We live in a digital world, and online communication has become one of the most important skills needed to be successful. Professional emails, notes, and messages encompass a huge part of the present and the future with constantly growing technologies. This is especially true for teenagers, who are on the cusp of entering the workforce as email is one of the most basic and applicable forms of communication, and success often depends on the strength of an email. Thus, it is crucial that teenagers learn how to write professional emails.
Knowing how to write professional emails can help teenagers prepare for the workforce and make a good impression on potential employers, as many jobs require employees to communicate via email on a daily basis. Employers expect their employees to communicate in a professional manner, and being able to write emails that are clear, concise, and error-free demonstrates that a person has the necessary skills to be successful in the workplace.
In addition to being important for job readiness, writing professional emails can also help teenagers build and maintain relationships. When communicating to build and maintain relationships with teachers, administrators, and other adults, it is important to be respectful and considerate. Writing professional emails is one way to do this, as it shows that the person is taking the time to think about how they communicate.
Here is a basic how-to:
- Use a clear and concise subject line that summarizes the purpose of the email.
- Begin with a polite greeting, such as “Dear [Name],” or “Hello [Name],”
- Clearly state the purpose of the email in the first sentence or two.
- Use professional language and tone throughout the email. Avoid using slang or overly casual language.
- Use bullet points or numbered lists to organize important information, and attempt to avoid colloquialisms for easier readability. Make sure to also divide information into separate paragraphs if and when necessary.
- Use proper grammar and spelling.
- Include a call to action or next steps if necessary.
- End with a polite closing, such as “Thank you,” or “Best regards,” followed by your name and contact information.
- Use a professional email signature that also states further contact information.
- Finally, proofread the email before sending it.
Being able to write clear and effective emails is an important skill that will be useful throughout a person’s life. Whether it’s communicating with a teacher or professor, reaching out to a potential employer, or networking with professional contacts, the ability to write professional emails is a valuable tool.