Practice good email etiquette

12 Tips for Writing Effective Emails 

Crafting professional and appropriate emails is crucial for making a positive impression. Follow these tips to enhance your email communication: 

  1. Clear Subject Lines: Use specific and informative subject lines to help recipients quickly understand the purpose of your email (e.g., "Request for Volunteer Support for September Event"). 
  2. Appropriate Tone: Address recipients formally unless you know them well and they prefer a less formal approach. 
  3. Introduce Yourself: If the recipient doesn’t know you, briefly explain who you are and how you know them (e.g., “I’m Jane Doe, a project manager at XYZ Corp. We met at the conference last month”). 
  4. Avoid Slang: Use complete words and proper grammar, avoiding text language or acronyms (e.g., use “you” instead of “u”). 
  5. Correct Grammar: Follow traditional spelling, grammar, and punctuation rules to ensure clarity and professionalism. 
  6. Be Concise: Keep your emails brief and focused. Use bullet points or lists for multiple pieces of information to make it easier to read. 
  7. Mind Your Tone: Re-read your email to ensure it conveys the right tone. Avoid sending emails when you’re emotional; take time to review if needed. 
  8. Privacy Considerations: Avoid sharing sensitive or inappropriate content. Emails can be forwarded or mistakenly sent to the wrong person. 
  9. Respond Promptly: Reply promptly when possible. If a delay is expected, inform the recipient and provide an estimated response time. 
  10. Include Previous Emails: If replying to an ongoing conversation, include previous emails to provide context. Start a new thread for unrelated topics. 
  11. Professional Signature: Use a signature that includes your full name, title, and contact information. Include job posting numbers if relevant. 
  12. Politeness Matters: Use “please” and “thank you” when making requests. Always express gratitude for the recipient’s time and consideration. 

Resources: 

Download Email Etiquette Tips 

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