be clear!

As Strunk and White have said, "Clarity, clarity, clarity."

Muddiness is not merely a disturber of prose, it is also a destroyer of life, of hope: death on the highway caused by a badly worded road sign, heartbreak among lovers caused by a misplaced phrase in a well-intentioned letter, anguish of a traveller expecting to be met at a railroad station and not being met because of a slipshod telegram.

To this list I would add the missed networking connection or opportunity to prove that you're right for a job because you failed to explain in an email that that's what you're looking for. "Think of the tragedies that are rooted in ambiguity, and be clear!"


Every week I receive an email or two from hopeful applicants looking for a job or an internship at my company. What astounds me is when an applicant fails to simply state that that's what he/she wants. He/she will tell me a little bit about him/herself, and will attach a resumé, but I'll be left wondering whether he/she is interested in an internship, a job or just career advice.


As the author of this blog, I also receive many queries about the magazine industry, with editor wannabes sending bios and resumés my way. But likewise, sometimes I have no idea what they're asking for. Do they want me to make an introduction? Do they think I'm a hiring agency? Do they want me to do a resumé critique? (I don't do this, by the way, so don't ask.) 


Unless you clearly tell me why you're contacting me, I can't help you. And usually I won't be bothered to reply and ask you to clarify. Just like any other hiring manager, HR professional or editor to whom you're sending your resumé, I'm just going to hit Delete.


Do yourself a favour so your email doesn't end up in the trash: be clear!

is it ok to be casual in an email?

As like most editors, much of my interaction with PR people is through email. This can lead to amusing realizations, like the time I attended an event and was introduced to a female rep when I was expecting a guy (she has a typically male name that can also be for a woman). And yesterday afternoon I was struck by how casual my communication has become with people I've never met face-to-face. I'm even guilty of using the dreaded emoticon.

I find I pick up on the cues of whomever I am "conversing" with, and as they become more casual, so do I. With many of my regular contacts, I've developed a friendliness akin to that of long-time real-life friends, and I wonder whether I am sacrificing professionalism for a cordial relationship. Does the medium – email – demand it?