Memos, Netiquette, Email
A
memo is short for memorandum, which
is a written reminder of something
important that has occurred or will occur.
 Memos are used to communicate
information quickly and efficiently within
an organization.
 Memos are not usually for outside of the
organization.
 Memos are addressed to one person, or a
small group of people.
A
memo should be concise and focused.
 The reader should easily be able to
understand what is being asked.
 Memos solve problems either by
providing the reader with new
information such as policy changes or
price changes.
 Most memos communicate basic
information.
 Memos
are a form of internal
communication, which means a signature
and salutation are not needed.
 The sender signs his or her initials nest to
the senders name on the from line.
 The memo is shorter than a formal letter
and usually provides more visual cues
such as bulleted or numerical lists
 Paragraphs are not indented and are
single spaced with extra
 Paragraphs
are not indented and are
single spaced with extra space in
between paragraphs.
 Sometimes memos are sent over email as
“e-memos” to members of an
organization.
 Writing
a properly formatted email can
give the receiver a good first impression.
 Starting off: Let readers know right away
what the message is about. –Title of the
Email
 Keep it short: Emails should be no more
than two screens of information. If it is
make it an attachment.
 How
to send it: Do not overuse the “high
priority” or “important” option.
 For emails to many recipients, use BCC
(blind carbon copy)- Any email in the in
the BCC will not be seen by other
recipients.
 Tone: For most emails you should use a
conversational tone.
 Tone: Emails
written to professionals
should always include proper grammar,
punctuation, and spelling because your
email may be the recipients first
impression of you.
 Do not use acronyms in an email.
 Ending: Let readers know what you
expect from them. If you want them to
respond say so.
 Etiquette
is the proper way of conduct in
a given setting.
 Netiquette (internet etiquette) is the set
of common rules that govern how to send
and receive email properly.
 Be
Polite
 Answer email promptly, especially if the
email is requesting something.
 Keep messages short
 Edit and proofread carefully, especially if
the relationship is strictly professional.
 Avoid long paragraphs- Paragraphs
should be between 2-3 sentences long to
make the email easy to read.
 Keep
signature block (at the bottom of
the message) short. When sending a
business email the signature block
should contain your name, title, phone
number, email, and mailing address. It is
best not to include your favorite song
lyrics or quote of the day.
 Use
CPS email (or other professional
email) for school communication and for
job applications.
 The use of emoticons should be minimal
in a professional email.
 Do not type in all capital letters. It is
considered shouting, and can be difficult
to read.
 Do
not use email to discuss confidential
information
 Only send attachments that are
necessary and pertain to the message
A
personal statement is a statement
about how your personal, familial,
academic, and professional experiences
and background qualify you for a
particular job, scholarship, or collage
program
 The personal statement explains why you
are applying for a particular job,
scholarship, or college program.
 There
are two types of personal
statements.
 General: the topic is relatively open, with
just a few guidelines and you write about
yourself
 Specific: the topic is assigned to you.
• Example: Describe an ethical dilemma you once
faced, assess your oral and written
communication skills.
Answer
all parts of a personal
statement prompt.
The general questions asked for a
personal statement are:
• What is unique about your background or life
story?
• Which details in your story influenced your
growth?
• When did you become interested in this field?
What specific experiences furthered this
interest?
General Questions continued.
• What are your career goals?
• Which personal characteristics or skills would
enhance your prospects for success in the
professional world (or in college)?
 Find
an idea that ties your essay together
 Be positive and upbeat-this is about you
 Be honest- don’t make up information
 Write in first person
 Pick 2-4 main points for a one page single
spaced essay
 A personal statement is not a life story
 Proofread extensively to ensure that your
personal statement is absolutely free of
spelling, grammatical and punctuation
mistakes
 Do
not try to be funny, your humor can be
missed by the selection committee
 Do not use vague, empty terms such as
meaningful, beautiful, challenging,
invaluable, or rewarding.
 When
you edit your statements ask the
following questions
• Are my goals well articulated?
• DO I explain why I selected this school, or
program in particular?
• Do I include interesting details that prove my
claims about myself?
• Is my tone confident?