Using your real name as your Gmail address

[JMABirdUNC]

As the topic indicates, I'm toying around with the idea of creating a new Gmail account using my real name. Among other things, the reason for doing this is so I can put a professional-looking e-mail address on my resume. However, one thing I am worrying about is any risk of spam. Would doing this be considered a "smart" thing to do, and could there be any negative consequences that can arise from this?

[episode]

Make it, don't use it as your 'main' address.

I have one that is my name @gmail so its easier for people to remember if I'm verbally giving it to them. But I don't use it online for anything. I have an 'alias' address for that.

[kurono]

I used my real name for my Gmail account (same reason as yourself) and I have practically no spam in it. In my experience, being careful with who I give the address out to probably helped. Just make sure you keep the account strictly for important/professional related issues and you should be fine.

[zhangm Supervisor]

There is little to no risk because people just don't care what your name is. That said, don't use @gmail.com with the delusion that it will make you seem professional in any way.

[+BeLGaRaTh Subscriber¹]

I personally think a professional looking email would not be one from a generic mail system like gmail, live hotmail etc but that's just me. I would rather hvae my own domain and use that.

That said you are at risk to spam no matter what mail system you use and gmail is no exception. That said they do have a very good filter in place which works well, just make sure you check it periodically and clean it as a few official ones do get flagged by it occasionally.

There would be no negative consequences of using any of the free email systems, its just as I mentioned above I don't think it's professional, but hey what do I know :p

[Reacon]

Create one for private purposes using your name, and have Gmail forward it to your main.

Simple.

[episode]

There is little to no risk because people just don't care what your name is. That said, don't use @gmail.com with the delusion that it will make you seem professional in any way.

You're right, its not as 'professional' as having one on your own domain.

However

1) It looks better than @hotmail, @msn, @aol

2) People know what gmail is.

3) Its easier for someone to remember than [email protected], especially if you are giving it to someone who isn't a client or associate already.

[tuckerm]

I use [email protected] but use GoogleApps to manage it.

[kagaku]

Professional is not "[email protected]" or "[email protected]", it's [email protected]. Even if you're going for something in a technology field, having an @gmail.com or @hotmail.com address is not going to be a mark against you. I don't even think anyone would pay attention to it.

That being said, [email protected] is way better than [email protected] or [email protected] and such, for obvious reasons.

[email protected] is the way to go

[JMABirdUNC]

I forgot to mention, another main reason I'm doing this is because my college e-mail account is set to expire soon (I'm not sure when). I have been using that e-mail account for everything (including on my resume) and I need to forward everything to a new e-mail account.

Besides, I would think employers would recognize professionalism in what comes before the @gmail.com, not the @gmail.com itself. Wouldn't you guys agree with this?

Edited September 8, 2009 by JMABirdUNC

[primexx]

imo the "best" email address would be [email protected], bonus points if you host your website at first.last.tld, but not everyon is fortunate enough to have a unique last name that's still registrable.

Anyways, Gmail's spam filters are really excellent and you really don't have to worry much about it at all, nomatter what name you use.

[zhangm Supervisor]

Besides, I would think employers would recognize professionalism in what comes before the @gmail.com, not the @gmail.com itself. Wouldn't you guys agree with this?

Then in that case, [email protected] would be just as good as [email protected]. The address still says something about you, though it may make up a small piece of your resume. Its like the blood-speckled jeans that you probably shouldn't have worn to the police interview - it may have no significance to the situation at hand, but it still makes people think bad thoughts about you. Your domain tells a story, whether it is that you've got a domain by yourself ([email protected]) and are a presence online, or that you're generic ([email protected]), or that you've been somewhere ([email protected]), or have done something ([email protected]).

If it is at all an option, get an alumni forwarding account from your school. Plenty seem to offer them, and [email protected] puts one more credential forward.

[+LogicalApex MVC]

Then in that case, [email protected] would be just as good as [email protected]. The address still says something about you, though it may make up a small piece of your resume. Its like the blood-speckled jeans that you probably shouldn't have worn to the police interview - it may have no significance to the situation at hand, but it still makes people think bad thoughts about you. Your domain tells a story, whether it is that you've got a domain by yourself ([email protected]) and are a presence online, or that you're generic ([email protected]), or that you've been somewhere ([email protected]), or have done something ([email protected]).

If it is at all an option, get an alumni forwarding account from your school. Plenty seem to offer them, and [email protected] puts one more credential forward.

Very well said.

Another thing to think about is the fact that your email address is very much tied to your personal brand. With identity theft becoming so common-place I'd shy as far away from using the generic "free" email accounts for anything more than junk mail (in a public facing manner). Having your brand image being tied to something that is used by common people and crimminals alike erodes your ability to add that extra branding muster that you are looking for (professionalism).

It is like when I see ads posted around the city (I'm talking major ads such as those on the side of a bus or on a billboard) that use @gmail.com, @hotmail.com, <insert-free-email-or-isp-email-here>.tld I instantly loose trust in that company or individual. If you are serious about your business or your carrer I'd expect that you've taken the time to invest in a solid online address allowing me to pinpoint you without hassle. Not to mention it allows you to not switch email addresses (and suffer the losses that go along with it) if you ever decide GMail or whatever else is no longer a good fit for you (something better comes along or etc). Never tie your public facing identity to someone other than yourself.

