Three Ways You’re Sabotaging Yourself
There’s only so much I can do to help you.
I can have my team collect and screen almost 200,000 great, professional jobs and publish them on our site for you. I can have them find you over 20,000 HR people, employers and recruiters to connect with. And I can have them make it easy for you to search through and connect with them all.
But we can’t do everything for you, so here are three ways you just might be sabotaging your own job search (without realizing it)!
1. E-mail address
What e-mail address do you use professionally?
If you’re using AOL, or your local cable provider, you could be inadvertently shooting yourself in the foot.
Only 5% of new users at TheLadders sign up with AOL e-mail addresses these days. If you’re still using AOL to represent yourself professionally, it could be sending a signal that you’re uncomfortable with new technology and that you haven’t prioritized keeping your skills up-to-date.
Using your local cable provider’s default e-mail — whether it’s bellsouth.net, optonline.net, or tampabay.rr.com — increases the chances of a typo leading to a missed connection. Because people don’t pay as much attention, or care, to what they’re typing after the ‘@’ sign, using less-familiar domains in your e-mail should be avoided.
More than 45% of new users at TheLadders use gmail.com. Because gmail is well-known for its utility, ease-of-use, and power, using gmail as your address is a smart move that also sends the message that you’re up-to-date with the times.
What’s before the’@’ sign is important too.
Common ‘household’ or ‘joint’ email strategies such as ‘jimandnancy@’, ‘smithhousehold@’, or ‘huxtablefamily@’ are not good e-mail addresses to use for your professional job search. Professionals are accustomed to writing directly to other professionals. Requesting that they e-mail your spouse & kids when contacting you is awkward.
The best email address is your first name, followed by a dot, followed by your last name, at gmail.com:
| cliff.huxtable@gmail.com |
If that’s taken, then for the purposes of your job search, add next year’s number to your address:
| cliff.huxtable.2013@gmail.com |
You’re probably going to be using this e-mail address into the New Year anyway and starting now makes you seem ahead of the times. And everybody wants to hire somebody from the future, right?
2. Can a stranger read your resume?
Print out your resume. Take the top third and rip it off. Hand it to somebody you don’t know.
Can they tell you, without asking you any additional questions, what you want to do next?
For too many of my subscribers, the answer is no. The reason is that you’re trying to do the wrong thing with the top third of your resume. You’re trying to tell people about your character and your abilities and your many, many different skills and your flexibility and too many things!
You know what the person who is reading your resume is trying to find out?
“Does this gal, or guy, want this job that I have to fill?”
Obviously, given that you’ve spent the time to create a resume and send it to them, they know you want a job. But do you want this particular job?
Is it something that you’ve done before? If so, did you like it? If so, do you want to do it again?
Because you spend all of your time with yourself, it seems so very obvious that you want the type of job that you’re looking for.
But strangers don’t know that. And, chances are, you’ll most likely be hired by a stranger.
So it’s important that you make it easy for people who don’t know you.
Show them, at the very top of your resume, what job you want.
If they can’t tell, by reading the top-third of your resume, what you want to do next, then you’re never going to get to the next step.
3. Did you talk to a live person today?
The internet delivers you news, information, funny cat videos, electronic books, fashionable shopping, and, via TheLadders.com, the latest and greatest job listings at the professional level.
So… “hooray!” for the internet.
But here’s the truth — the internet is not going to hire you.
No, you’ll be hired by a living, breathing, thinking, smiling person.
So the question is: did you talk to that person today? Did you try to?
It’s important, while you’re searching, looking, peeking and applying to all those great jobs you find at TheLadders, that you also realize that you need to make talking to people, live, in person or on the phone, a priority.
Have you called your old contacts? Returned the call from the company that perhaps you’re only mildly interested in? Have you taken a former colleague to lunch? Did you go to a Meetup? Did you call back the recruiters you’ve met over the past six months? Drop by a conference?
Connecting with people, live, in person or on the phone, is essential to getting hired. Too often, we fool ourselves into believing that self-directed activity is the best way to get hired. It’s not. Connecting with others is.
If you’re more of an introvert, more comfortable communicating by writing than by speaking, you can still connect with others. I’m not going to mislead you and say that it’s better, but it’s still sufficient if you write thoughtful, sensible blog posts, comments, e-mails and contributions on industry-related topics and threads. But it’s important that you’re connecting with others, not just yourself.
When it comes to getting hired, you need to ensure that every day is a “talk to a person who could potentially hire me” day.
Because eventually… they will.
