Skip to Main Content

Career Services - Finding a Job: Etiquette and Netiquette

In collaboration with the Augusta University Career Services, this guide helps students find resources on several topics relating to job searching.

Introduction

Etiquette refers to appropriate and polite behavior. Electronic etiquette or "netiquette" refers to appropriate communication through e-mail, instant messaging, and other electronic devices.

Writing Etiquette and Netiquette

  • Use appropriate greetings, such as “Good Morning” and “Good Afternoon.”
    • Always make sure you spell names correctly and include the appropriate title (Dr., Mr., Mrs., Professor) when personalizing e-mails.
  • Introduce yourself when writing to someone for the first time.
  • State your purpose for writing in the beginning.
  • Use proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
    • Do not use abbreviations, acronyms, and creative spelling (i.e. “texting”).
    • Do not use emoticons. 
  • AVOID USING ALL CAPS.
  • Use a “signature” with your contact information.

Screenshot of how to save a signature in Outlook for email messages

Brusco, J.M. (2011). Know your netiquette. AORN Journal, 94(3), 279-286.                                                     http://dx.doi.org/10.1016.j.aorn.2011.07.003

GALILEO Resources

Phone Etiquette

  • Introduce yourself.
  • State the reason for your call.
  • Avoid outside disturbances during the call, such as other incoming calls, eating and drinking, and conversations that may be picked up from the surrounding vicinity.
  • Have a script or notes prepared for what to say to help your mind from “going blank.”
  • Compose a professional outgoing voicemail message that includes your first and last name, an apology for not being able to answer the phone, a polite request for call back details, and a promise that you will respond as soon as possible. 

Vega, L. (2010). The image of success: Make a great impression and land the job you want.                       Retrieved from http://www.ebscohost.com 

GIL-FIND Resources

Click on the following links to access the Library catalog resources on business etiquette and netiquette.