Gone for the most part are resumes and cover letters dropped into the box at the local post office. Email has become the most commonly used method for applying for jobs and following up with employers. But despite email’s popularity, sometimes job seekers aren’t quite sure how email etiquette should be approached when used in a job search.  Here are a few tips:

1. Since email lacks the tone and expressiveness of face to face communication, it is important to always sprinkle your emails with courteous statements.  For example you may want to open by saying “Good Morning…” and close with a hearty “Thank you for your help…”  Politeness will go a long way in making sure your email doesn’t come off as terse or demanding.
2. Make sure your subject heading accurately reflects the content of your email.  Many recruiters are receiving lots of spam in their email, so including a descriptive, accurate and brief description may decrease the chances of your email landing in the junk folder.
3. Keep your emails formal when interacting with employers and recruiters.  Avoid using emoticons (smiley faces, frown faces etc.) when writing your email.  The use of emoticons may come across as juvenile and unprofessional.
4. Avoid the use of caps and bold typeface because it may be interpreted as shouting.  Shouting is always considered rude and aggressive in emails.
5.  Take the time to respond promptly to emails received from recruiters and employers. Even if you are unable to provide an adequate response immediately respond to tell the sender that you will respond at a later time/date.