Tip Tuesday: Emailing Employers

We use emails every day  for everything from turning in assignments to professors to sending funny cat videos to friends.  Email is fast and easy so it's not surprise that is the preferable choice of communication for employers.  What you type in an email can make or break your career--it is oftentimes the very first impression that employers have of you so it is crucial that you make it a good one.  Here are some tips to help you professionally communicate via email:

1. Read e-mail carefully so that you can respond appropriately.
2. Don’t send confidential material by e-mail.
3. Use a subject line that reflects what your message is about.
4. Don’t use abbreviations or text-message jargon (BTW, LOL, or smiley faces, and so forth) in your e-mail.
5. Use a brief greeting as you might in a letter (Dear John, Good morning Mrs. Smith). Include a closing (Sincerely, Yours, Thanks).
6. Use spell check and reread your message before sending.
7. Respond to e-mail promptly.
8. Use typefaces and colors that are appropriate. 
9. If you find you are e-mailing back and forth several times, pick up the phone to settle the issue.
10. If you forward a message, remove the FW from the subject line.
11. Change the subject line if the topic of the e-mail changes.
12. Be careful using “reply all.” Consider whether it is necessary that everyone sees your reply.
13. Do not forward other people’s messages without permission.
14. Watch the tone of your e-mail. Remember, the person receiving the e-mail can’t see your body language.

Reference: National Association of Colleges and Employers