Every email you send out is an opportunity to remind people of what you do and how to reach you. When you had a job, you have this set up at work, right? Your employer knew if was a form of branding and it was good customer service! It made it easier for people to contact you and it makes you look professional.
Starting today, I want everyone to have a personal email signature, especially if you are in transition (ie, looking for a job). Why?
- It makes you appear more professional
- It makes it easier for people to contact you
- It supports your professional image/reputation
- It shows you have some amount of technical knowledge
Jacob Share wrote a very helpful post on what to include and how to construct it. You can find that post here. This is an excerpt of what information should go in your signature (from Jacob’s post)
Create a memorable email signature according to this formula.
Required elements are bolded, the rest are recommended where relevant:
Salutation,
Name
Tagline
Title(s), Organization
Association Membership
Phone numbers (mobile/land/fax)
Website/Social media profiles
Image
Now, if you really want to kick you signature up a notch, consider adding WiseStamp. I read about it this week on HubSpot’s site (Create a Social Media Optimized Email Signature). Their post contains a really nice explanation and screen shots for how to create your own jazzy looking signature. I downloaded the add-on and customized my signature in less than 5 minutes. I think it looks more professional than the standard email signature.
Hubspot says:
WiseStamp is a browser addon that lets you create an awesome Email signature that includes your social media profiles, latest blog posts, images, and a bunch of other cool things.
This only works if you are using Firefox, Chrome or Safari AND if you are using Gmail as your email client.
Here’s my new signature:
For more on how to best utilize your email to promote your message, read the Undercover Recruiter’s post: How To Create A Professional Email Signature for Your Career or Job Search.
Now, what are you waiting for, create yours today!
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
WiseStamps look great, and Tzvika & Orly (the cofounders, I know them) have done a great job with it. I haven’t tested it in a while, I’ll take a look again. Thanks for the reminder, Hannah.
Jacob,
How cool is it that you know them! But, then again, you know a ton of great folks! I like the look of the signature and feel it is more professional than just the links I used before. Easy to set up too! That’s always a good thing!
Hi Hannah!
How would you recommend wording a signature if you are specifically job searching? I am currently working as an intern and in school for my MBA- I’m interested in working as a buyer or in planning and allocation- aspects of supply chain.
Thanks so much!
Judi:
This is a very good question. Even though you can’t say you “are” a buyer, planner, etc, you have the requisite skills based on your education and probably your internship too. You can use your desired job title.
I would suggest something like the following:
Entry Level Buyer/Logistics Analyst/Supply Chain
MBA candidate | Analytical planning (or skill set) | (another skill set)
email
phone
LinkedIn and other social media buttons
Timely, and always a great reminder. Thanks; I adjusted mine as well.
Thanks Aiden!
Did you use anything creative? Tag line, social media link?
Hannah, you convinced me, and I popped for the pro version!