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.  

It seems pretty bleak: Hiring freezes. Furloughs. Layoffs. Isolation. 

What's going to happen to the economy??

Here's my take on things: Ultimately, business will have to resume. Here's what I'm seeing: Hiring is happening, even now. One of my clients got a great nonprofit leadership position. Another one is managing several warehouses. Conversations with recruiters are happening.  Employers are browsing.

Be ready. Do not stop your networking. In fact, it's a great time to do more, because so many people are working in isolation and are constantly in front of their computers. 

Here's a tip:

• Make a list of the jobs you've identified and/or your target companies. 
• Start looking at their websites, at LinkedIn, and at your own contact list to find out who is associated with that position. Who works in that division? Who has a lateral job? Who is the hiring manager?
• Then reach out and make contact. Start conversations about what's going on right now. Be curious. What's happening in the industry right now? What problems are emerging? Consider what insights you can offer. Along the way, you're likely to find out what's going on with that job you saw, or hear about other opportunities. 

     This is just one of the tips I'm starting to offer, twice each week, free, via your inbox! Don't get left out.