Emails to "Boost Your Career"
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Wall Street Journal writers suggest sending emails to someone in your inner circle, an influencer, a VIP, a long-lost contact, and someone leaving the organization. They offer good advice for students to maintain and build relationships; even as interns, thinking about reaching out regularly is a good way to develop this habit in the future. I know someone who starts his day by sending a recognition or complimentary email to someone. It’s a kind of daily gratitude.
Of course, the trouble with these emails is being genuine, offering something without expecting anything in return. The article authors suggest avoiding tired phrases, for example, “Can I pick your bring?” As we teach in our classes, they recommend getting to the main point quickly, being brief, and making a response easy, for example, asking for a 10-minute call.
Underpinning these emails is authenticity: being yourself and sounding conversational to make a genuine connection. Although the authors don’t mention it, many of these contacts can be made on social sites as well.
Related: I asked ChatGPT, “How should I write an email?” and got this response—not bad for the basics!
There are a few key things to keep in mind when writing an email:
Start with a clear subject line: The subject line should clearly and concisely convey the purpose of the email.
Use a professional greeting: Begin your email with a formal greeting, such as "Dear [Name]," or "Hello [Name]," followed by a comma or colon.
Keep it concise: Keep your email brief and to the point. Use bullet points or numbered lists to make it easy to read.
Use a clear and concise writing style: Use simple, straightforward language and avoid using jargon or technical terms that may not be familiar to the reader.
Use proper formatting: Use paragraphs to break up your text and make it easier to read. Use bold or italic text to highlight important points.
Use a professional closing: End your email with a formal closing, such as "Sincerely," followed by your name and contact information.
Proofread your email: Make sure to carefully proofread your email for spelling and grammar errors before sending it.
By following these tips, you can write a clear, professional email that effectively conveys your message.
