Non-capitalized topic traces, an improper greeting, using “LOL” or another type of Internet/textual content message slang, emoticons, lack of punctuation, attachments with no content material within the e-mail physique, and mass marketing emails that attempt to be private however fall flat.
OK, I have been responsible of doing all the above a couple of times, however 99.9 % of the time I keep away from making these errors that may lead my colleagues to consider I’m both lazy or simply plain uneducated. While I’ve been working with the identical individuals for greater than a 12 months now, I am nonetheless fairly low on the totem pole and may present my true professionalism at each alternative.
So why do I get emails from colleagues positioned beneath and above me, or from individuals whom I’ve by no means met, that say “Hey – here you go” or “Thanks times a billion gajillion 🙂 🙂 :).” I could also be unsuitable, however the final time I checked “gajillion” wasn’t a phrase. And following using a pretend phrase with a sequence of emoticons is simply embarrassing, for you and me.
I’m beginning to suppose that expertise is making it too simple for us Millenials to neglect we’re certainly working professionals. Just as a result of it’s OK to textual content a good friend saying, “Hey girl, see ya in an hour,” doesn’t imply that’s additionally a great way to remind your shopper that you’ll meet them for espresso later.
Here are a couple of guidelines I take note when sending emails to colleagues:
- Write a subject line that truly pertains to the content material of the e-mail.
- Include a greeting. The reader’s title adopted by a comma is okay and “Hi [reader’s name],” is suitable for a extra pleasant tone.
- Keep the physique content material quick and concise.
- When unsure, use “Thanks, [your name]” or “Best, [your name]” to finish your e-mail. Simply leaving your e-mail signature as a stand-alone log off could be seen as unfriendly.
- Before sending, read the email as if you’d received it. Delete any content material that might be seen as impolite or abrupt, even when that’s not your intent.
- Be conscious if you “reply all”. Does everybody on the chain must learn your response?
- Remember that writing in all-caps is seen as yelling. If your e-mail is necessary, use the high-priority button.
- Never, ever use Internet/textual content slang or an emoticon. It’s like begging for somebody to consider you as an uneducated, technology-consumed Millennial.
What do you suppose? Are my guidelines on level or too strict? If you could have e-mail pet-peeves, tell us!
