Practice good email etiquette

Service Alert: The Career Centre is moving to the Dahdaleh building! During the transition, in-person services will be impacted. 1-on-1 Appointments with Career Counsellors and Career Educators will only be available virtually from July 28 – August 15, 2025. Bookings can be made on Experience York. We look forward to welcoming you to our new space.

12 Tips for Writing Effective Emails 

Crafting professional and appropriate emails is crucial for making a positive impression. Follow these tips to enhance your email communication: 

  1. Clear Subject Lines: Use specific and informative subject lines to help recipients quickly understand the purpose of your email (e.g., "Request for Volunteer Support for September Event"). 
  2. Appropriate Tone: Address recipients formally unless you know them well and they prefer a less formal approach. 
  3. Introduce Yourself: If the recipient doesn’t know you, briefly explain who you are and how you know them (e.g., “I’m Jane Doe, a project manager at XYZ Corp. We met at the conference last month”). 
  4. Avoid Slang: Use complete words and proper grammar, avoiding text language or acronyms (e.g., use “you” instead of “u”). 
  5. Correct Grammar: Follow traditional spelling, grammar, and punctuation rules to ensure clarity and professionalism. 
  6. Be Concise: Keep your emails brief and focused. Use bullet points or lists for multiple pieces of information to make it easier to read. 
  7. Mind Your Tone: Re-read your email to ensure it conveys the right tone. Avoid sending emails when you’re emotional; take time to review if needed. 
  8. Privacy Considerations: Avoid sharing sensitive or inappropriate content. Emails can be forwarded or mistakenly sent to the wrong person. 
  9. Respond Promptly: Reply promptly when possible. If a delay is expected, inform the recipient and provide an estimated response time. 
  10. Include Previous Emails: If replying to an ongoing conversation, include previous emails to provide context. Start a new thread for unrelated topics. 
  11. Professional Signature: Use a signature that includes your full name, title, and contact information. Include job posting numbers if relevant. 
  12. Politeness Matters: Use “please” and “thank you” when making requests. Always express gratitude for the recipient’s time and consideration. 

Resources: 

Download Email Etiquette Tips 

Contact Us

Virtual, 202 McLaughlin College

The Career Centre offers a hybrid service model for career advising and counselling services.  You are welcome to schedule virtual or in-person appointments. 

Career Lounge Hours:

Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (In-person and Virtual)

Monday Evening Hours: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Virtual Only)

Summer Fridays: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (operating virtually from May to August)