So those are the three things you might be doing to sabotage your own efforts in the job search, Readers.
I disagree with the recommendation of adding a date to an email address. This will either eventually give you an outdated looking address or forces you to change addresses – leading to potential contact problems. Lose the date.
Great, great letter! Thanks!
Thanks for the feedback Kyle. In general, I’d agree. In the cases where your simple name is already taken, and you need a pro looking email address for your job hunt these next 6 – 12 months, the date is a workable alternative.
Point No. 3 – is so terribly easy _not_ to do. Thanks for bringing it up! Always good info – much appreciated.
You are very welcome, Tamara! Thank for reading…
Thank you for the reminders!
I enjoy networking, but haven’t followed through in awhile due to my schedule; if it’s important I will make time.
Thanks,
Felicia B.
I typically agree with most of what you say. Today it’s only 2 out of 3. I violently disagree with your first item. There is absolutely nothing inherently unprofessional about @aol.com. It is only what is in front of the @ that could make you look silly. AOL provides one of the best email infrastructures in the world. Yes, I used to work there. Yes, I still use an AOL email address, although it’s hidden behind my own domain name. And No, I almost never use any AOL software. Any hiring person who would reject an applicant based on using AOL as their mail service is an idiot. Now, if the email address is FluffyIsCute@aol.com, I’m with you. Other than that? No.
Great post, Marc. Another factor in having an email address that reflects your name is “findability” inside a packed email inbox. Recruiters and others inside your target companies are busy and get LOTS of email, and so even if they’re interested in you or want to help you, they often don’t get to act immediately. When they’re going through their to-do list at the end of the day or week and realize they promised to introduce Bob to Sarah, but can’t find Bob’s email quickly because they’re searching “Bob” and not his email of “Joesdaddy756″, they give up and move on. Make it simple for others to remember–and find. Use your name as they know you.
Thanks for the great work at TheLadders.com.
Darcy Eikenberg, ACC
Founder, http://www.RedCapeRevolution.com
David, I hear you, and your comments are reasonable. I do not, however, think they’re right. Particularly for the older folks who tend to retain them, and who face a difficult job market already, having an ‘@aol.com’ e-mail address does not send the message that they are keeping up with advances in technology, or even just the social aspects of technology.
It implies that they have little enough curiosity about technology to even try out the newer services. And that lack of curiosity is an absolute killer for the older worker trying to find their next gig.
So, very respectfully, and while noting your valid points, I will disagree.
Thank you so much for commenting.
This is an excellent wake-up call. Thanks for sharing with us.
However, I do not agree 100% with your all your statements.
A person of different cultural background (ex. Asia, Africa) may find it challenging to follow your rule no. 3: “Talking to a live person repeatidly about one’s job application”. In this person’s perception, the whole content of writen resume should speak for him/her enough. Substance matters more than appearance. In his/her cultural perception, trying to talk excessively your way to a position is perceived as invasive, immature and impolite.
Therefore, a candidate who doesn’t call often on the phone should not be mistaken to a person who doesn’t really want the job.
My remark applies both ways. It tells pretty much how conversely , an American job applicant would be perceived overseas.
With many international applicants on the job market these days, I am sure thoughtful employers are aware of these subtle cultural differences.
I hope this helps international job applicants who can’t call to a person everyday.
Thank you.
Point number three is THE most important and the one I’m most guilty of not doing. I simply feel uncomfortable calling out to my contacts and engaging them in a conversation that I’m currently unemployed.
John, you are not alone! I talk to job seekers all the time that are also very uncomfortable reaching out to their contacts, especially when they’re unemployed or in the midst of a job search.
Keep in mind that you’re never begging for a job during these conversations. The idea is to set up a time to grab a cup of coffee with someone you’ve lost touch with and catch up. We call these meetings “informational interviews.”
The idea is that you’re asking the person to talk about him or herself – and most people love to do that. You want to know how things are going with their job these days, what’s going on in their company or industry. Your goal is gather information that will be helpful during your job search – not to ask for a job.
I recommend checking out this article I wrote for TheLadders Career Chronicles called “How to Network Without Begging”: http://info.theladders.com/blog/bid/156814/How-to-Network-Without-Begging-Ask-Amanda It helps you craft the right message when reaching out so that you’re looking for ways to pay it forward, while still benefiting your job search.
And if you’re very uncomfortable, you can always start with an email or Inmail message to your contact and then follow up via phone a few days later. That’s a nice way to warm yourself up to the calls
I’d suggest a middle initial or name instead of a date, e.g. “john.q.doe”, if possible. Still looks professional, but no worries about being dated next year.
