Sarah Mitchell, Associate Director

It’s a typical, modern day executive search story. Recruiter calls executive.  Recruiter describes to potential candidate a position that could be the next big move of their career. Potential candidate shares a bit about his or her background and career interests, and the recruiter agrees this could be a good fit for her client and the potential candidate. Recruiter asks executive for his or her personal email address so she can send along the position description.

And then, sometimes, things start getting weird.

The following common email address faux pas are the most common offenders. They might seem harmless and innocent, but they have definitely caused us to ponder “what were they thinking?” Names, and addresses, have been changed to protect the innocent.

1. The Attached at the Hip Address. At least once a week, I am given a joint email account, along the lines of bobandlinda@.  Bob, or Linda, if that is the only personal email address you have to give me, I am concerned that you aren’t giving one another enough space. I realize I am not a relationship expert, but I do know a thing or two about first impressions. The impression you are giving me is that you don’t consider yourself enough of an individual to get your own personal email address. An equally concerning email crime is when someone gives us their spouse’s email address because they don’t have one of their own. Then we are forced into awkward terrain, wondering if we should address the candidate candidate’s spouse first in the email, lest we seem rude, and worrying that the intended recipient won’t get an important email until his or her spouse deplanes from a cross country flight.

2. The TMI Address. Sometimes we learn more about a highly accomplished executive’s personal life too soon, with an address like ilovekittycatsmeow@  or newyorkromeo3026@. I understand the importance of having a balanced and rich life outside of the office, I really do. But perhaps one should save these handles for the cat lover chat board or matchmaking service.

3. That’s So 2002 Address. This one might take some by surprise, but it really does make a difference if you have an outdated domain. When an executive still uses @hotmail.com or @yahoo.com, or even worse @aol.com, @comcast.net, or @verizon.net it says that he or she is several years behind in technology at home. That goes quadruple for someone with a technology company, or in an IT leadership role. Updating to a @gmail address, or one’s own domain name, will not only be the best thing you can do for managing your personal email, as the technology is simply superior, but it will also save you some silent judgment.

A less than professional, straightforward email is not going to be anyone’s downfall, but it sure will give others pause. Given how easy, not to mention free, it is to acquire a clean, straightforward, firstname.lastname@ address, there’s no good reason to saddle yourself with an address that does anything other than give you a quick and easy place to get your mail. If you have any comments, you can reach me at my cat’s email address, RuthPMitchell@gmail.com. Be sure to say hello.