Every job application, online course, certificate and video call invitation needs an email address. Employers will judge you a little by it, so the name matters. Most importantly, it must be yours: linked to your own phone number, with a password only you know. DMP week 1 uses Gmail, so a Gmail address is a good choice, but any reliable free provider works.
Choosing a sensible address
Your email address is often the first thing an employer sees. Compare:
- partyboy4real@...
- wumpini.alhassan@...
The second is clear and professional. Good patterns are your first name and surname, perhaps with a dot or a number if the name is taken. Avoid nicknames, jokes and your birth year if you can, since it shares personal information.
Creating the account
On an Android phone you already have a Google account if you use the Play Store. You can use that, or create a new one just for work and study. To create one:
- Open the Gmail app, or go to the Google account sign up page in your browser.
- Choose Create account, then For my personal use.
- Enter your real name, your date of birth and choose your address.
- Create a strong password. The next lesson explains how.
- Add your own phone number when asked.
Making sure you can always get back in
This is the step many people skip. In your Google Account settings, find the security section (the menu names change from time to time) and check: