By Gabrielle Smith
It is important to learn how to send a well-written email, whether it is to your professor or a fellow classmate. Acquiring the skills needed to compose a good email will eventually benefit anyone, even after college.
1. Always use a school email
This applies to when you are trying to contact your professor concerning a homework assignment or a general question about a class. A professor will likely not even acknowledge an email from a student, if sent from a personal email address. Once you have graduated college and start searching for a job, it is a good idea to have an email address that is simple and professional.
2. Always use the subject line
When writing an email, it is important that you include a subject for the email. Make sure that the subject is clear. If the subject includes the general message of what the email is going to discuss, that should be fine. When emailing a professor, you will want to include the course number or name in the subject. This will make it easier on the professor when trying to answer a question.
3. Always double check the message for mistakes
Make sure to reread the email for errors before pressing send. Double check that you have used proper grammar and included “Dr.” when addressing a professor who holds such title. Also, it is important that when writing an email to a professor and even an employer that you convey a clear message. Be aware of the tone used. Make sure that it reflects a good attitude otherwise you have a good chance of annoying your professor who will most likely read the poor attitude as disrespectful.
4. Never hit “reply all”
Under any circumstances do not hit the button that says, “reply all” (unless it can actually benefit the entire class). No one wants to receive a message that does not pertain to them. ALWAYS verify that you are sending a message to the intended person.