[dewaaz]

Its like the blood-speckled jeans that you probably shouldn't have worn to the police interview - it may have no significance to the situation at hand, but it still makes people think bad thoughts about you. Your domain tells a story, whether it is that you've got a domain by yourself ([email protected]) and are a presence online, or that you're generic ([email protected]), or that you've been somewhere ([email protected]), or have done something ([email protected]).

You've GOT to be kidding me...

1. How many people are going to register a domain JUST for their email? Especially people who are not interested in computers?

2. Why tie your email address to a company or uni/college? What if I no longer work for that company? As for uni/college emails, if I'm no longer a student, why retain the email? Seems a bit pretentious ("oh look I'm so cool look where I studied")- just a tad.

2.5. I would never care to associate my PERSONAL 'identity' with my employer, or college. I am not defined by my employer, nor the college I studied at.

Believe it or not, REAL employers truly couldn't care less about your email address - they have more important things to worry about... like, I don't know, skills, experience, potential, interview manner... you know, those 'job-related' things.

Your email address does NOT tell a story about you lol... as long as it's not [email protected], I'm sure 99% of employers will not judge anyone badly.

As for the other 1% of employers... they should provide a caveat in their job adverts: "Skill and experience are not a priority... only email-obsessives with too much time on their hands need apply"

[+LogicalApex MVC]

You've GOT to be kidding me...

1. How many people are going to register a domain JUST for their email? Especially people who are not interested in computers?

2. Why tie your email address to a company or uni/college? What if I no longer work for that company? As for uni/college emails, if I'm no longer a student, why retain the email? Seems a bit pretentious ("oh look I'm so cool look where I studied")- just a tad.

2.5. I would never care to associate my PERSONAL 'identity' with my employer, or college. I am not defined by my employer, nor the college I studied at.

Believe it or not, REAL employers truly couldn't care less about your email address - they have more important things to worry about... like, I don't know, skills, experience, potential, interview manner... you know, those 'job-related' things.

Your email address does NOT tell a story about you lol... as long as it's not [email protected], I'm sure 99% of employers will not judge anyone badly.

As for the other 1% of employers... they should provide a caveat in their job adverts: "Skill and experience are not a priority... only email-obsessives with too much time on their hands need apply"

It all sounds good on paper. If you ask an HR manager how many "little" things they look for to instantly throw an application or resume into the garbage you'd be surprised how many of them are about the little things just like this. Skills and experience matter, but you must be very naieve if you think the only one who has enough qualifications will be you.

Your resume has one job only... To land you an interview. Since you only get one shot it is a good idea to make that one shot your best.

[tablet_user]

mine is "first letter of first name and full last [email protected]" (hotmail). Until i saw this topic i completely forgot about gmail lol i think i used it during its first beta stages for a week.

[zhangm Supervisor]

You've GOT to be kidding me...

1. How many people are going to register a domain JUST for their email? Especially people who are not interested in computers?

2. Why tie your email address to a company or uni/college? What if I no longer work for that company? As for uni/college emails, if I'm no longer a student, why retain the email? Seems a bit pretentious ("oh look I'm so cool look where I studied")- just a tad.

2.5. I would never care to associate my PERSONAL 'identity' with my employer, or college. I am not defined by my employer, nor the college I studied at.

Believe it or not, REAL employers truly couldn't care less about your email address - they have more important things to worry about... like, I don't know, skills, experience, potential, interview manner... you know, those 'job-related' things.

Your email address does NOT tell a story about you lol... as long as it's not [email protected], I'm sure 99% of employers will not judge anyone badly.

As for the other 1% of employers... they should provide a caveat in their job adverts: "Skill and experience are not a priority... only email-obsessives with too much time on their hands need apply"

First of all, you've obviously jumped on the hyperbole wagon and are arguing against your perverse view of my post as saying that an e-mail address is an important part of the resume. I suggest you hop off before your head explodes.

Now, my meaning is that an e-mail address is part of the resume, and every part of the resume carries with it some importance. Your past work experience, skills, abilities, volunteer work, etc, carry significance. So does your e-mail address, home address, references, etc. They don't all weigh in the same amount, but in such a short, condensed piece of presentation, many people would be interested in giving the best possible look to themselves. They don't want to say "I'm perfectly qualified for your job...but I also live under a bridge by Fifth and Main," because in the current job market, someone else's resume may well say "I'm perfectly qualified for this job."

I suppose from your post that you may also be one of those people who wear stained khakis to an interview because your clothes are not relevant to your work abilities? Guess what, presentation matters. Details matter. If you want an edge over other potential employees, you need to put some effort into it.

Also, as far as tying your identity to some corporation or school, you may be surprised to know that to your potential employer, you are nobody. You're nameless, faceless, recruit #0144729A, and you can either attach yourself to a big name like Harvard or Google, or go it alone. You are, to an employer, defined by where you've schooled, or who you've worked for. They don't care about who you are, i.e. your personal identity. Not at least until you get the interview.

Anyway, I'm sure Subway or McDonalds doesn't care about your e-mail domain. Most people won't care very much, it is true. Still, it is something that can add or detract from your resume, and in many situations, you need to set yourself above everyone else with your resume, even by just a bit. Do you want to make it 96% appealing, or 100% appealing?

[ToneKnee]

I have 2 addresses. One for casual normal use i.e. Gmail/Googlemail (Remember, you can use @gmail or @googlemail because they are linked to the same account), but then I have a "professional" real name email, but that's connected to 'Windows Live". @live.co.uk addresses are still fairly new compared to Hotmail, GMail etc, so a lot of people wouldn't link it to them straight away.

What I then do is have Gmail account to log into Windows Live and download any messages so I can manage them centrally.

[Chicane-UK Veteran]

I have my real name as my gmail address and I have to say it's a pain in the backside. I get so much legitimate random email for other people with my name - family messages, invites to parties, information on school PTA's and so forth (girls basketball?!) - it's pretty annoying.

[br0adband]

Been using my full name (first.last) with Gmail since it started, never been an issue. Gmail's spam filters are better than pretty much anything else out there, and I rarely "see" unsolicited stuff anymore. At first it was there, sure, but that's because Gmail was just getting rolling but nowadays it's very rare that even one piece of crap gets through. I still take a quick glance at the Junk mail list before I delete it permanently just in case, but in nearly 6 years of using Gmail, I've never bothered to use anything else.

Hell, I haven't used POP/IMAP email services in a decade, that stuff is useless to me anymore. Gmail is better than all of 'em, hands down.

[Vlad]

Anyway, I'm sure Subway or McDonalds doesn't care about your e-mail domain. Most people won't care very much, it is true. Still, it is something that can add or detract from your resume, and in many situations, you need to set yourself above everyone else with your resume, even by just a bit. Do you want to make it 96% appealing, or 100% appealing?

The real question is, do you want to work for someone who, all else being equal, would not hire you because of the domain name of your email account? Assuming the domain name isn't something inappropriate, that's just about the silliest thing I've ever heard. In my first job interviews, I always communicated through human resources or an executive assistant (and used my real [email protected] for contact). And when hiring people, I didn't give a damn what their email address was - I was focusing on their skills, experience, and the quality of the resume (Is it concise? Does it contain superfluous information? Is it reasonably formatted?). The domain name of your email address has got to be damn near the least important thing on your resume. Anyone so anal rentitive as to "grade" your resume on your email domain isn't someone you want to work for.

[+LogicalApex MVC]

The real question is, do you want to work for someone who, all else being equal, would not hire you because of the domain name of your email account? Assuming the domain name isn't something inappropriate, that's just about the silliest thing I've ever heard. In my first job interviews, I always communicated through human resources or an executive assistant (and used my real [email protected] for contact). And when hiring people, I didn't give a damn what their email address was - I was focusing on their skills, experience, and the quality of the resume (Is it concise? Does it contain superfluous information? Is it reasonably formatted?). The domain name of your email address has got to be damn near the least important thing on your resume. Anyone so anal rentitive as to "grade" your resume on your email domain isn't someone you want to work for.

Prospective employees are allowed to be pretentious and picky when the labor market is small and employers have a small pool to pick from. In the current market the labor supply is large leaving the employer with the power to be as anal renentive as they choose. It is nice to slack off on the finer details and write it off with "I don't want to work in a place where I can't wear flip flops to work" or "Where I can't do <insert desired behavior here> while on the clock". After all, who wants to work at a place where they aren't happy?

Tell the electric company that you can't pay your bill because there aren't any nice or less anal retentive employers in town. Once they arrive you'll pay for your bill and in the mean time they shouldn't cut your service...

10 years ago you could be picky. Not with unemployment nationally at 9.7% and double or even triple that in some cities (in the US).

[Kenji]

I use [email protected] on my CV.

[_bobcat_ Veteran]

I use [email protected].

Personally I think that it looks tidy and professional even with gmail or hotmail. People who have their own domains are a minority; as long as it looks tidy I doubt they will care too much. I've certainly never seen any evidence that it matters a great deal what the domain is though perhaps it will stand out a tiny bit more (but maybe it will look pretentious?).

I've never had a good username from any of the educational establishments I have attended, I think my gmail.com address looks better because it actually has my name on it.

Using an account from your employer when trying to get another job .. that's a baaaad idea in my opinion. It feels like bad karma to use a company account for anything but job related issues. I would find it odd to tie everything into an account that I am unlikely to have access to in future (which goes for most school related email).

Obviously I say that in relation to an individual applying to work for some company. For the companies themselves I expect them to have their own domain of course. [email protected] sounds like a temporary set up that just wants to sell some knock off goods >.>

[sw1tch..]

I use [email protected] and think it looks quite professional.

Much better than something like [email protected] on a resume ;)