Email Etiquette for International Professionals

Why Email Etiquette Matters

In international business, email is often your first impression. A well-written email shows professionalism and builds trust.

Key Principles

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1. Clear Subject Lines

Your subject line should tell the recipient exactly what the email is about. Be specific: "Meeting Request: Q3 Budget Review

Thursday 2pm" is better than "Meeting".

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2. Professional Greetings

Formal: "Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]"

Semi-formal: "Dear [First Name]"

For groups: "Dear Team" or "Dear All"

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3. Get to the Point

Busy professionals appreciate brevity. State your purpose in the first paragraph, then provide supporting details.

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4. Clear Call to Action

End with a clear request or next step. "Please confirm by Friday" is clearer than "Let me know what you think."

Templates You Can Use

Requesting Information: "I am writing to inquire about... Could you please provide... I would appreciate receiving this information by [date]."

Following Up: "I am following up on my email from [date] regarding... I would appreciate your response at your earliest convenience."

Conclusion

Good email communication is a skill that improves with practice. Use these guidelines as a starting point, and adapt them to your company's culture.