According to 52 percent of job seekers, the most frustrating aspect of the job search is a lack of response from potential employers. Is this your number one frustration? If so, your emails and lack of email etiquette could be part of the problem.

Writing a polite and professional email is essential if you want to increase your chances of getting hired in 2020. Read on for tips that will help you improve your email etiquette and have a successful job search.

Why Does Email Etiquette Matter?

Email etiquette matters a great deal when applying for a job. For almost any position you're applying to, sending emails will likely be part of your day-to-day activities, so it makes sense that hiring managers will want to see how you communicate in writing.

There are lots of other reasons to take email etiquette seriously, though, including the following:

Demonstrate Professionalism

Sending the right kinds of emails allows you to demonstrate your professionalism throughout the job search process. If you can make a great impression right off the bat with your emails, you'll have a better chance of winning over hiring managers and others at the company.

Showcase Your Writing Skills

You can also use a well-written email to demonstrate what a good writer you are, which is especially beneficial if you're applying for a position that requires a high level of written communication skills. By showing that you can express ideas clearly and write without spelling or grammatical errors, you can emphasize just how good a fit you are for the job.

Emphasize Attention to Detail

Your emails can also be an example of your attention to detail. If you send an error-free message, you show that you care about the little things and care about doing good work at all times, even when doing something as simple as sending an email.

Keep in mind that errors can have a severe impact on the way people see you. The results of one study showed that email recipients who received messages with grammatical errors believed that the writer was less intelligent, conscientious, and trustworthy than the writers who sent emails without mistakes.

Stand Out from the Crowd

If you've spent any amount of time reading your friends' Facebook posts and cringing at their grammatical errors, you know that writing is something of a lost art these days. By sending well-written and highly professional emails to interviewers and hiring managers, you can stand out from the crowd.

How to Improve Your Email Etiquette

Now that you understand why email etiquette matters in your job search, you might be wondering what steps you need to take to improve the way you send emails. Remember, there's more to email etiquette than just using proper grammar and spelling.

Here are some essential tips to keep in mind when drafting an email to a potential employer:

Use a Professional Email Address

Proper email etiquette begins with a professional email address. No hiring manager wants to receive an email from "[email protected]”. In general, an email address that is a variation of your first and last name, perhaps with a number or symbol thrown in for differentiation purposes, is the best and most professional option.

Include a Clear Subject Line

Ensure your subject line is clear, never send an email without anything in the subject line, and make sure the subject matches the content of the email.

Keep in mind that some job postings will include instructions about what you should put in the email subject line when sending in your resume or application. Be sure to double-check and follow these instructions, as failing to do so will likely disqualify you automatically.

Begin with a Professional Greeting

A professional email always begins with the right greeting. Some examples include:

• Good morning/afternoon
• Dear [name]
• Hello [name]
• Greetings

If possible, try to learn the name of the person who will be reading your email and include it in your greeting. This information isn't always available but including it can help your email stand out and feel more personal.

Add a Brief Introduction

The person receiving your job search email likely receives hundreds of emails a day. It helps to include a brief introduction at the beginning of the email to help jog their memory and remind them of who you are and why you're reaching out to them.

Keep it Short and Simple

Job search emails, in general, should be short, simple, and to the point. Remember, the person reading your message is likely very busy, and you want to show that you're respectful of their time. Keep your message brief and ensure that all the information you include is relevant.

Avoid Emojis

You would be surprised at how many people think it's appropriate to include emojis in their job search emails. Even if you're applying to work at a more casual business, it's still a good idea to err on the side of caution and keep emojis out of your messages.

Use Exclamation Points Sparingly

Be sure to use exclamation points sparingly. In general, there's usually not a need for exclamation points in professional emails. You don't want the email recipient to feel as though you're shouting at them. They can also cause you to come across as desperate or over-eager, neither of which is a great look when you're applying for a job.

Proofread with Care

Always proofread your emails with care before sending them. Remember, people don't look kindly on grammatical and spelling errors, especially in a professional setting. If you don't trust yourself to catch your own mistakes, ask a friend or family member to read your email before sending it.

Send and Reply Promptly

Don't delay when it comes to sending emails during your job search, especially if you're replying to an email from an interviewer or someone else from the company at which you're trying to get hired. The sooner you respond to emails or submit an application, the more likely it is to be read, and the easier it is for you to make a good impression.

Say Thank You

Be sure to thank the reader for their time when drafting an email during your job search. Whether you're sending a resume or sending a thank you email after an interview, it always pays to go the extra mile and express your gratitude.

Always End with a Signature

Always end your emails with your full name and a professional sign-off. Examples of professional sign-offs include phrases like "Best,” "Regards,” "Thank you,” and "Looking forward to hearing from you.”

Time to Level Up Your Job Search Emails

Email is an essential part of the job search process, and proper email etiquette will take you a long way when it comes to making a great impression and landing a new job. Keep the tips listed above in mind, and you'll have a much easier time sending out well-written, professional emails to your interviewers.

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