you like about the company and give your “elevator speech.”
• Ask the questions you prepared.
• Ask about the application and hiring process. What is the timeframe? Is there a good time for you to make a follow-up call?
• Do not ask about salary and benefits; discuss this only if the recruiter brings it up.
• Ask for a business card or ask for a contact name, phone/fax numbers, and/or email address. Take brochures or other information available at the recruiter’s booth.
• At the end of your conversation, offer a firm handshake and a thank you, making sure to address the interviewer by name.
• Keep a list of the employers you meet. After each conversation, make notes about the company and the conversation you had with the recruiter.
• Pace yourself. Take a breather after each conversation to collect yourself and reorganize for the next one.

 What do you think is appropriate job fair attire?