How often has our message been mis-interpreted? We control this. It is our message and if we want it to come across the way we intend, we better make sure it is well thought out.
It seems so basic. Just write what you want to say and it will be taken at face value. Yet, I am sure you have had other experiences.
Seth Godin wrote a post What Sort of Accent Do You Have.
Seth says: "Not only the way you speak—but the way you write and act. More than geography, accents now represent a choice of attitude."
And this reminded me of some of the "accents" job seekers have. Rule number one in writing is to know your audience. To whom are you writing? If you don't know, then how do you know how they will perceive your message?
Here are some easily fixed written communication errors:
1. Use a professional font for your emails. Black preferably.
I am an Accountant with over five years of experience.
What do you think when you see the sentence above? It is corny, juvenile, unprofessional, casual..
2. Your email address is confusing or too personal. This doesn't need to happen today. Your email address should contain your name, nothing else and nobody else's. Some bad examples:
redhotmorgans@xmail.com
bruceandsally@xmail.com
smellybilly@xmail.com
george1948@xmail.com
hunterjohn@xmail.com
3. Don't use humor that might not be evident. "lol" may not reach your audience.
4. Emoticons don't cut it in professional emails.
5. Stay away from politics and religion.
6. Check emotions at the door. Never write something when you are angry or emotionally charged.
7. Check for spelling and grammar before you send it.
Back to Seth Godin's point, what is the attitude you are conveying…do a double check and make sure it is on target!
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.
