Before You Send Your Next Email...

Before You Send Your Next Email... When you send email messages during your job search- to submit your resume, arrange a networking meeting or to say a thank you, you dont want to make any of these email mistakes. Every email message you send forms an impression. And you want one of those to be that you have strong communication skills. Your messages demonstrate your communication skills. Take immediate steps to eliminate common but preventable email mistakes. 8 Email Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Job Search 1. Use a professional font within your email messages. When you use an unusual or colored font, you may be sending the wrong message. Your outgoing messages should represent your professional image; therefore, consider using a standard font style such as Arial and black font. Individuality is important, however, be selective and aware of how the recipient of your email may interpret your style. What do you think this font style and color convey? 2. Use an email address that is clearly and professionally you The email address you choose to use should not be confusing, too personal or your family account email. Your email address should contain your name, such as johndoe@xmail.com or if you have a common name, consider using your middle initial or some variation of your full name johnathanjdoe@xmail.com or johnathan_j_doe@xmail. Avoid using your birth date, numbers or information that would make your email difficult to recognize. 3. Dont use humor It is difficult to convey humor or sarcasm in writing, therefore, the safest bet is to avoid it. The same is true for LOL or other modern acronyms or abbreviations frequently used in texting. These may get lost in translation and cross the line into “too personal” or familiar. 4. Dont use emoticons in emails Email is not the same as texting. Smiley faces or any other type of symbol used to convey emotion or feelings could be perceived as unprofessional and therefore, avoid using them in all of your job search correspondence. 5. Copy in the appropriate people Be selective when copying other people into your messages. If youre following up on a job posting submitted to human resources, dont copy the companys CEO or others of high rank. Nor should you copy in your mom, dad, career counselor, or others as a way of keeping them up-to-date. The receiver of the email will see these and may wonder why or may even feel threatened in some cases. 6. Wait to send an email if youre angry or frustrated It is best to wait until youre less emotional before sending a message. You may think your tone is neutral or you may even feel it is within your right to be angry, but do not ever send an email that is emotionally charged. 7. Use a professional email signature A professional email signature leaves a lasting and invaluable impression, and setting up one to appear in every message saves you time. Your signature should include your name, primary phone number, and job title, or work youre seeking. Adding your LinkedIn profile URL is certainly a valuable addition as well. Consider how you reference messages sent from your mobile devices too. You may want a slightly different and shorter signature to indicate it is being sent on-the-go. Dont miss out on this opportunity to separate yourself from the pack. You can get instructions on how to set up your email signature block here. 8. Always check spelling and grammar Every study ever published says that spelling and grammar mistakes are a huge turnoff to recruiters. Double and even triple check your emails to prevent careless errors from slipping through. Build a process for reviewing your work before you send it. Even one simple typo can convey you lack attention to detail. Check all your email messages using Grammarly! Read this for more help proofreading your email messages. Be aware and alert of the impression your email messages make. And most importantly, know that first impressions are lasting impressions. Portions of this post appeared on    US News World Report On Careers