Organizing an email

You may not use email to communicate very often. Many young adults prefer texting or chatting over email, but email is still an important part of the corporate world. You should know how to write a professional email and use email features professionally. Review the following email etiquette you can use to organize your emails.

• Use the To: and CC: fields correctly. Use the To: field to enter the addresses of the most important people who need the message. They are the primary audience. Avoid using the CC: field unless you are required to copy your emails to someone.
• Avoid using the BCC: field. Be open and transparent about whom you are contacting. Using the BCC: field can be perceived as deceptive. It can look like you’re trying to hide something or to “tattle” on someone. The one time you should use the BCC field is when you are sending a message to a list and the list members’ emails should not be made public.
• Write clear, concise Subject lines. Keep subject lines short and as specific as possible. Most email programs can search subject lines, so use keywords or important words in your subject line.
• Say Hello. Always start an email with a salutation. Choose the name or title that is most appropriate based on your relationship with the recipient.
• Don’t be the TLDR person. TLDR means (“too long, didn’t read”). Many people just don’t read long emails. It may not help to use bullets, lists, or boldface fonts if the message is really long. Keep emails short and to the point.
• Include a closing with your name. Use a professional closing for every email, such as “Thank you for your request,” or something similar. Include your name in the closing. 
• Use a standard signature. Use the standard signature approved for employees of your school district. Avoid pithy sayings, philosophical statements, jokes, emojis, animated graphics…anything but what the district says to include.

You will write a clear, organized, professional email as part of your final product.