You’ve got mail … and a whole lot of it. Some days it seems like there is no possible way you can manage to comb through the hundreds of messages cluttering your inbox. And although you want to throw in the towel and press ‘Reply All,’ you can’t. So here are a few easy tips to keep your email etiquette fine-tuned and professional.
Always, ALWAYS, Use a Subject Line
Not only does it make it easier for you when you are reviewing your sent messages, it also helps out the person you are trying to communicate with—because, just like you, the recipient to your emails most likely has a full inbox as well. So always add in a subject line so he or she can easily see what your email is about.
Can I Have Your Signature?
Your recipients will greatly appreciate your email if you provide them with a clear and concise signature block at the end of your email. For example:
Your Name
Your Position
Company Name
Phone Number / Email
Be Professional
When addressing someone over email, make sure you keep it classy. Don’t say, “Hi Y’all!” or “Howdy.” Instead, use “Dear Mr. / Ms. _________” and be sure to end with “Sincerely.” As time goes on and you become more acquainted with your recipients, you can begin to use less formal introductions and conclusions to your emails. Also, use exclamation points sparingly and brush up on your comma usage. Often times, emails are the first impression you can give someone. Incorrect grammar can be a huge eye sore and make you or your company look unprofessional, so always remember to proofread!
Reply
It’s easy to pretend like the emails don’t exist. But it is very important that you make an effort to reply so that the sender knows not only that you have received his or her message but also that you respect the sender’s time and communication.
Confidentiality Can Be Blurry
It’s important to recognize that once an email is sent, it is out in the world forever. So be concise and accurate in your communications so that your reader does not misread or misinterpret your message. Also, be sensitive to what information you make available over email. Confidentiality can be a tricky line to walk, so be cautious with what you disclose.
Have any other etiquette tips to share? Tweet @StarterNoise using #etiquette101 to let us know.
