It's hard to convey tone in an email, so keep your language especially PG.
"Using profanity in the workplace is never a good idea, and in an email message it can come across even harsher and even more unprofessional," Michael Kerr, an international business speaker and author of "The Humor Advantage" told Business Insider. "Using profanity conveys intellectual laziness or aggressiveness, and it suggests that you sent the email in a moment of anger without taking the time to rationally consider your response."
Kerr said that it's important to phrase all your emails carefully, to avoid sounding accusatory or aggressive.
Never submit job applications using your work email. That's an unnecessarily risky move. Just stick with your personal account.
"Stay clear of any job search related activities on your email," David Lewis, CEO and founder of human resources consulting firm OperationsInc, told Business Insider.
"This is email 101, but people still break this cardinal rule," Kerr said. "Putting any phrase in all caps is the equivalent of shouting."
Some workplaces feature — and even encourage — a casual vibe.
That being said, it's best to err on the side of formality in your emails, especially if you're new to the organization or speaking with clients outside of your institution.
"Signing off with phrases like 'later dude' is totally cool when you're firing off a note to a friend or your son, but signing off a work email with something this casual can make you sound unprofessional, too cutesy, or overly familiar," Kerr said.
Kerr said that it's also important to steer clear of vague language in emails. This includes unclear requests like "can you just make this problem go away?" and jargon-heavy, rambling notes.
"'Can you just make this problem go away?' Sure… I'll fire Bob — that is what you meant isn't it?" Kerr said. "Avoid asking vague questions that end up resulting in confusion or an endless back and forth email exchange. The more specific you can be with any questions or requests, the better."
That being said, you should never let someone go via email. In fact, the same goes for sharing most negative news.
"Never, ever, send jarring or bad news over email. Ever," Kerr said.
Sprinkling your email with hashtags could backfire, in some cases.
"Using a hashtag can get emails sent to junk or spam, depending on the company's IT filters," Résumé Writers' Ink founder and career expert Tina Nicolai told Business Insider.
I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
Colon cancer rates are rising in young people. If you have two symptoms you should get a colonoscopy, a GI oncologist says.
Saudi Arabia wants China to help fund its struggling $500 billion Neom megaproject. Investors may not be too excited.
Catan adds climate change to the latest edition of the world-famous board game
Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
Next Story