English 12 / Unit 8: College and Career Writing
8.5 Professional Email
Notes
Professional emails are clear, polite and brief.
- Subject line: specific ("Question about Summer Internship Application").
- Greeting: "Dear Mr. Chen," or "Hello Ms. Rivera,". Use the person's correct title and name.
- Body: state your purpose in the first line, give necessary details, and make the request or next step clear (with a date if needed). Use short paragraphs.
- Tone: respectful. Avoid slang, all caps and text-speak.
- Closing: "Thank you," or "Sincerely," plus your full name. Proofread before sending, and use reply-all only when everyone needs the message.
Practice
Which subject line is best for emailing a hiring manager?
A specific subject line tells the reader what the email is about.
Which sentence is most professional?
It is polite, clear and respectful.
You email a teacher to ask for a recommendation letter due on March 15. What should be included?
Give needed details and enough time.
Ready for more? Take the Unit 8 test.