Email Etiquette

Email Etiquette

In the computer world an email is the equivalent of a memo in the pre-computer era.

To:      The email address of the person to whom you are sending the email. Some action may be needed.

From: The email account you are sending the email from

CC:    Email addresses of the people who you want to know the information you are sending. No action required.

BCC:  Email addresses of the people who you want to know the information you are sending but you don’t want the other people who are receiving this email to know you are including this person.

When adding multiple email addresses, you must separate them with a semi-colon, or a comma.

Example:

To: [email protected]; [email protected]

Reply & Reply All

When you are replying to an email you have the option to reply or reply all. If you “reply” you are replying to only the sender of the email.

You would choose “reply all” to send your reply to everyone who received the email.

Make sure to proofread your email. This is so important, and many people send emails with spelling mistakes or grammatical errors.

Add a signature. This will let the recipient know how to contact you. It doesn’t have to be anything wild or crazy, just your contact information.

Use bcc if you are emailing several people. Do this so that the email addresses of all the recipients are hidden from the whole group.

Send a quick reply to let the sender know that you have received the email.

Don’t send chain emails.

Be careful of sending an email when you are in an emotional state. You don’t want to say something you will regret later.

When using your company email, be careful of what you send.

Use the subject line for what it’s for. A brief description of what the email is regarding. Even if your message is short, do not put it in the subject line.

When you are going to be out of the office set up an out-of-office notice.

Don’t attempt sarcasm. It is difficult to pick up sarcasm in writing.

DO NOT TYPE IN ALL CAPITALS. This is considered shouting.

Don’t forget to go to Lessons From Lettie for more computer tips.