How to Properly Use Email in Your Job Search

Many employers communicate with potential candidates via email. If you feel comfortable with this means of communication, it can be a handy tool in your job search. Here are some tips to use email effectively.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Active email account

Set Up Your Email Account

1. Set up a free email account and practice using it if this is a new venture for you. If you already have an email account, verify that it is in good standing and has plenty of room to receive incoming mail.

2. Establish a separate email account with a professional name and reserve it just for email related to your job search. This will help you sort through your mail quickly to identify work correspondence.

3. Be aware that many email services allow you to set up a "shadow account." This account uses a different email address but still properly delivers mail to your main account. It is a great tool to use in your job search because you can select a professional-sounding email address without changing your entire account.

Communicate Your Email Address to Employers

4. List your email address on your resume and cover letter as a part of your contact information.

5. Make it clear in your cover letter that email is a great way to contact you if it is easier for the employer.

6. Mention in your interview that you can be reached by email as well as by phone. This not only helps a prospective employer contact you but also shows that you know how to use the Internet properly.

Keep Up With Your Email

7. Check your email one to two times daily and respond quickly to inquiries. The best times to do this are in the midmorning and late afternoon so you don't miss any emails throughout the day.

8. Add employers to your address book so that their emails aren't accidentally filtered into "Spam" or "Junk Mail" folders.

Tips & Warnings

• Take advantage of free email accounts such as those offered by Google and Yahoo! Some online job search sites also provide free email accounts.

[alyssaink]

on 5/25/2007 Since many larger employers only accept applications via email and/or online HR systems, it's really important to get comfortable using email if you aren't already there. Also want to emphasize the use of a professional email address - preferably something with your name in it. Recent research shows that it really does matter!