I love cats. I had two in my life at one point, and one of them was my Best Buddy. I brought him to work one time (long story involving him hiding behind a piece of heavy furniture).  

A potential employer might also love cats. And the hiring manager might think it's cute if you use your cat's name as part of your email address: " FluffytheImperialQueen@google.com.' Hey, look at this person's address...! So cute!"

Except, it's not.

When you are crafting your job seeking materials, follow this rule:

• Keep it professional
• Keep it simple
• Make it easy for reader

The best thing? Use your name, so everything matches. 

Your resume has your name at the top (and on page 2). 
Your LinkedIn profile contains your name.

Your email address should also contain your name (example: Sarah.Davidson@gmail.com). Don't worry if you have a few numbers after your name. It's unavoidable nowadays. But try different combos, such as using a "dot" between the names, or a dash, or an underscore. Try using a middle initial.

Yes. It's more professional. But it also ensures that whoever is reviewing the resumes will find yours easily on the list of emails in their inbox.

And here's another tip: Use gmail. It has become the accepted standard. You may think that this doesn't matter. But trust me, if you have an AOL address, you are dating yourself! You don't want to be seen as behind the technology curve.

Here's a bonus: When you create a NEW personal email account, it will become the main place where you can find all your job-related correspondence. That way you won't miss that email about a possible interview.

Need help creating your search plan? I'm here to help. Let's set up an appointment to chat.  

lLinkedIn just published this alert:

"Small business hiring is now outpacing that at larger companies. Hiring at businesses with fewer than 200 employees ticked up by 0.4% month-over-month in May, while companies with more than 10,000 workers pared back by 40%." 

If you're looking for a job, you might consider looking at smaller shops. There can be advantages: more flexibility, more chance to make a bigger difference. If you have struggled working for large corporations, this could be your ticket!

Here is what you should do right now if this is the path you want to follow:

1. Take a look at your career goals. What is your personal mission? What kinds of project excite you?
2. Research smaller companies and investigate whether their values match your own. 
3. Double back through your resume and LinkedIn profile to ensure you are communicating why you are 
    the ideal candidate to hire. Your research should help you by informing you about what companies 
    are looking for. 

Taking some time to consider these points, regardless of the size of the company you are targeting, will help you focus your message. 

Still have questions? I'm here! Contact me. I am now offering a review of your resume and strategy!