12 Email Etiquette Tips

As a young professional, it is important for your reputation and success to exercise proper email etiquette when emailing employers, recruiters and other professionals. Understand and apply these tips in your next email to a professional.

1. Have a clear subject line. Make it brief, but tell the recipient exactly what the email will be about.
2. Formality. Make sure to address the recipient appropriately and correctly spell their name.
3. Use short sentences. Professionals get hundreds of email per day and have limited time. Get to the point and be effective! Keep the whole email brief and use only a few small paragraphs, if needed.
4. Include relevant details. Skip the fluff, tell them only what they need to know.
5. Proofread, proofread, proofread! Make sure everything is spelled correctly, punctuated correctly and use proper grammar. Make spellcheck automatic before sending.

6. Be objective. Do not offer your opinion unless asked and remain objective to all issues. Avoid any biases.
7. End it politely. Use "Thank you", "Best" or "Sincerely" when ending your note.
8. Avoid caps. You will sound like you are screaming or angry!
9. Use generally accepted fonts. Nothing too fancy or hard to read!
10. Refrain from emoticons or colored fonts or backgrounds. Keep it clean and professional.
11. Beware of "Reply All". Only reply to people who need to receive your response.
12. Be polite, respectful and friendly to a point. Exercise good manners!

Remember, your email is a reflection of you!