Don’t Click Send Yet: Email Etiquette for Pharmacy Students
Hey Broke, I’m supposed to meet you because of this course. Here is my schedule. LMK when ur free.
True Story.
Here’s more truth:
Email-writing-etiquette is a thing.
Emails are not texts.
Too many emails are sent every day.
Emails are still important.
Email burden is a thing.
Emails are a large part of daily communication.
Emails help you to start building your network.
Emails are needed in every school and business.
Emails are a gateway to people you may never have the chance to meet.
Emails that are poorly written may leave a bad impression.
Emails that are well written may help you stand out.
Email-writing-etiquette is a thing. That can be taught. That can be learned.
Before you send your next email, run through this checklist:
Beginning
Start every email with a proper greeting: “Dear” is the gold standard. “HI” or “Hello” is acceptable for college-related emails, but you can never go wrong with “Dear” so why not make it a habit? If you are sending an email to a potential employer, always use “Dear.”
If you’ve never met the receiver in person and don’t yet have permission to use their first name, then always use their last name in the greeting. It may not be obvious which name is their first vs. last. If you are not sure, take the time to look for a reference [LinkedIn, company website].
Use the most appropriate title [“Dr, Mr, Ms”]. If you are not sure, take the time to find out.
Double and triple check that their name is spelled correctly
Middle
The body of the email is the middle part of the letter – and the content of this section will vary depending on WHY you are sending the email. If you are requesting a meeting, show enthusiasm especially if you are asking for a hot commodity (their time). When requesting a meeting, make it as easy as possible for the receiver – provide some optional dates/times in the body of the email [not as an attachment]. Avoid common abbreviations used when texting [“LMK”]. Never include information that you would be embarrassed to read aloud. Spell check and grammar check – always, always, always.
End
Always “sign” your email. You may have an “email signature” that automatically shows up when you send emails. Those are great for housing your complete contact information. Take the extra step to sign your email using your preferred name or nickname, in addition to the automatic signature.
What questions do YOU have about email writing or email etiquette? Comment here or below!