4 Email Etiquette Tips for Job Seekers

Email has become the main form of business communication, and that’s why knowing the proper etiquette for email job search is without a doubt crucial for the success of your career search efforts. Sticking to the basic protocol of email is extremely simple and once you get accustomed to it, it will become second nature to you. But it’s this convenience that can lead to making embarrassing mistakes. Making a major email mistake when applying for jobs can significantly ruin your chances of landing the job you want. Fortunately, email etiquette can be easily learned and once you master it, you can boost your career potential. Here are My Career Success 4 email etiquette tips for job seekers to stop your emails from being ignored.

Proofreading

People who read your emails form perceptions about you as a professional. Typing mistakes give a negative impression about you and sends the wrong message on how you do business. Poor spelling and grammar are similar to you showing up unprepared for an interview. The wrong use of full stops or commas can also change the meaning of the text. Editing software and email programs have built-in spell checkers, so you have no excuse. Make sure that you proof read your emails and possibly pass it on to a second eye to be 100 % sure.

Keep Straight to the Point

Long emails look intimidating and tend to get ignored. Using a sequence of long paragraphs filled with fancy words that add little to the meaning can definitely reduce your chances of getting a quick reply to your emails. Always get to the point of your email as quickly as possible to avoid overwhelming your reader with unnecessary information. This doesn’t mean you should leave out important details; it means that you need to keep your emails short and straight to the point. If you have additional info that you’d like to include such as your CV or a cover letter, attach it as a separate document. Using witty and precise sentences is all you need.

Include a Clear and Direct Subject Line

Your email’s subject line should always be informative, interesting and most importantly, searchable. No matter how well an email is written, if the subject line is not catchy and relevant, then chances are the email will end up in the junk folder. Subject lines should communicate exactly what the email is all about. Always include keywords related to the topic of the email to avoid it landing in the spam folder. If you want to include a number of points, make sure that you add them in numbered bullets to ensure that they all get read. Pick your words wisely and precisely. The best emails say one thing and say it clearly.

Show Enthusiasm

Every job-related email you send out is a reflection of who you are. If you’re truly interested in the job, make sure that your feeling shows with the words you use. Showing enthusiasm doesn’t mean repeating yourself again and again; the recipient may get bored and confused. Focus on the real subject so you don’t waste the time of the reader. Also, always keep a professional tone and avoid writing in capitals as it gives the impression that you are shouting.

In the professional world, people’s perception of you does matter and can hinder your career success if you present yourself the wrong way. There’s nothing easier than sending out a well-written, organized email. So why not take advantage of forming a great first impression before meeting your potential employer. All it takes is some thorough proof reading and you’re good to go.