How a professional email address helps you land your dream job

A professional email address might seem like a small detail, but in a competitive job market it can make a surprising difference. Recruiters often make decisions in seconds, so anything that strengthens your first impression is worth your attention. We tell you how to make your CV stand out by getting a professional email address to give you a subtle edge. It's often overlooked in job application advice, yet it plays a key role in shaping employer perception.

Updated: 26 January 2026

Why does your email address matter on a CV?

Your email address appears at the very top of your CV, which means it is one of the first things a hiring manager sees. A polished professional email address such as such as you@yourname.com stands out because it signals attention to detail, organisation, and a clear sense of personal brand. A free or unprofessional one can do the opposite.

Recruiters, when asked, often say that playful or outdated email handles distract from an otherwise strong application, and that a polished email address makes them take a candidate more seriously, especially in technical roles or those where communication and presentation are key.

How to get a professional email address

Setting up a personalised email address is easier than many people expect. To get a professional email with your own domain, follow these simple steps:

• Choose a domain name that reflects your name or professional identity. You can find a great email generator tool here.
• Register the domain with a trusted provider, or buy a professional email address with domain included.
• Create an email inbox linked to that domain. There are loads of great email hosts out there, like Absolute-Email.
• Use a simple format such as firstname@surname.com.

If you are exploring how to get a professional email, think about choosing a domain that reflects your name or your professional identity. For example, using your full name or initials keeps things clean and memorable. Avoid anything overly creative or niche, as your domain should feel timeless and suitable for any industry.

Check out 10 ideas to create a professional email address that stands out to help you create your perfect professional-looking email address.

A personalised domain also gives you long term consistency. Even if you change jobs, move cities or switch email providers, your domain remains yours. That stability is valuable when you are building a career.

How a professional email helps your CV stand out

When you consider how to make your CV stand out, you probably focus on structure, achievements and keywords. Yet your contact details contribute to the overall impression too. A custom domain shows that you have invested in your professional presence and that you understand the importance of branding. This is one of the simplest CV tips that can instantly elevate your presentation and help you beat the competition.

It also makes your CV look more polished. A personalised email address sits neatly alongside a LinkedIn profile or portfolio link, creating a cohesive identity that employers can easily recognise and will respect.

Why a personalised email address builds trust with employers

Recruiters often receive hundreds of applications. They look for reasons to shortlist quickly. A professional email address contributes to a sense of trust before they even read your opening line. It shows that you understand workplace norms and that you have taken care to present yourself well.

This matters even more in industries where communication is central. Roles in administration, marketing, customer service or management all require a polished public presence. Your email address is a small but meaningful part of that.

This subtle professionalism aligns with many job application best practices and will make you stand out from the other applicants, helping you get that interview.

How a custom domain strengthens your personal brand

Your email address is part of your personal brand, just like your LinkedIn profile or portfolio. A personalised domain gives you control over how you present yourself and makes employers remember you. A powerful advantage when employers are reviewing dozens of applications. Using the same professional address for applications, networking and interviews creates a cohesive identity that feels credible and intentional.

And make sure your email signature is just as polished when you email potential employers. Have a look at How to create a professional email signature that gets you noticed, with examples to help you create a stand-out signature.

Don't get left behind

A professional email address will not land the job on its own, but it enhances your professional image and improves your chances. It shows that you care about the details and that you understand what employers expect. When combined with a well structured CV, strong achievements and a confident cover letter, it becomes another tool that helps you shine for the right reasons and supports your aim of how to make your CV stand out in a competitive job market.