How do you write e-mails to important people?

One · 28 Sep 2011 at 15:28

I need to arrange an interview with a professor to discuss an issue and i want to make a good impression from the get go.

The problem is i haven't a clue how you do e-mails. If i was writing a letter to him i'd know, but what are the standards in e-mail etiquette?

Do i put 'Dear Professor Farnsworth,' or is e-mail simply not that formal regardless of whom you're e-mailing? Do i include initials?

Also how do i end, presumably it will depend on how i start, is it 'Yours Sincerely,'?

It will be our first correspondence so i'm not on first name terms or anything like that.

Vonhelmet · 28 Sep 2011 at 15:29

Darling fascist bully boy...

Judgeneo · 28 Sep 2011 at 15:29

Yo Prof.

when do you want this interview?

Desires.

SiriusB · 28 Sep 2011 at 15:31

Just because it is an email does not mean it should be any different to a letter.

Email is much faster and costs nothing, hence why it has become so informal - but only between people that are acquaintances/friends/peers. For an introductory/first email to someone, I would be as every bit formal as in a letter.

DJMK4 · 28 Sep 2011 at 15:33

Respec

Yo I got dis interview thing with you holla

Jus wanted to check it make sure I am all over it yo

Do you want me in like smart clothes or scruffs?

Shout back

your brother from another muvva

One · 28 Sep 2011 at 15:33

Vonhelmet said:
Darling fascist bully boy...

Did i use the word 'whom' correctly, or should it have been 'who'?

SiriusB said:
Just because it is an email does not mean it should be any different to a letter.

Email is much faster and costs nothing, hence why it has become so informal - but only between people that are acquaintances/friends/peers. For an introductory/first email to someone, I would be as every bit formal as in a letter.

Thanks.

Pixel · 28 Sep 2011 at 15:34

SiriusB said:
Just because it is an email does not mean it should be any different to a letter.

Email is much faster and costs nothing, hence why it has become so informal - but only between people that are acquaintances/friends/peers. For an introductory/first email to someone, I would be as every bit formal as in a letter.

Exactly this.

Maccy · 28 Sep 2011 at 15:34

Whenever I was emailing a lecturer I was very informal in my approach and started with a Hi ... and finished with Cheers

nydryl · 28 Sep 2011 at 15:35

I always use Hi and Cheers.

Jonny69 · 28 Sep 2011 at 15:36

I normally use the same format as a letter. That way you're not likely to offend, especially if it's something you want taking seriously.

Jay794 · 28 Sep 2011 at 15:37

"Dear Sir or Madam" is how I start

Or if you know their first name I would go with "Dear Mr xxxxx"

Unless they are a Dr or something I hardly think they'll care

I always write a closing statement like "Thankyou for your time" or more commonly, "I have included a CV for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you"

Finally, end with yours sincerely,

robgmun · 28 Sep 2011 at 15:47

Jonny69 said:
I normally use the same format as a letter. That way you're not likely to offend, especially if it's something you want taking seriously.

This ^ Write it as if you were writing a letter.

Dunks · 28 Sep 2011 at 15:58

I always start off formally then go from there, depending on the tone from the received reply email

Admiral Huddy · 28 Sep 2011 at 16:00

Vonhelmet said:
Darling fascist bully boy...

haha love it.. Showing your age there fella..

Far too crawly *** lick

start in Dear.. End in Sincerely

antijoke · 28 Sep 2011 at 16:10

I write them just as if I was writing a letter.

I always think they should be no different.

Westyfield2 · 28 Sep 2011 at 16:13

Important?

desires said:
How do you write e-mails to important people?

desires said:
arrange an interview with a professor

Feek · 28 Sep 2011 at 16:14

Vonhelmet said:
Darling fascist bully boy...

Give me some more money, you .....

Love Rik.

Vonhelmet · 28 Sep 2011 at 16:30

desires said:
Did i use the word 'whom' correctly, or should it have been 'who'?

You got it right. Who for subject, whom for object. So - "Who wrote what to whom" would be correct.

Skully · 28 Sep 2011 at 17:22

If I am emailing something or someone important I will write as if by post.

Dear Sir,

Text

Yours faithfully

Dear Mr Smith,

Test

Yours sincerely

One · 28 Sep 2011 at 17:26

After the first e-mail it descended straight to a first name basis so i think i gone done it right

Westyfield2 said:

What's got you confused?

Vonhelmet said:
You got it right. Who for subject, whom for object. So - "Who wrote what to whom" would be correct.

YES! I still don't really understand, I only got it right because it sounded better out loud.

How do you write e-mails to important people?

Man of Honour