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Writing emails seems like a no-brainer. You type what you want to say and press send, right? Wrong.
Just like anything else in the business world, there are certain rules of etiquette for everything, even writing a simple email. The difference between getting a response and being tossed in the proverbial slush pile could all hinge on that dangling modifier. So, here are some ways you can look professional to any employer before even meeting them!
It goes without saying that if you want to start on a good foot with employers, you must have a good first impression. Sometimes that first impression can come across in the form of an email address. If your email address is something along the lines of [email protected], you might have a difficult time getting an employer to take you seriously. For professional purposes, always use your real name.
Have you ever noticed that in every email a manager sends there’s always a small footer at the end stating who they are, their position and where they work? That’s called an email stamp. Lauren Holiday, a hiring manager and blogger on Medium, strongly suggests that everyone create one. She recommends WiseStamp, a free website that allows you to design a professional stamp to place at the end of every email. It lets the hiring manager know that you take yourself and the potential job opportunity very seriously.
A lot of the times, when applicants are submitting resumes or cover letters to potential employers, they won’t actually find out who that employer is. For example, many people will address their emails to the company itself or to “Hiring Manager.” Though it’s not always possible to find the name of every hiring manager, it is always good to research and try to find out who that person is. It shows interest in the company and demonstrates your competency. Can’t find it online? Pick up your cell, dial the front desk and ask who’s in charge of that department. Bingo.
There’s a lot of pressure to try to compose a good email that will catch the employers attention and make them want to contact you. Because of this, a lot of emails to employers are just a long, drawn out lists of fluff and babble. Instead of giving the same, repetitive long-winded speech, get straight to the point. Tell them who you are, tell them why you would be a good addition to this company, show that you have done research on the company and leave your information so they can contact you. Pro tip: Brevity is best.
Applying to a public relations company? Then don’t type “pubic.” Your email will be pinned to the corkboard on the company’s wall of lame. The most discrediting mistake, lest it be an egregious mistake, that a person can make is a mistake itself. Grammar gaffes reveal three things: 1) You don’t pay attention to detail 2) You don’t review your work for quality and 3) You might be uneducated. These are qualities that no hiring manager would want in a professional employee. Always have a friend review your email before sending. And read it aloud! You won’t believe how many flubs you’ll find when you hear yourself say it.
