Some think that starting an e-mail with a nice greeting is trivial or unnecessary. Or to include their name and a closing statement is a waste of time. While e-mail is considered informal we still have to be cognizant about how the words we use and how we format them can make a difference in how … [Read more...]
Are You a Chronic “MeMailer”?
MeMail is all about the sender. Their views, their photos, their discretion, their personality. The term MeMail makes note of the narcissism inherent in our e-mail activities. We are just thinking of "Me" and what we want to do at that moment in time. I don't … [Read more...]
Employment E-mails: Dear or No Dear, Colons or Semi-Colons?
A site visitor was curious and pondered: ...after I enter the individual's name what is the best punctuation? I am applying for a lot of jobs online and when I respond to their interest in my resume I am not sure of the correct approach. Sometimes I see "Dear James:." other times I see "James;" … [Read more...]
No Contact Name to Send a Resume to? Now What?
How do you address an e-mail when you do not have a specific person's name? Onliners often run into this dilemma when job hunting and e-mail me asking what to do. Most websites do include an employment or "Careers" section that details exactly what you should do. Read it and follow those … [Read more...]
Your E-mail IS You!
Funny how so many want to trivialize e-mail proper practices. "E-mail is informal (very)", "e-mail is just a tool", "why take e-mail so darned seriously"? Actual quotes in e-mails that have been sent to me. Whenever I kindly correct someone or point out something that they need to be aware of … [Read more...]
Don’t Kid Yourself — Greetings Matter!
Too busy to type a Hello or Hi? Do you think that it isn't necessary to include a brief greeting at the beginning of your e-mails? Then, know that you may be coming off as terse or curt. The little effort it takes to type a "Hey, John!", "Hi, Jane:" or a "Hello, Sally:" can make all the … [Read more...]
Dr., Mr., Ms., Mrs., First Name, Last Name
If you are looking for a job or want to communicate with those you do not know or have not met, how you approach and address them via e-mail can make all the difference in the world on how you will be perceived. What is the proper way to address someone by e-mail? This all depends on your … [Read more...]
Don’t Kid Yourself: E-mail Etiquette = Courtesy
Recently, I've noticed a trend of incoming commentary pushing back against e-mail etiquette. From one-liner e-mails with no greetings: "...e-mail after all is only extended IM." Or, even comments about: "...why take the time to type all this ancillary 'nicey' stuff? Just type what you mean and … [Read more...]