I agree with David. I’ve had my company since 1995 and my email is my initial/my company initials (KFPatTDR@aol.com).
The idea that you get judged based on an email addy is ridiculous; all people care about is can they REACH you – unless you are some type of IT/tech snob perhaps. It also shows you don’t know a lot about international markets, where many people use Yahoo (and don’t get judged on THAT either). I have a gmail account and my provider’s email which I NEVER use because I’ve bounced from Comcast to Cox to Verizon over the years; who would be able to keep up? So that part I will concur with.
I’d like to search what facts/research you used to back up the assertion that using gmail somehow proves you are “tech savvy” and anything else means you are a dinosaur.
- Katherine
Thanks Katherine. I don’t think the fact that you’re still using @aol.com means it is not viewed as behind-the-times among tech providers.
In our earliest days, AOL made up 45% of subscriber accounts, as we’ve grown, that has shrunk, and shrunk, and shrunk, so that AOL users are now a small minority. So the big picture data shows it’s become far less popular.
And I’ve spent enough time in recruiter focus groups and talking to recruiters to understand their mindset and how they read a resume. A 55-year-old job applicant with an AOL email address is assumed to be a tech naif, and unwilling to present themselves in a modern way. Recruiters worry about the impression that candidate will make.
You can say it’s wrong (it is), unfair (true), and age-biased (unfortunately, yes), but that’s my experience.
Yes – ts good advice, the email issue remains a human factor condition so not really sure how to resolve this. For myself I use my att email address as well as my IEEE address which bettter identifies my professional association. The other issues are one of employers posting jobs and never hiring for that posted job.
As as example, I interviewed on-site face to face for a Senior Telecommunications Engineer position back in Febraury of 2012. Prior to this on-site interview I had gone through three phone interviews – the last phone interview was with fellow peers which led to my on-site interview. I have called and emailed this employer and they have responded that they have not made a decision! Its just an odd moment for me, I believe its an age issue, my on-line employment job application still shows “under consideration” – at this point the employer (HR) has indicated that as soon as an “officail decision” is made then I’ll be notified.
Any ideas on how to go about getting a yes or no answer?
Thanks,
Leo A. Corona
racorona@att.net
LeoRACorona@ieee.org
Marc:
I have a clarifying question for you with regards to the ‘top third’ statement for the resume. I agree with you about the ripping of it and giving it to someone, however it seems that the ‘objective’ line – which is what I am essentially hearing you say we need to include on our resume, has been referred to as ‘a useless waste of space’ (I read that in a Resume book dated 2012). So my question is” is the objective line making a comeback? Since over 80% of jobs now require online applications, provided one makes it past the key word search, wouldn’t a cover letter be a more wise choice to accentuate why one wants a job and save space on the resume, especially if you are someone career changing or one that could manifest a 2+ page resume?
Thank you for your time
Steven
Should you expect a response to a “thank you” email sent after an interview?
Steven, consider that section of your resume to be the “elevator pitch” of your resume. Personally, I hate that term – it’s really more about a value-add or personal branding statement that discusses (1) what you’re great at, (2) what passionate about, and (3) how that could provide value to a potential employer. This should all be written in context of your job goals. There are few good reasons to include this in the resume:
(1) you’re not guaranteed a recruiter will ever look at your cover letter – you want to have a variation of that info in both places (as well as your online prof profiles & in the talking point you use during interviews & while networking);
(2) this helps frame your resume, especially if you’re looking to re-enter the workplace or make some sort of transition. This is where you can put some of that story in there; and
(3) you can incorporate some of the buzz terms and key phrases that regularly appear in the job descriptions you’re targeting, but don’t necessarily make sense to include in a “core competencies” or work experience sections of your resume. This will help you make it past the software that, 9 times out of 10, will screen your resume before a human ever looks at it.
As for resume length, 2 pages is typically the rule of thumb. On average recruiters look at your resume for 6 seconds before putting in the “look closer” or “no thanks” piles. They’ll never make it through more than 2 pages. Keep in mind you only need to go back 10 to 15 years on the resume, and there should be more elaboration on the most recent experience. A resume should be targeted to position you in the best light for your current goals, rather than a list of everything you have done or are capable of doing. When you tailor the resume to truly reflect your goals, it will make it easier to stick to that 2-page limit.
