When using email for business, make it more…businesslike. This includes emails to potential employers and networking contacts. Your emails don’t have to be stiff and overly formal, but resist the urge to write in a tone that is too personal.
1) Begin with a salutation (using your reader's title unless you are already on a first name basis) and end with a closing.
2) Use a professional-sounding email address and create a signature block with your full name and contact information.
3) Include a subject line and state your purpose early.
4) Use plain language and be concise.
5) Use standard capitalization, spelling, and punctuation and full sentences.
6) Edit and proofread as carefully as you would a letter.
Sample Email (submitting application materials)
Dear Ms. Jones:
I am a recent graduate of the University of Nebraska College of Law applying for a Litigation Associate position with your firm. I have attached my cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcript to this email. If you have any questions or have any difficulty opening the attachments, please contact me at the phone number or email address below. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Joe Smith
(402) 555-0555
jjsmith685@gmail.com
For additional advice, check out Email Like a Lawyer by Wayne Schiess at http://www1.law.umkc.edu/Academic/LWP/EmailLikeALawyer.pdf