We write many emails in the course of our jobs (and receive many too!). Here are five ways to ensure yours don’t go ignored. By Pinky Chng

Photo: Antonio Guillem/123rf.com

1. Don’t be boring

It seems like we’re stating the obvious, but it’s surprisingly hard to not be boring when sending work emails. Generate curiosity in your email header. The most beautifully-crafted emails are but for naught if they don’t get opened in the first place. Pique your recipient’s interest – your subject line is your best bet.

2. Don’t send impersonal “cold emails”

Just e-met your recipient? Highlight something you have in common (the more uncommon, the better), or even a mutual contact, and make your email personal – people tend to trust others similar to themselves. Use their names to engage them. People love it – there’s a whole science behind it!

3. Don’t ramble

Brevity is the soul of wit – and effective emails. We live in a 140-character world, so remember: you’re not writing a memoir. Nobody likes reading emails, so go for the lesser evil and make your message as concise as possible.

(Also Read: 3 Weak Words You Should Avoid Using At Work)

4. Don’t be inconclusive

Include a call to action – if you’re asking to meet for coffee, propose a time and date; if you’re asking for a task to get done, include a deadline.

5. Don’t thank people repeatedly.

Thanks for trying to sound polite, but as ironic as it might be, thanking your recipient in every other sentence might end up making you sound actually not that thankful. So avoid this trap. Thanks!

(Also Read: Absolutely Hate Your Job? Here Are Your Options!)

A version of this story first appeared in The Finder.