Using Gmail also sends a message that one lacks discernment about what they read since Gmail is buggy, virus-ridden, and chock full of vital information about Canadian Viagra, penis enlargement, and hypnosis techniques to woo that special gal.
me.com? Easy to remember, and no spam. If a person’s technology savvy is really what’s being used to determine his or her ability to work someplace, then the choice between spam magnet and easy-to-use and remember email should seal the deal.
Elimba, I think you bring up a good point that regardless if you are a salesperson or a job seeker (and frankly you need to be a marketer during the search), it’s important to consider your audience. So MC’s advice makes sense if you’re approaching an organization within the US, but the job seeker may need to make adjustments to the approach if interviewing/applying overseas.
Thank you for your time! The job market today is definitely different than 5+ years ago…
Marc, you make three good points in today’s newsletter. However, I have a question re: email addresses. I have my own website (which consists of a headshot and short career bio) and sometimes use the domain name email address that goes along with it. On the face of it I guess, the domain name could indicate to a recruiter / hiring manager that it is a company website even though my last name is actually a significant portion of the domain name itself.
Should I continue to use this, or am I setting myself a trap by possibly creating the illusion that I am using “my present employers email address” even though the the email syntax reads: (first name).(last name)@(****-last name.com)?
I think your comments are too broad and condescending.
No – my e-mail is not AOL – I use Yahoo – but its pretty widely used in the business community for personal business.
No – I do not have any cute names or messages before the @ – my name is there.
Yes, I talk to live people everyday. I am networking. However, you can’t just call up the HR departments for the job listings that you post and have a chat – try it sometime – I have. So, I guess I just missed the point of your comment about personal contact?
Also, because I had your team write my resume – which I still think could be improved, but I just gave up on dealing with them, if someone can’t tear off the top third of my resume and find out what kind of job opportunity I am looking for or what my “mission statement” is, then you should talk with your resume-writing staff.
I do realize that you are trying to give general advice to people of all ages and stages of their careers. I opened out this topic hoping to find some good advice but frankly, your first paragraph turned me off.
Well, given that one of the things I do for my gov’t clients is design integrated social media sites, I will beg to differ. And I get contacted by recruiters all the time via Linked In – and again, they could care less what my email address is as long as they can reach me. I’ll be happy to take my own little poll and send you the results.
John, Just was hired because of my thank you letter. I have been sending them snail mail, and for what it is worth I think that lends a little personal touch to things. I do not always get a response to my thank you letters but this one I did and all I need is one job!
Steve – I think you are totally fine sticking with your e-mail strategy. The above advice is really for those who have never even realized that they already have an e-mail strategy. Yours is a good one. Stick with it.
Good post, Marc! I agree with most everything. (I’d add that the “gmail” address is good for most. But in the creative field, it can also help having your own domain name, which both stands out and instantly says what you do–tvboardz artguy, writermike, etcetera. Even yourname@yourname.com works.)
I have to respectfully call out a major typo, however! “Resume” is a verb. You want “résumé, the noun! Looks better for a top job site to spell it correctly. (I wouldn’t feel badly, though–we writers can spot others’ errors a mile away but cannot consistently/accurately proofread our own work! I’m no exception.)
Thanks again and keep up the cogent advice.
Best,
Mike
Great tips Marc. I’m a little unsure, however, how to execute on your second point. I’ve been in business for nearly 20 years and can do a lot of things. I’ve also been unemployed for 10 months so I will do most anything. So for me to write “what I want to do” in a concise way may not be so easy. Can you provide examples of what this style resume looks like so I can see how others have encapsulated this?? Thanks.
Hi Mike -
If you’re comfortable and capable of pulling off the yourname.com domain name, then absolutely, you should do it. In fact, even non-creatives who are tech savvy enough should feel very good about going this path.
Resume v. résumé – we’ve discussed at length the pros and cons here at TheLadders and ultimately decided to go with the more common 21st century usage in our Stylebook. Thanks for your input, though.
Have a great rest of your week!
Marc
If an HR individual is throwing out resumes because an email looks cross-eyed at them, they shouldn’t be reading or having that job. Some of these online applications sap hours in a day and it is so redundant. I have many talents, qualifications and history and before this election, I think no one is interested unless it’s urgent. So I tailor the cover and make it snappy as I can. I have a detailed and a non-detailed version of my resume and I don’t want six versions AND customizing each cover on top of that. I am thinking that they see so much history and experience, they realize I’m an older person and age is used often.
I have to agree w/ David on #1. I have twenty year’s Recruiting experience so can’t even guess how many hundreds of resumes I have read or edited since then. As you can see below, my email does not use @gmail.com. But on the other hand, I AM probably going to get a gmail email very soon!