At Avenica, we are passionate about our candidates’ professional development. A key part of professional development is your communication within the professional world. When starting a new role, communication begins with your application materials (resume and cover letter). It then progresses into your interview and follow-up communication. It doesn’t end when you land the job though; your professional communication style will stay with you throughout your entire career! We are going to share some tips, from our hiring experts, to make a positive impact on your career communication.
First things first, your tone. There is a time and place for casual loose conversations—writing an email to a hiring manager is not one of them. You are representing yourself and your professional abilities when communicating with hiring managers, which requires a level of professionalism that might not be standard in your day-to-day life. You might typically say “LOL” when forwarding an email to your friend, but this is definitely not something to send over to your potential boss! That being said, injecting your own unique personality can help you establish a genuine connection with your audience. Remember, being professional doesn’t mean being robotic or devoid of personality. It means presenting yourself in a respectful manner while still allowing your individuality to shine through.
Next to consider within your professional communication style, is your salutation and closing. It’s crucial to make a strong and concise first impression, and this is a great way to do so. In the salutation, begin with a formal greeting, such as “Dear [Recipient’s Name].” It’s important to be respectful, polite, and avoid using overly casual language when communicating with a potential professional connection. In the conclusion of the email, express gratitude, offer follow-up if necessary, and provide appropriate contact information. Use a closing, such as “Best regards” or “Sincerely,” followed by your name, title, and any relevant details. By maintaining a professional tone throughout the email and ensuring a thoughtful introduction and conclusion, you show your ability to communicate effectively and leave a positive professional impression on your recipients. By doing this, you’re demonstrating your capabilities to communicate well if you land the role.
In addition to emails, there is email’s trendy hip sister: texting. Texting allows for a more relaxed and informal communication style, but it’s important to remember that the context still calls for a level of professionalism. Keep your language clear, concise, and respectful, using proper grammar and punctuation to convey your message effectively. While you can incorporate a touch of informality, such as using contractions or emojis sparingly, it’s crucial to remain mindful of the appropriateness of the conversation and ensure that your tone aligns with the level of formality expected in your professional relationship. Ultimately, if it’s not a text you’d feel good about your future boss reading, you probably shouldn’t be hitting that send button.
To wrap up our professional communication tips, let’s dive into communication accountability. Communication accountability is crucial in the professional world, as it reflects one’s reliability and respect for others’ time. When it comes to accepting email invites, it’s essential to respond promptly, acknowledging the invitation and confirming your attendance or explaining that you cannot attend. If you cannot attend, respond clearly whether you would like to reschedule or not. This not only shows your professionalism but also helps the organizer make necessary arrangements. Additionally, sending a thank-you message after your interview demonstrates appreciation and is a great way to show your interest in the role. Keep your message specific and sincere, highlighting that you are grateful for their time and your continued interest in the role.
By being proactive, respectful, and considerate in your communication, you demonstrate accountability. In addition, you’ll foster positive professional relationships which are built on trust and reliability. These are traits that hiring managers are looking for in potential candidates!
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