MEMORANDUM
To: Evan Crisp, UBC Student, <bahaguy5454@hotmail.com>
From: Corbyn Kwan, ENGL 301 Student, <corbynkwan@gmail.com>
Date: March 24, 2023
Subject: Best Practices for Writing an Email to a Professor
Dear Evan,
As requested, below is a list of best practices for writing an e-mail to a professor.
- The email address – Using a school e-mail address if possible is seen as professional
- Professional tone – Avoid improper words or phrases such as “squeeze”, and “asap” as it makes the e-mail sound unprofessional. Instead, use proper words such as “accommodate” and “promptly” to sound professional.
- Salutations – Addressing the professor should contain their name (Professor Lambert). Addressing yourself should contain your name too instead of your initials, and a professional salutation such as “Sincerely”.
- Proper spacing – Avoid the extra space between the 2nd and 3rd lines of your email.
- The professor’s perspective – Think of how the professor views the request, and try to write the email to benefit their perspective.
- Pronouns – Avoid pronouns to sound have a more professional and personally attacking tone.
- Subject title – A clear subject title will allow the professor to know the email’s urgency and subject.
Writing an email to a professor is a challenging skill. Hopefully, these tips can assist you to convey your message more effectively. If you have any inquiries at all, feel free to e-mail me at corbynkwan@gmail.com
Sincerely,
Corbyn
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