Did you know that fewer grammar errors correlate with more promotions? This is because poor grammar can kill sales, ruin credibility, and send the wrong message about your professionalism. So, if you’re still sending work emails with grammar issues, then you’re making one of the graves work email errors.
And perhaps more than one.
You’ve come to the right place, though. Check out these 5 work email errors to avoid so that you can improve open rates and send the right message — literally and figuratively speaking.
1. Writing an Unclear Email Subject Line
Writing a clear, good subject line for work emails is important. If you have an unclear subject line, such as a one-worder, the email may be marked as spam or the recipient may not even open it. Subject lines should be clear so that the reader knows exactly what the email is about.
To improve open rates, make sure your email subject line is specific, action-focused, and addresses the main point of the email.
2. Email Grammar Mistakes
With all of the free content tools available, such as Grammarly, there is no excuse for poor grammar when writing work emails. An email full of mistakes and grammar issues is lazy and unprofessional, and won’t be received well.
Always read the email over carefully to ensure there aren’t any typos or errors. If you’re not confident about your grammatical skills, install the Grammarly extension which will point out your errors.
3. Not Attaching Files to Emails
We’re all guilty of drafting an email and prematurely hitting send before attaching that very important file or document. What comes next is the awkward and apologetic follow-up email that (hopefully) contains the attachment this time.
An easy way to avoid this error is to attach the file before you start composing the email and always double-check your email to make sure everything is as it should be.
4. Using Slang and Informal Lingo
An email response within your work context should be professional, avoiding improper tone, abbreviations, and informal lingo. Of course, this is all about reading your audience. If you’re emailing a colleague with whom you’ve developed a friendship, then humor and slang may be appropriate.
However, it’s important to know when it’s appropriate to be using informal language and when it isn’t. Don’t take it for granted that everyone understands abbreviations or local vernacular.
5. Abusing the Exclamation Point
You are not an overexcited teenager journalling about an upcoming concert — don’t use exclamation marks as if you are. Too many exclamation marks come off as unprofessional and inexperienced, and it definitely conveys an informal tone.
Of course, it’s perfectly okay to use an exclamation point in a greeting (‘Hope you’re well!’) or a signoff (‘have a great day!’) but you should be wary of going overboard. This is especially important in strongly-worded emails as you want to convey a polite, not forceful, tone.
Are You Making These Work Email Errors?
Are you guilty of making any of these work email errors? We are only human after all! Double-checking your emails and installing a grammar tool extension will assist you in avoiding these mistakes and sending professional work emails. Oh, and go easy on the exclamation points!
Now that you know what to avoid if you want to send the perfect work email perhaps you’re interested in learning some more business-savvy tips? Keep exploring our site for more articles!
