Transcript Proper Electronic Communication - Indiana University Bloomington

JOBTALKS
Proper
Electronic
Communication
Indiana University
Kelley School of Business
C. Randall Powell, Ph.D
Proper Electronic
Communication
Professionalize Your E-Mail
Indiana University
Kelley School of Business
Communication is
fundamental to a successful
job search. In essence, the
job search IS all about
effective communication.
ADVANTAGES/AND
DISADVANTAGES




More expedient
No concern for paper quality,
envelopes, postage, etc.
Creates a written record
DOES NOT REVEAL YOUR TONE
OF VOICE!
Keep it Simple and Formal


Electronic communication can be
saved, copied, forwarded, and
printed
Ensure correspondence is
accurate, professional, and does
not contain private information
Strategies


Include your name, address and
telephone number at the end of the
e-mail (create a signature block) so
the employer has more than the
email contact information
Run spell check prior to sending
(correspondence should be as formal
as correspondence you would send
via regular mail).
Strategies


Include your name when saving
documentation you plan to attach to
the email (ex. jsmithresume.doc)
Proofread your message carefully
before sending. The tone of the
message can often be misinterpreted
Do’s




Treat email like any other business
communication: watch your spelling
and grammar as your communication
skills will come through in your email
Read what you write before you send
it
Fill in Subject Line with concise and
informative language
Incorporate paragraphs, as needed
Do’s



Respond promptly to messages, even
if it is to let the sender know you
received the email
Refrain from adding too many
attachments
Scan your correspondence for
viruses before you attach it to your
email
Don’ts


Do not write in all Uppercase or Bold;
this is considered shouting at the
recipient
Do not just rely on electronic
communication; follow ups can be
conducted via telephone or regular
mail
Remember that poorly
prepared electronic
communication conveys
a negative image!
If you would like
to learn more,
Career Planning
Strategies
textbook will
supply additional
information on this
topic.