In today’s job market, you’re competing against candidates with similar degrees, experience, and skills. So how can you stand out? One simple yet powerful way is to create a career-appropriate email address.
Let’s look at why this small detail can make a big difference – especially in the multifamily industry.
First Impressions Matter
Imagine an apartment community interviewing three candidates for a leasing consultant position. All three have similar qualifications. The property manager looks at their résumés and sees these email addresses:
Which one do you think looks the most professional?
Even though all three candidates are equally qualified, the last one instantly gives the impression of maturity and professionalism. The other two? Not so much. A hiring manager could easily assume those applicants aren’t taking their job search seriously. When the competition is tight, your email could be the reason you’re chosenor overlooked.
Don’t Let Your Email Cost You the Interview
When employers sort through hundreds of applicants, small details make a big impact. An unprofessional email address might seem funny or creative to you, but it can send the wrong message.
A hiring manager may think twice before contacting someone whose email reads meetmexxx@name.com or iloveunicorns@name.com. They might assume the candidate lacks professionalism or isn’t ready for a workplace environment.
In an industry where first impressions count and where leasing consultants, property managers, and maintenance staff represent the face of a community – your email should reflect the image you want to present.
Make It Easy to Contact You
A professional email address doesn’t just look better; it’s also more practical. When an employer wants to reach you, an address like firstname.lastname@email.com is simple, clear, and easy to remember.
An email tied to your name also avoids confusion and ensures the hiring manager knows exactly who they’re contacting. In a competitive market, you don’t want to miss out on an interview just because someone couldn’t find or decipher your contact info.
The Embarrassment Test
If you’d be embarrassed to say your email address out loud during a phone call, it’s time for a new one. You’ll likely have to spell or repeat it several times – so keep it simple, professional, and free of unnecessary words or symbols.
Something like janedoe@email.com or jdsmith@email.com works perfectly. It’s clean, easy to share, and leaves no doubt about who you are.
You Represent the Company
In the apartment industry, you are the face of the community. Professionalism doesn’t start when you walk through the leasing office door, it starts with your application. While your friends or partner may love your fun email handle, your future property manager definitely won’t.
Take a few minutes to create a professional email. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in how seriously employers take you and could be the key to landing your next opportunity.