Professional e-mails (those going to a professor or to a prospective employer) are different from personal e-mails or text messages in several ways.
- Include a descriptive and detailed subject line for the e-mail. See the following examples:
- Poor: I have a question
- Better: ENG1101 Homework
- Best: ENG1101 Homework due 9/12/2013, Problem 3.5
- Address the person you are e-mailing (e.g., Hello Dr. Smith,).
- Use full sentences.
- Use capitals and punctuation.
- Do not shorten words (i.e., use “you” instead of “u”).
- Spell check the e-mail.
- Sign the e-mail.
- Thank you,
- Your Name
- Your Contact Information