17 etiquette rules for emails

e-mails, as in face-to-face conversations, you have to know to keep the forms. Although the laws of communication by e-mail are, for the most part, unwritten rules, this does not make them less valid and it is necessary to abide by them if we do not want to see ourselves in compromising situations.

To put us on the trail of what is and is not appropriate in email communication, the following are the general email etiquette guidelines:

1. Write simple and clear messages.When writing an e-mail, stick to what is important and avoid taking unnecessary detours. The use of short phrases and lists also simplifies the reading of the e-mail by the recipient.
2. Answer all questions and be proactive.In this way, you avoid wasting time sending and forwarding emails to third parties.
3. Respond quickly.It is best to always respond within 24 hours of receiving the e-mail.
4. Use polite formulas.Even if it is an informal e-mail, it is recommended that it always include the words “please” and “thank you”.
5. Do not neglect spelling, grammar and punctuation. The opposite denotes a lack of professionalism.
6. Do not write everything in capital letters.This promotes clarity in reading the message.
7. Do not use special backgrounds, coloured text and emoticons. These elements can be unprofessional for the recipient of the email.
8. Double check recipient addresses and attached documents.In this way, we will avoid regretting later for disseminating information to the wrong recipients.
9. Be as clear as possible in the subject of the message.In this way, the recipient is prevented from ignoring our e-mails.
10. Never send an email when we are angry.Most likely we will regret after what we have written.
11. Do not hide behind an e-mail in case of conflict.If the conflict is very serious, it is necessary to opt for more direct means of communication such as the telephone.
12. The main subject of the email must go in the subject. In this way we will make sure that the receiver of the message does not waste time and immediately knows the topic that you are going to deal with.
13. Use the CC field to make it clear to the recipient that the message is for their information, but not for them to take any action upon receipt.
14. Use the BCC field for large groups of recipients.
15. Use the “reply all”formula only when it is really appropriate.
16. Show caution when sending large files.It is best to check with the recipient in advance how they would like to receive the file.
17. Avoid sarcasm and jokes.E-mail is not always capable of conveying to the recipient the real meaning of this type of humour.