Email Etiquette: Things to Know Before You Hit “SEND”

by Rita Barreto Craig, SPHR, SHRM-SCPOn November 15, 2016 0 comments
 
On a daily basis, people send “hasty” emails which may not reflect the best representation of their intended message. But before you hit send prematurely, remember these few things in order to communicate your message clearly and professionally:
 
  • Always proofread your email prior to sending, no matter if you are in a hurry.
  • Traditional letter writing skills still apply to emails.
  • Do not use acronyms that some people may not understand, such as OMG, TMI, etc.
  • Keep sentences straight and to the point; not too wordy or lengthy. You are not writing a novel, just an email.
  • Respond within a day of the sender’s message, if not sooner.
  • Never use foul language or slang.
  • Differentiate your subject line when sharing numerous emails with one individual. This can make a particular email easier to locate in the search browser, as well as helping the person to know you have sent a separate email regarding any particular topic.
  • Set your signature line to be consistent across all emails.
  • Don’t use auto-responders, as they can alert spammers that your email is real and they can annoy people who are legitimately trying to reach you.
In short, emails are one of the leading methods of communication, however, many times they can turn off the intended party when they come too frequently, or too brief, or riddled with errors.
 
What’s your email pet peeve?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rita.BarretoCraig's picture
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HR consultant and executive coach Rita Craig is award-winning human resources consultant, keynote and TEDx speaker. This is no surprise when you look at her professional profile; with over 40 years of professional human resources experience, including 23 years as an HR professional for an electric utility company, Rita’s first-hand insights engage, instruct and motivate professionals throughout the U.S. and abroad. Her career experiences, coupled with her upbringing in a household of 14, supply enough anecdotal ammunition to keep audiences and clients entertained and engaged in a way that is all at once disarming and inspirational.

Along with an MBA with a Specialty in Human Resources, Rita’s achievements include being the first ever recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the HR Association of Palm Beach County, numerous recognitions from various HR and civic organizations and two governor’s appointments to serve on Florida state commissions.

Her great love of developing the next generation of leaders inspired her to write Foresight: Finding Your Footing in a Fast-Forward World, and her unique point-of-view is sure to resonate with any person who has ever asked the question, “What’s next?”

Rita is on Twitter at @RitaBarretCraig and on Linkedin. 

www.toptierleadership.com

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