Recently, a candidate applying for an accounting position listed a contact e-mail address similar to: GiantsSuck@fakeemail.com

This is not the first time an e-mail address has crossed our desks and made us cringe. From addresses like “sexy_joe@fakeemail.com” to “cuteRN@fakeemail.com,” it seems some people are unaware of the impression an email can make on a hiring manager. Since e-mail addresses are commonly listed at the top of a resume and near your name, this can be one of the first deal breakers when an HR professional is sifting through hundreds of resumes.

What to do: If you are unsure if your e-mail address is professionally appropriate, do yourself a favor and create a new e-mail address! E-mail providers like Google’s Gmail and Microsoft Hotmail make it simple (and FREE!) to set up a new account. Also remember that your Social Media profiles should be appropriate, too, because more and more recruiters are running background checks on social networks! So choose wisely when creating Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn usernames and profiles!