Guide to Email Etiquette

Guide to Email Etiquette

“Dear reader,

thanks for reading, we hope you enjoy
the information you’re getting in our website.

Kthxbye,
How To Adult.”

… is probably not how you want to send out an email. Now, more than ever, email etiquette is crucial in securing that first interview. Here are some things to look out for, to get your dream job.

Email Address

We all have that embarrassing first email address from secondary school (yes, we’re talking about the cutie_pies and skyboii92s). Please never, ever use it to apply for a job. We suggest a simple email address with your full name, to be easily identifiable and remembered. And if your full name is taken, end it off with your year of birth, or just something equally simple.

The Subject

Give them an overview of what your purpose is for emailing them. Keep it clear, concise and professional. Remember to check for typos and AVOID TYPING LIKE THIS – because it’ll most probably end up as spam.

Attachments

There is no way to emphasize this enough, SO REMEMBER TO ATTACH!!! Gmail prompts you if you’ve forgotten, and it would be great if you could find other mail servers that do the same. Your attachment should also include your name and exactly what it is (e.g. Mary_Resume). This is to ensure that it is easily distinguishable from the hundreds of attachments they receive each day. When you attach your resume, remember to attach your cover letter too.

First e-impression

‘Dear XXX’ is probably the way to go for an introductory email. Take cues based off the correspondence after that. Even if you start with a ‘Hi XXX’, remember to keep it professional.

Email Tone

Avoid any slangs, acronyms or emojis – but that doesn’t mean your email has to be boring. The email should have a good balance of respect, professionalism and engagement.

Sign Off

End off strong! Avoid saying things like:

‘thanks :D’ or ‘Get back to me by [date], thanks.’

Thank them for their time to read your email, for their consideration and let them know that you’re keen and waiting patiently for their reply. Sign off with your full name, and you’re done!

It wouldn’t hurt for you to double, or even triple check your emails before sending. Make sure typos and errors are out, and the necessary attachments are in. With these tips in mind, you should be on your way to sending the best emails that would secure you that dream job you’ve always wanted.

Source: gradsingapore
gradsingapore aims to connect students and graduates in Singapore with the right opportunities to make them more productive and successful. Through their multichannel approach, gradsingapore ensures the best candidates through the combination of employment opportunities with expert career advice and tips on how to get hired.