In today’s realm of social distancing, we are relying more now on email than ever before to communicate. A few etiquette tips to remember:
Never forget a subject line – Keep it concise and to the point. You will be able to reference it in the future, and it is the first thing the recipient sees.
Although it may seem out of date – Use Dear “Mr. Smith” especially if you are sending a professional email. But what about Hey, or Hi There! These should only be used if you know the person receiving the email on a friendship level. What about if you do not have a name or title of someone you are reaching out to? Your best bet would be Good Morning/Evening, or even Dear Sir/Madam. Try to remember the following: “It’s always better to be overdressed. You can always take off the pearls or the tie.”
Start with something a little personal – Even something brief like, "I hope this email finds you and your family well." This shows so much politeness on your part, and is a great way to ease into your message.
Remember to Introduce yourself – If this is your first time reaching out to someone, include your name and a little about yourself.
Stay on topic – So important. Be brief but remember to include what you need to discuss.
Conclude with what you are looking for – Use sentences like “I look forward to hearing from you/working with you/setting up a time to meet and discuss.”
Remember the most important words – thank you! – Show your gratitude for them reading your email. A simple thank you goes a long way.
In closing - Your closing is just as important as your opening – make it yours – Sincerely, Yours Truly, Best Wishes, Kindest Regards, Best Regards, etc. Remember to include all your contact information after your name: phone number and email address.
Be sure to proofread – Before pressing send, reread your email and then reread it again to be sure no information is missing and there are no typos.
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