Thursday, June 26, 2014

Finishing School Short Course - Correspondence

This month we will give quick tips for a polished and professional image in any social or business situation. You don't need finishing school to learn these things - just a few reminders will get you far. Correspondence 1) Email Response - Try to respond within 24 hours. 2) Expressing Gratitude - When you receive a gift or a favor, send a handwrtten thank you note. It only needs to be a few sentences. Completely a a loss, use small stationery and write one sentence - I really appreciate.... Incude a warm greeting and a sign off. Mail the note as soon as you can (2 weeks at latest). 3) Business Thank You - After a job interview, send an immediate email of thanks and mention a note is in the mail. The note is more tactile, visual and emotional so it is worth the time. HR groups may interpret this as a demonstration of strong interpersonal skills. Also send a handwritten note if someone gives you a letter of recommendation. 4) Email Greetings and Sign Offs - I think it is important to have you name and phone and email on any email signature throughout the correspondence. I know it makes some email chains seem longer but it allows people to quickly find your phone number if they want to call you on the matter. Having to look you up is an inconvenience for them. Pay attention to signature boxes - it lets people know how you would like to be called, whether by full name or nickname. 5) Reply All - Click when the group needs addressing, but otherwise spare everyone else on the list. 6) Bcc on Emails - Use bcc only to maintain the privacy of addreses in group email,not as a sneaky one way mirror to conversation. If you want someone else to see what you wrote then forward it to them after it is sent.

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