Email Etiquette
Communicating via email is the common method of professional communication. When communicating via email, your message may be contained in the body of the email or as attachments. It is vital to know how to write an effective email message that is courteous and professional, especially when communicating with potential employers and other professionals.
Tips for Email Communication to Employers
- Keep it brief. Employers are busy and don’t have time to read a long email from every potential candidate they meet or interview.
- Express gratitude. Thank the employer for their time and to let them know how much you enjoyed your interactions with the organization.
- Personalize. If there was a particular part of the conversation you enjoyed, bring it up. This will assist the employer with remembering the interaction.
- Edit, edit, edit. Errors show a lack of interest and respect to the employer. Take time to read through your email several times and correct all errors.
Thank You Letter
It is standard to send a thank you letter within 24 hours. The letter should be short, but reiterate your interest in the position and detail some specifics about your conversation. You may send this type of letter after meeting someone at a career fair to keep communication going, after an interview, or even after meeting someone informally with whom you would like to stay in contact.