Paralegal Blog

Internet-based social media platforms and online databases do not operate in a private sphere. They store everything public, everywhere, and it is available to everyone – even employers. Complete internet anonymity does not exist. Many things about you and your personality beyond your resume might be accessible. These include your support of causes, interests, or ideas.

Anyone can type a name in a browser and find references to public information with just a few keystrokes. When personal details become accessible to employers through web and app activity, it is only natural for them to form opinions about the person they have searched and whether that individual aligns with the company culture and job based on the content returned.

A strong correlation exists between the perceived quality of an applicant and the email address used. Think of your email address as an online business card. It is a vital piece of personal information and a primary means of contact. An email address is often seen as a reflection of professional identity, so it is worthwhile to consider how it will be regarded by others. Using a non-traditional address as your first touchpoint for employer interaction could directly impact your credibility.

When two people are equal in terms of background, experience, skills, and education, other fine points will be scrutinized – and that snazzy email name could be the deal-breaker! Bottom line: a person using 2hot4words@email.com may not be taken seriously or get the job. In my role as Director of Career Services, I have seen some cringeworthy name creations. I am baffled every time. A keen job seeker is best represented by an email address that is not overly “creative.”

While an email name is only a small part of the totality of your credentials and candidacy, it has great potential to impact your chances of getting hired if it is poorly conceived. There is a continuum from unprofessional to just not well done. Many job seekers overlook this important detail. They may lose first impression power simply by failing to integrate a respectful level of professionalism in their email name.

When you apply for a job online your resume will often be scanned by an internet robot, also known as an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) before it ever lands in the hands of a hiring manager. An ATS is an electronic filtering software that scans resume content for specific keywords to determine if the document should be passed forward for human review. ATS search for relevant information that matches a job posting, including education, training, former job titles, and other keywords that point to the required experience. At least 98.2% of Fortune 500 companies use BOT technology.¹

Each year Center for Advanced Legal Studies evaluates and renews its contracts regarding Westlaw, Canvas, Blackboard Collaborate, LIRN, and products from other providers of library and learning resources to ensure our students have access to industry leading platforms and services.

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Students and faculty at Center for Advanced Legal Studies have enjoyed using Blackboard Collaborate: Original Experience for live online paralegal classes for years. Now, we introduce the Ultra experience.