Focuses on the training and development needs of admin professionals and features topics such as hard skills (software competencies, writing, communication, filing) and soft skills (teamwork, time management, leadership).
Issue link: https://digital.hrreporter.com/i/824253
7 Administrative Assistant's UPDATE Credit: alexmillos (Shutterstock) Impress others with your email savvy By Joan Binetti Developing good email habits can help you stand out as someone who is organized, pays attention to detail and cares what people receive from you – both in format and tone. Your business associates, friends and family will be appreciative of your email style and be impressed! Subject line: Always include a subject line. This helps the recipient know at a glance what your message relates to. Make sure that the subject line relates to the email you are send- ing and not a previous subject. Language: Use positive, profes- sional and clear language. Write your message in a tone that is upbeat and well written. Do not use all capital letters – this means you are shouting. You don't want one of your messages to be read in the wrong context. The way you write is a refl ection of yourself. Show recipients you care. Address them by name and send them regards at the end. Keep your language clean as well; do not use bad grammar, racial slurs or any bad language. Be proud of your writing. Don't hit the Send button: This one is simple. If your message is not nice, don't hit the send but- ton. Confi dential mes- sages: When it comes to confi dentiality, do not use email. There is no such thing as "confi - dential" in the world of email. Keep your message clean of unnecessary information: If you are forwarding a message, take the time to delete unnecessary informa- tion. The recipient wants to get a clear message from you – not a list of names and other junk that is not related to what is being sent. Signature line: Include your name, phone number and email ad- dress in your signature line. If the re- cipient needs to give you a call about the message, the phone number will be at their fi ngertips. Multiple recipients: When send- ing to multiple recipients, put the names in the BC fi eld. Then the others will not see everyone else's name and email address – unless, of course, you want that information shared with everyone. Please, please, please: Do not request a notifi cation that the email has been received. This is annoying to many people and not seen as profes- sional. Proofread: Take time to pro0fread your message. A message with typos does not make a good impression. Also take time to ensure that your message is being sent to the right person. With the email address auto fi ll-in feature, your message could eas- ily end up going to the wrong person. Take the time to glance over the recipi- ents, the subject line and the message itself before you send it. Finally – if you are angry – wait: An email sent in haste cannot be re- called. "Sleep on it" is my best advice. The next day you may decide not to send the email, but pick up the phone or post a letter instead. Remember, whatever you send by email ends up in cyberspace; you never know who is going to see it and you cannot get it back. Follow these tips and practice developing impressive email hab- its. Your business associates, friends and family will be appreciative and impressed! Joan Binetti is an executive legal assistant with Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP and is a Past District Governor and member of Toastmasters International. joan.binetti@ blakes.com Joan Binetti other stakeholders of the School. Knowing whom I work for guides my decisions, and makes the time and effort worthwhile. In whatever path you forge, to be successful you must fi rst identify your passion. Second, get to know yourself: Know your talents and skills, your val- ues and motivators, and your growth aspirations. Do your research, plan your education and make business connections who can help you along the way. Finally, believe in yourself. Continued from page 6