MEMORANDUM
To: Evan Crisp, Student at UBC
From: Ashley Yuan, Member of JJAM writing team
Subject: Best Practices in Writing a Professional Email
Here is a memo detailing some tips on writing an email to professors using the “You” attitude. Using these practices can guarantee a higher chance of responses from professors.
Tips for Writing Emails to Professors
- Focusing on the professor’s benefit and a good reasoning for why you want to be added would lead to more positive responses
- Avoiding pronouns and imperatives when asking for a request frames it as a favor rather than a command
- Expressing appreciation and gratitude towards professors when requesting something lead to more positive responses
- Eliminating typos and slang terms shows the professor that they are respected
- Writing out a subject line will guide professors to the email
- Keeping the format parallel throughout the email (i.e. spacing) will ensure better readability
- Giving professors around 2 to 3 business days to respond shows them that their time is appreciated
Following these tips can ensure that professors read and respond positively to emails. Please email me at this address if you have further questions.
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