Proper Email Etiquette

A brief word on styles, greetings and closings.

Emails take on a personality of their own. Just as writing in ALL CAPS looks like yelling and wRiTiNg LiKe ThIs looks kiddish, writing in a proper style and choosing the right words say “I’m professional” and that you mean business.

Greetings

When writing professional work emails, do you sometimes wonder what greeting to use? “Hi Jamie!” sounds too eager and “Dear Sir” sounds a bit old fashioned and stiff. If you don’t know the email recipient’s name, your best bet is to call the company directly or find out on their website. If you still can’t find your answer, starting out with “Good morning,” “Good afternoon,” or a plain “Hello,” or “Hi,” on the first line will do.

Closings

If your courtesy closing has two words, such as Warm regards, only capitalize the first word, as it is the proper style. The following list of closing words can be selected based on your own personality and the email content.

*Best
*Best wishes
*Regards
*Kind regards
*Warm regards
*Warmest regards
*Thank you
*Thanks
*Cheers
*My best
*Blessings
*Yours faithfully
*Sincerely

After you’re done, remember to proofread and give the email a proper and easy-to-find subject line.

Best wishes.