Avjobs is an easy-to-use, aviation-specific, job advertising site. You may purchase single or multiple job listings and choose between month to month and annual account terms. The form provided when creating the listing ensures customized targeting for your job posting.

We recently reviewed an article titled "AOL Email Address Brands You As Technologically Obsolete." The article said that having an outdated email address from a company like AOL brands a person as being someone who is not willing to move forward with technology. The article specifically discussed people looking for a job and how an employer might question a candidate’s suitability for the job simply because of the email address he or she uses.

We were intrigued by how many applicants are using various “old” email addresses as their primary means of contact. We have a rather large database of applicant email addresses due to our weekly aviation jobs newsletter (AvjobsWeekly) that we send. So we did a simple search for some common email domains with the following results.

• AOL: 2464
• Yahoo: 13,056
• Hotmail: 7,511
• Earthlink: 143
• Roadrunner: 191
• Comcast: 634
• .edu: 492
• Gmail: 5359

Each of these email addresses are free. But in this case, "free" may be costing you a lot.

When we receive business email that is using one of these free services we (and every other recruiter and hiring manager) - correctly or not - make some basic assumptions. Our first assumption is this person is not really serious about building or marketing themselves as a serious applicant—at least not in the aviation sector. Second, while they may be serious, they just don’t understand how to keep up with today’s technology changes and improvements, or what that email address is really saying about them.

Every communication leaves an impression. Your email address is your online front door. Emails you send to employers and hiring managers invite them to come to your “office” (your online presence) to read your resume and learn more about what you have to offer as an employee.

You may question our inclusion of Gmail on this list. We have several Gmail addresses. But we don’t use them for business purposes or as our primary email address. Gmail works well as an email client to manage your incoming email. It works very well for lots of people. Just don’t send employers a message from your Gmail account if you want them to really pay attention to it.

Setting up an Avjobs hosted email account with your own name is easy and included with every applicant account.

There is simply no reason not to have a unique email address that reminds people about your interaction and commitment to the aviation industry. And every time you send an email from your myavjobs.com email account, you’re encouraging people to view your resume, accomplishments and value in the aviation industry.

If you are using an outdated email address for your job search, we encourage you to spend the small amount of money required to get a professional email address.

What do you think? Does an email address make an impression?

4 Aviation Job Search Performance Enhancement Tips

If you’re like most Americans looking for a job right now, it might be time to take a step back and evaluate your job-search tactics. There are some common mistakes that can make you your own worst enemy when trying to get your foot in the door of a new employer. To give your employment search some performance enhancement, make sure to follow these tips.

1. Early Bird Gets the Worm
   The sooner you get your job application in, the better luck you will have at getting your resume seen. If you are slow to apply or reply to a job listing, you likely will lose your shot at be considered, so make sure to stay up-to-date on new listings as they arise.
2. Get a Jump-Start
   Even better than being one of the first to apply for an open position is seeking one out before it is posted. Research the companies you are interested in working for and reach out to see if any openings are on the horizon. Interact with the company on Avjobs Aviation Directory, join the same local trade organizations the company attends and find out where their staff members might be speaking publicly. Consider volunteering at events the company may be involved with to start to get to know the staff and familiarize yourself with the company culture.
3. Update Your Employment History
   Applying for jobs can often be a numbers game, so once you have narrowed down the best fits for you, make sure you update your resume and cover letter before you apply. Though you will want to be one of the first to apply, don’t be in such a rush that you automatically eliminate yourself by not following instructions for a specific position or applying where you don't meet that particular’s company's requirements. Not showing you are a fit for that specific job will surely end your chances of being considered.
4. Follow Up
   Though it may feel like you are sending your information into a large black abyss at times, there are people on the other end. It’s perfectly acceptable — even preferred — to send a follow-up email if you don't get a response within a couple of days. This is when you confirm that the interviewer received your information, giving you a chance to reiterate your interest in the job. But, if a listing specifically states "no phone calls or emails," abide by that request or you may end your chances. Once you have landed the interview, absolutely follow up with your interviewers through a thank-you note, again expressing your interest in the company and the job.

If you feel like your job search is at a standstill, be sure to reevaluate how you are going about it. After all, we all could use a little performance enhancement from time to time.

Avjobs Open Position Listings

Avjobs connects job seekers across the U.S. with unique career opportunities in the aviation industries. While we publish a wide range of job listings, we have selected a hot job to help get you started. Happy hunting!

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