The Art of Email

In the digital age we live in, sending an email is as common a form of communication as a telephone call (if not more so). Personal emails can be a little more laid back, but interacting with employers or professors poses a bit more of an issue. Check out these simple guidelines and email your way to success.

Don’t Use Slang, Emoticons, or Informal Language

Resist the urge to throw a smiley face or an abbreviation into an email with an employer or professor. Save all the new Emojis you’ve downloaded for your friends. Also refrain from including an “LOL” or “TTYL” – there is a good chance your professor won’t even know the meaning.

Include a Subject Line

Give the reader a heads up as to what is included in the email. If it’s an important message, include that too. Emails sent without subject lines often look incomplete.

Get to the Point

Nowadays, most people’s inboxes are flooded with emails each day so there is a grand likelihood that your message will only get skimmed. Keep it short and sweet – indicate your reason for writing and why it is important. Would you want to meticulously pore over a seven paragraph email? No? It’s unlikely your employer does either.

Proofread

Like it or not, your emails act as another representation of yourself. Sending emails that are loaded with errors or don’t really make sense will make you come off as disorganized and unprofessional. Double-check your writing before you hit send.

Include a Signature

Be sure to include a signature that appropriately coincides with the message you have sent. Including a brief “Thank You” message, followed by “Sincerely, Name” is usually a safe bet.

How do you perfect the emails you send? Post a comment below and share your advice!