Professional email examples for job resumes

Still using your embarrassing email address from your childhood days? You might want to switch before it's too late.

By Monster Contributor

Your email address looks so small and insignificant at the top of your resume, but it's your primary means of contact. Having a professional email address is essential in today's job market. Believe it or not, far too many people submit their resume or application using an unprofessional email address, and this can have seriously unfortunate effects on a job search. Don't shoot yourself in the foot before you get it in the door.

Think about where that email address has been

Do you remember your first email address? Maybe you still use it. If that's the case, it’s time you stop. The service that hosts your email address doesn't matter as much as your title, but it's still important. Popular email services, such as Gmail and Me, are perfectly acceptable. Using an older service (hello, AOL) is fine as well, but if you're applying to a cutting-edge company, they might raise an eyebrow and wonder why you haven't upgraded your email.

Get a handle on your handle

Your handle is far more important than your email server. MLPFan4ever@email.com or GymFreak99@email.com won't get a job interview. It's usually best to avoid any kind of cutesy, edgy, or artistic handles. If yours has something to do with a job, occupation, or expertise and still looks professional, that's fine. The most professional email examples are straightforward:

  • john.smith@email.com
  • MaryWrites@maryharris.com

Learning how to create a professional email address isn't hard; it just takes common sense. In general, using your first and last name or some variation thereof is the best way to go, although you may need to add some periods, dashes, or numbers, especially if your name is a common one.