How to start writing a professional email

Auric · Sep 5, 2012

TridenT said:
I used to do 'Howdy [user],' but then I got shit from one of my many bosses after a couple months of doing it. Apparently he thought it was too uppity or some shit. Everyone in the department knew me as the guy who said Howdy and was cheerful or some shit. (You know, I was refreshing.) Whatever. So now I use Hello and I'm a fucking robot.

In that case, consider switching to "Greetings human," or "Salutations user," (not [user]).

herm0016 · Sep 5, 2012

Mr. butlikr:

The info you asked for, that you could have looked up yourself. Where to find it.

attached is 4 zip files because you dont understand how to access the customer ftp server and both our email systems have not been updated sence clinton was in office.

Thanks.
Herm0016
seinor field prof.
##########

CraigRT · Sep 5, 2012

Their name,

<body>

Attached email signature from Outlook

destrekor · Sep 5, 2012

sourceninja said:
I write all mine as

Name,

This is the point. I don't want to saying anything but my point because I know you are probably like everyone else and don't really want to read my crap and don't honestly give a shit about anything but the point.

Sincerely,
Me.

Very military-styled. BLUF - bottom line up front.

Short, concise, to the point. Then close it out.

I try to keep civilian-directed emails following that same style. I hate having my time wasted, and I suspect other people dislike it as well.

I know, I know - some of y'all may think such a thing would be impossible for the likes of me.

torpid · Sep 5, 2012

Hope this email finds you well = I instantly know the person is not from the US, or at least works for a company not based there. If it is a support email, it would be off-putting to me. I would expect that the communication might veer "off script" and lead to something like the following recent statement from a support person ("Scott") at Dish Network: I "Thank you for your patience. We are facing the technical experience."

I've changed my mind. It seems like it is a good idea to start that way, to set expectations appropriately.

MrColin · Sep 5, 2012

Name, {or Prefix Lastname,}

{expalin relationship to recipient if not obvious}. I'm writing to you {explain purpose}.

details details

Please {comply with purpose restated from above}.

{Thank you|Warm Regards|Respectfully|Your loyal slave},

My Name
contact info

Ns1 · Sep 5, 2012

sourceninja said:
I write all mine as

Name,

This is the point. I don't want to saying anything but my point because I know you are probably like everyone else and don't really want to read my crap and don't honestly give a shit about anything but the point.

Sincerely,
Me.

Basically this, except

Thanks,
Me

alternatively (I hate this but I see it all the time):

Best,
Me

MrColin said:
Name, {or Prefix Lastname,}

{expalin relationship to recipient if not obvious}. I'm writing to you {explain purpose}.

details details

Please {comply with purpose restated from above}.

{Thank you|Warm Regards|Respectfully|Your loyal slave},

My Name
contact info

MikeL DISH · Dec 13, 2012

torpid,

It would be my pleasure to assist you with any concerns you have with the service as I saw your post! I'm sorry to hear that you feel our customer support is rather unhelpful as we always strive to provide the best quality assistance in the industry. If you could private message me with any specifics, I'll enjoy the opportunity to help a bit further!

Ichinisan · Dec 13, 2012

From earlier today:

Sorry to bother you, Mr. Sxxxxxxxxx. We have some numbers crossed between the two TiVo units registered to you and one on another account. Our technician, Dxxx Hxxxxx, was there recently when you had trouble with some channels. These crossed numbers explain the initial problem and the difficulty he had resolving it.

Dxxx read a "Host ID" (X-XXX-XXX-XXX-XXX) from the TiVo's cableCARD info screen. The ID led me to a TiVo on another account. Notes and numbers between these two accounts are mixed such that I can't figure out which is correct without having someone look at the actual TiVo.

For the TiVo that was missing channels, can you find the TiVo Service Number (TSN) and send it to me? It's printed on the back of the TiVo and you can also view it on the screen by going to:
TiVo Central > Settings & Messaages > Account & System Info > System Information

Here are the two we have on your account:
7--------------
7--------------

Here's the one from the other account that was (incorrectly?) noted with that Host ID:
7--------------

Does yours match one of these?

I'll try to call you in a little while.

-Xxxxx Xxxxxx
XxXxxx Tech Support
xxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.com
(000) 000-0000

When you're ready, I can walk you through adding a second account to Mac Mail using IMAP protocol. Since IMAP works directly with messages and folders on the server, the messages you are missing should be visible.

Or, if you prefer, we can use a screen-sharing web site and I will enter the settings for you:
http://join.me/

-Xxxxx Xxxxxx
XxXxxx Tech Support

No one wants BS introductions. No one.

Zee · Dec 14, 2012

i also do the format:

Hello X,

Fuck you

Thank you,
Sig

The other format i find is too curt.

X,

Fuck you.

Sig

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How to start writing a professional email

Auric

Diamond Member

herm0016

Diamond Member

CraigRT

Lifer

destrekor

Lifer

torpid

Lifer

MrColin

Platinum Member

Ns1

No Lifer

MikeL DISH

Member

Ichinisan

Lifer

Zee

Diamond Member

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