HEARD IN THE LUNCHROOM

Right Back at You! (You Hope)

Wondering why your boss hasn’t responded to yesterday’s urgent e-mail?  It might be because he or she hasn’t had the time.  Today’s managers typically receive dozens — or even hundreds — of messages each day. In fact, when surveyed by Robert Half International, nearly three-quarters of executives said e-mail is their primary form of communication at work. Here are some tips to make sure yours aren’t perpetually labeled “unread”:

• Keep it short. Don’t bury your main point under a mountain of details. The more succinct your e-mail message, the more likely you’ll receive a prompt reply.
• Use the subject line to your advantage. Avoid generic subject lines.  Instead of “Details” or “Reminder,” try “For approval: Advertising Budget Figures” instead.  A specific subject line is especially important for a time-sensitive message. 
• Include an action step. Unless you request a response, an executive may assume you’re sending the message as an FYI.  Outline the reply you’re seeking and when you need to receive it.
• Keep it simple. It’s easier to respond to one piece of information or action item, so don’t send your manager a laundry list of requests.
• Don’t include confidential information. E-mail is often forwarded, so don’t put sensitive news in your message.  If you have something confidential to share with your manager, do so face to face.
• Proofread.  Check your e-mail carefully for errors.  Typos and other mistakes rarely go unnoticed by the recipient.
• Flag few messages as high priority. Be judicious when designating messages as high priority.  Like the boy who cried wolf, if you overuse this function, it will quickly lose its meaning.

Networking ‘No-Nos’

Networking is an invaluable way to learn of new employment opportunities, but to maximize your results, you must be well versed in the rules of etiquette. Consider the following advice:

• “Name dropping” is a common way to open doors, but it can backfire if you haven’t first cleared it with your mutual contact. 
• There is a time and a place for networking. Weddings and sporting events are great venues for expanding your potential network, but avoid talking shop at these functions. Set up a time to talk at a later date. 
• Avoid putting persistent pressure on people who have agreed to help you. If a friend promises to pass your resume on to the human resources department at her company, don’t badger her about it. Instead, send her a note with your resume attached and let her take it from there. 
• Always thank those who offer you assistance, regardless of whether their efforts are successful.

I Know You From Where?

You’ve just exchanged business cards with a new contact.  What’s your next step? As soon as you get a minute, jot down some information about the person on the back of the card. This will help jog your memory when you come across his or her card again. Information to note might include your contact’s hobbies, professional affiliations and where you met the new acquaintance.

Heard in the Lunchroom^SM is provided by Robert Half, the world’s largest specialized staffing firm and a leading authority on workplace and management trends.  For more information, visit www.rhi.com.