Ten Rules for Writing Professional Emails

Being able to write professional emails is very important. Learn the following rules to make a good impression on your future employer.  

ALWAYS include a meaningful heading in the subject line along with a brief outline of what the email body will include.

ALWAYS address the reader in a professional manner. If you are not sure who the reader is you can see the example on how you could address them. You should make it as personal as possible.

Round up the main point of your email in the opening sentence.

Think about what you would like the reader to do next and what actions they need to take.

DO NOT use all capital or all small case unless referring to a known acronym or term that is familiar to the reader.

ALWAYS check your grammar before sending and NEVER use slang/ text speak/colloquiums.

ALWAYS keep language professional. If necessary ask a friend or colleague to proof read before you send the email.

Be concise and polite. ALWAYS remember to use “please” and “thank you”

ALWAYS check for spelling, grammar, punctuation and any careless mistakes

ALWAYS use paragraphs. Ensure that the email is broken up into paragraphs and not written as an essay

Add a signature block at the end of the email to ensure the reader has details on how to contact you.

e.g.

Emma Watson

BSc Sociology and Criminology 2nd year

Student ID: 0600021