Put Your Best Email Forward

Email has become the most efficient way to communicate in the real world.  It’s instantaneous, available worldwide, and accessible on a computer, tablet, phone, and watch. However, just because it is efficient doesn’t mean it’s ok for it to look like it took two seconds to type.  There’s still important things to consider as you build professional relationships over email.

 

1. The Exclamation Point.  People want to be liked, and since it’s hard to interpret tone in email, it seems common sense to add an exclamation point so we seem friendly and outgoing- Hi Joe! So good to hear from you! On the other hand, it’s important to remember that you’re building a professional relationship, not a personal/friendly one, so hold back on the “!!!!!” whenever you can.
2. The “They Said WHAT?” Sometimes you will get an email that you don’t want to read. It’s mean, or demanding, or demeaning.  Before you respond, first take a deep breath. Remember from our point above that tone can’t be interpreted solely from words.  Then, respond back with a focus on “we.” “Let’s work together so we can provide the best plan possible for our clients.”
3. The Follow Up. No one ever wants to seem pushy. But sometimes you just have to send a reminder. Keep it short and friendly, and specific. “Hi Sam, I wanted to know if a date had been set for our fundraiser in the spring. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you. I’m looking forward to working with you on this.”

 

Career Contessa has other wonderful, helpful professional email tips.  You can read them here: http://www.careercontessa.com/conversations/quit-the-bad-emailing/  What other email suggestions do you have?

Advertisement

The Email That Goes From Bad To Worse!

The Email That Goes From Bad To Worse!

Our friends at Vault send us great articles every week.  However, when I read this particular case, my jaw hit the floor!  How could an email like this possibly be?  I share this with you, not to shame or ridicule the original writer, but to share some pointers regarding what not to email a potential employer.

 Email is meant to be short and concise.  This is particularly true when you’re following up with potential employers.  Therefore, it’s imperative to make sure your follow-up email to an employer is focused and sent with a formal tone.  If you want the employer to remember you, reference something that you discussed, such as “I was the student who had internship experience with Ernst and Young” or “We talked at length about being a Resident Assistant.”  Never share other interview opportunities, as it may shut you out of any potential openings that the employer would have otherwise shared with you.  As much as possible, refrain from personal needs and anecdotes and focus on career/professional needs.  For example, you can share a personal trait if it pertains to the opportunity: “Having raised goats since I was 3 will be great preparation to work with your veterinary clinic!”  Finally, never use emoticons or abbreviations such as LOL, JK, or YOLO, during your search.  It’s just not professional.

 Vault lists many more things to keep in mind as you write your follow-up email to an employer.  What other things do you think are unprofessional in the email? Do you have any suggestions that we didn’t list?

Avoid That Awkward Initial Email!

Avoid That Awkward Initial Email!

    It’s not uncommon for students today to prefer reaching out via email. After growing up in a technology-based world, it’s so much easier to email their professors or family instead of calling them.   Therefore, it makes sense that, when making an initial contact to make their network bigger, a student would use email. If that is your preferred method of outreach, there are a few things to keep in mind.

    First, it will be a lot less awkward for you if you know you are emailing the right person.  It’s easier to feel comfortable reaching out to someone if you have a connection with them, such as being an alum.  You can use the company website or LinkedIn to do your research. This will yield better results than just sending an email to companyname@company.com.

   Second, don’t be afraid to be tactfully forward in your subject line. Don’t be too abrupt, like “Need advice ASAP!” or ”need  an internship” ) in the subject line. Be specific. “College junior looking for advice for the Fashion field” is perfect.

  Third, be formal. Use their title, and of course their last name, such as “Mr. Feeney” or “Ms. Matthews.”  This will show the recipient your level of maturity and tact.

  Fourth, give a little background information. Let them know about yourself professionally.  Explain to them what your goals are. Ask, kindly, for specific advice. For example, “could you tell me more about what you were looking for when selecting a graduate school,” this is precise and not overwhelming for them to answer.

   And fifth, tell the person you are emailing why you like them!  This shows that you’ve done your research AND that there is something in particular they can offer you.

   To learn more about these suggestions, check out USA Today College at : http://www.usatodayeducate.com/staging/index.php/career/5-tips-for-writing-a-great-networking-e-mail

Importance of a Thank You

Importance of a Thank You

A HUGE thank you to Vault for this article! Although we encourage a hand-written thank you note, an email goes a long way, too! Here are some tips to get you started.