Spelling Counts... Grammar Too
Use your spell checker. That's what it's for. Don't rely entirely on the spell checker though. If you're using the wrong spelling for a particular use of a word, i.e. two vs. to vs. too, the spell checker won't pick it up. Don't try to guess the spelling of a word. Look it up. Personally I use Merriam-Webster Online.Good grammar is important. As you can see, I believe in using a conversational tone when writing. It sounds friendlier. Contractions are okay. Slang is not. Under no circumstances should you use offensive language.
Don't Get Too Attached
Attachments -- the bane of my existence. I don't open them unless I know the sender. And even then, I hesitate. As one of my colleagues said recently, "I don't open attachments unless they're from my own mother." To which another colleague responded: "I don't open attachments especially if they're from my mother." Attachments often carry viruses. The sender may not even know they're sending you a virus. As a matter of fact, they may not even know they're sending you an email. There are many viruses that cause your email program to send everyone in your address book an infected file.You can contact the recipient first to ask if it's okay to send an attachment. Then that person will know to expect it. If you're sending a resume, you're best off cutting and pasting it right into the email message itself. While we're on this topic, let me remind you that when sending email, avoid using hypertext markup language, or HTML. Not every email program can interpret it, and what the recipient winds up with is an unreadable mess. Use plain text only. Sorry, you will have to change that beautifully formatted resume into something a little less fancy.
Make a Good First Impression
I love email. It's much less intrusive than a phone call and faster than a letter. It may be your introduction to someone you never met before. Take your time putting together a well-written message. Once you hit the send button you won't have another chance.
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Why Is Etiquette Important?
Manners and Tone
Be Concise and Be Professional
