How to do a professional email format? In today’s business climate, holding a company together has become a Herculean task, requiring strength in nearly every sense of the word. Once any kind of company is up and running, though, there is one thing that will especially help it keep going strong. The open flow of information. Communication could be considered the linchpin of industry.
A linchpin is a metal pin used on the wheel of a horse-drawn carriage. The pin goes through the center of the wheel, and into the axle. The linchpin prevents the wheel from coming loose or falling off. By doing this, it makes sure the carriage keeps moving and reaches its goal.
Communication is Modern Industry’s “Linchpin”
In the same way that a wheel linchpin keeps a wagon’s wheels turning, and the cart moving, communication keeps a company’s “wheels” turning and keeps the company moving.
A business might have the will to communicate but that plainly wouldn’t be enough. We can have the will talk to someone several thousand miles away, but without the aid of a device of some kind, it just isn’t going to happen. We can’t very well stand outside yelling in Texas and expect friends to hear us in Oregon. Not unless somebody from the news catches us doing it, anyway.
For this reason, email has become a staple for business. Communication may be what helps companies accomplish their goals, but email makes communication possible. Email is so inexpensive, quick, and accessible that it has become the primary way companies disseminate information, share data, and basically keep in touch. As a result, what was once the second option in many firms has now become a business matter mainstay. It is now very important for each person to learn how to format emails. So here is—
How to Do A Professional Email Format
The one question that could change everything—Ask yourself this first
There is a format for professional emails. There are Do’s and Don’ts and other things to remember. But a lot of how a professional email should be formatted can be put under one heading—
Think about Your Audience
- Is the person a supervisor or someone you want to work for? Keep the opening formal. No “Hey, How ya doin’?”
- Are they likely to be busy? Put in a clear, concise subject line. Also, don’t be too wordy in the letter.
- Are others likely to see the letter?
Professional Email Format Guideline
Ask Yourself: What is My Goal?
Before you begin, ask yourself—what do I want to happen? Do I want the person to whom I am writing to do something? If so, what do I want them to do?
An example: You have included a page of information with your email. You are writing to Mr. Brown. Tell Mr. Brown why you are sending the information. Tell him you need to have him look over the information because—(give a reason). Ask him to tell you his response and give him guidelines so he knows what you want to know. Give a date window when you would like to have Mr. Brown’s answer.
Keep it Compact
Get down what you want to say, then go back over your letter and take out what doesn’t need to be there. A long, wordy letter can make a busy person feel they just don’t have the time or energy to read it. Make sure you don’t ramble.
Check Your Email Manners
There is a certain type of etiquette that has developed with professional email. Before sending, make sure you are following it.
- Don’t send a professional email to someone on their day off unless it is an emergency.
- Don’t send a professional email to someone after their workday has ended unless it is an emergency.
- Be polite in your email. “Please” “Thank you” “You’re welcome” and whatever other courtesies may come up.
- Use proper and appropriate greetings and closings.
Remember, Think About the Person You are Sending the Email Format to
Who are they? How much authority do they have? Have you met before?
Proofread
Typographical and grammatical errors send a negative message right off the bat. Don’t let them get past you. If your spelling or grammar isn’t as good as you would like, ask a friend to read it for you. There are also free online grammar assists.
Remember: Follow Up
Many business people find hundreds of items in their email inbox every day. If you haven’t received an answer within a couple of days, the person might have missed your email or forgotten about it. Think about whether this is a situation that merits sending a reminder email. Just be sure to keep the tone light.
Closings to Your Email
You might be tempted to sign off without a closing. However, imagine being introduced to someone, saying, “Hello!” and introducing yourself. You talk for a couple of minutes with the other person, then turn and walk away. No “Goodbye“. No “Nice to meet you“. A little rude, wouldn’t you say? In the same way, a professional email needs a closing.
Good Choices to Open/Close A Professional Email
Openings
- Dear
- Hello
- Greetings
- I Hope This Email Finds You Well
Closings
- Best
- Sincerely
- Regards
- Kind Regards
- Thank You
- Warm Wishes
- With Gratitude
- Many Thanks
- Respectfully
Example of A Professional Email Format
TO: Mr. Adrian Smith
SUBJECT: House Rental Contract
Dear Mr. Smith,
I am sending this email as a follow up to our phone conversation yesterday, December 13, 2020.
As we agreed, I went by and viewed the property at 2122 S Garden Way. It’s a very nice property. I am still interested in renting it.
I would like to discuss with you:
- The gutters—They need repair. Winter rains will be here soon. When were you planning on having the gutters repaired? I am willing to do it for a short-term reduction in rent.
- The yard is quite large. Do you either provide a mower or is there a landscaper who comes in?
Would you be available to Zoom sometime this week?
Once we have settled these points, I am ready to sign the contract, pay move-in costs, and become your newest tenant!
Thank you for being so helpful.
Regards,
Harold Porter
Email Format Infographic
Email Format: How to Format A Professional Email
Last Updated on April 2, 2021
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