In this blog post, we will teach you how to write a professional email. Check these great tips we have listed for you!
Write a professional email
Whether you’re applying for a job, taking on a new project, or another professional opportunity, or just learning a new language, you’ll need to send email correspondence.
Whether it be brief and to the point or detailed with information and documents attached, your email communication will help strengthen your professional network and make you stand out from the crowd.
If you’ve struggled with writing an email before, we get it. You probably have great ideas but struggle to put them into words. This is why we’ve created this article to help you from that first draft until sending your message.
There are many ways to write an effective email depending on the length of your message, who you’re sending it to, and what type of response you want from them.
To make things easier for you, we have outlined 4 simple steps that will assist in creating a professional email.
Know your purpose
Before you write your first email, you must know what you’re trying to achieve. Whether you’re trying to apply for a position, give notification of a change, or interview someone, knowing what your purpose is will help you structure your email and convey it in the right way.
Before you think about drafting your email, write down what you want to achieve through the message. This can be a great way to organize your thoughts and keep you focused on the goal.
For example, if you’re applying for a new job, you’ll want to clearly state your interest in the position and why you’re a good fit. If you’re notifying someone of a change, you want to make sure they are aware of the change and why it happened.
Get to the point
Although you need to make sure you get your point across, you also don’t want to write a novel and lose your reader. To keep your reader engaged, ensure you get to the point concisely and keep your email brief.
You can always provide further details by attaching a document. If you’re applying for a job, include your name, what position you’re applying for, why you’re a good fit for the position, and your availability.
If you’re notifying someone of a change, including the details of the change, the reason it occurred (if possible), and how you plan on fixing the issue.
Provide details or attachments
When communicating with someone in a professional capacity, you want to make sure that you’re providing enough information for them to be comfortable with your message.
Whether you’re applying for a position, reporting a change, or just looking for feedback, the amount of information you provide will depend on the situation. When applying for a position, include any information that helps the hiring manager make an informed decision.
This may include your resume, a list of references, or a list of skills that are relevant to the position. If you’re reporting a change, describe the issue and how you plan on fixing it. If you’re looking for feedback, provide a detailed explanation of what you’re looking for and facts to support your decision.
Conclude with a thank you and request
At the end of your email, thank the person for their time, whether you were interviewing them or they’ve given you feedback. This will show them that you appreciate their time and consideration. Next, request further assistance or what you would like them to do next.
If you’re applying for a position, ask for a follow-up phone call or meeting. If you’ve reported a change, ask if they have any questions or if they require any further information. If you’re looking for feedback, request what you’d like the person to provide.
Finally, if you have sent your email to someone in a higher position than you, you may want to add a sentence thanking them for their time. This will show that you are respectful of their time and consideration.
Bonus Tips
- Keep your email brief and to the point. If you’re writing a formal email, you want your reader to get the message in two to three paragraphs. If it’s a longer message, break it into shorter emails.
- Use proper email etiquette. When someone in a higher position than you emails you, you should respond immediately. You can wait a day or two before responding if it’s a casual conversation.
- When sending an email, it’s always best to send it in the morning or early afternoon. People are more likely to read emails sent before noon instead of after lunch.
- When sending an email that requires a quick response, end it with a request for a response by a certain time. For example, you can put something like, “Please let me know by this Friday if you have time to meet this weekend.”
- If you’re writing an email to someone with a different cultural background, keep in mind that cultural differences can impact email etiquette. For example, it’s common in Asian cultures to end an email by thanking the reader for their attention.
