Most importantly, consider the consequences of sending an emotional e-mail. Never fire off a response without determining how your e-mail will be received and who will be receiving it. After all, e-mail is just another aspect of how you are being judged professionally. Make it work on your behalf.
Quick Tips
–Keep e-mails short and to the point by only including two or three main points.
–Before you hit “reply all†to a group e-mail, think about who actually needs to know your response. If it’s just the sender, then it’s best to respond to only that person.
–The “To†field is where one places the e-mail addresses of those from whom they want a response. The “CC†field is where one places the e-mail addresses of those whom they want to keep informed, but who don’t necessarily need to respond to the e-mail. When doing a mass e-mail, use the “BC†field. Not only will it eliminate having rows of names, but it will also keep the e-mails of all of your recipients private.
—Before sending large attachments, check with the recipient first. A large attachment can fill up your recipient’s e-mail box and cause following e-mails to bounce.
–Your sign off or signature should include your first and last name and all of your contact information including your mailing address.
–Never send confidential information over e-mail. In a business setting an executive may have an assistant checking their e-mail. Your intended recipient may not be the actual viewer. You also run the risk of having your e-mail forwarded.
–When writing your e-mail, put the address in last so as to ensure that you don’t accidentally send the e-mail before it’s ready to go.