E-mail Etiquette

Learning to communicate effectively and concisely is key, especially if you are searching for a job.   Here are a few simple rules to follow when composing and sending business email: 

1. Use concise subject lines. Summarize briefly, don’t describe.  Consider using subject lines that include “Action Required” or “FYI.”
2. Unsubscribe to un-needed mailing lists. 
3. Do not CC people unless they have a vested interest in the topic.
4. Minimize your use of “reply-to-all,” more often than not your response will have a more limited audience.
5. Be careful when sending messages to large distribution lists – think before you hit send.
6. Stop courtesy emails  - for example, do not send “Thanks.”  Just clutters everyone’s email.

Check out the following articles to help you develop, or enhance, your communication skill, especially when sending email.

• Business ~ Technology Etiquette (Emily Post)
• E-mail Etiquette and Other Corporate Communication (Education-Portal.com)
• E-Mail Etiquette:  How Not to Communicate with Your Professor (compliments of California State University, Sacramento)