Thanks to e-mailing, you don’t have to spend a lot of time talking with your boss or with your colleagues. Using email, you can also do your job at the comforts of your own home. In fact, you can still do your responsibilities even if you are thousands of miles away.

Nevertheless, just because they are e-mails does not really mean you can be very crude or too informal with your approach. It is still essential you should maintain a sense of professionalism.

Here are some tips on how to do it:

1. Do not write in caps lock.
This simply means avoid using capital letters, even if you want to emphasize certain words. If this is the case, the best option will be to set them in italics. Putting the letters in capital usually denotes shouting, which can then be a sign of disrespect.

2. Address the recipient according to his or her preference.
Some people want to be called by their first name, others by their surnames. There are also others who like to have their titles attached to their names. Know how your recipient wants to be addressed. Normally, though, if the recipient is someone who holds a higher position than you, you should attach honorific titles such as “Mr.” or “Ms.”

3. KISS the e-mail (keep it short and simple).
As much as possible, you want to make your e-mail succinct or precise. Most recipients do not really have a lot of time to read everything you will say. If you can, present important points in bullets or list. You can also write them in word processor and attach it, so the recipient can download and read it at the most convenient time.

4. If time is of the essence, let them know it is urgent.
Contrary to popular belief, no one is obliged to answer your e-mail unless you demand one. Hence, if you want to receive a reply especially for urgent matters, say it so. You can add the word “urgent” in your subject line or close the e-mail with “Please reply.”

5. Include a signature.
Signatures are extremely helpful particularly if the recipients are not really familiar of who you are. A signature can contain your full name, designation in the company, and other contact details such as your office extension number, phone numbers, and alternate e-mail address. They can use these pieces of information if they cannot reach you using your main e-mail address.

6. Get rid of too-friendly tones.
Do not use abbreviations such as “ROFL” or text-speak such as “u” instead of “you” or “dat” instead of “that” especially when you’re emailing a superior. These tones are signs you’re getting too personal with your boss.

Be personal and friendly with your email. But you should not overdo this. Maintain a borderline of being an employee and being a friend.

7. Check your grammar and spelling.
This will save you from becoming a laughing stock in your company (it is so easy to forward funny e-mails these days). Correct grammars and spellings in emails also maintain a sense of professionalism.

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