6 Elements To Include In A Professional Email Signature
Okay, some of you are probably thinking this is a silly thing to write a whole blog post about. What could be simpler and more straight forward than your email signature?
It’s just your name, right? Well, it can be, or it can be so much more.
Your email signature can convey important information in addition to your name. What you include in your signature can also vary across email accounts depending on the purpose of each account.
I for instance have 11 email addresses with varying uses. (I know it’s a lot and please don’t ask me how many unopened emails I have…). Your email signature for your personal account that you use to sign up for subscriptions is going to be different from the professional account you use for work and even different from your college email.
But why is it important? This is your place to show who you are and convey anything your correspondent may need to know. It is a mini add for you.
And they don’t have to be boring!
Personalize it, if you have branding, include that in the formatting and design of your signature. Here are the 6 main elements you should include in any professional email signature.
Your Name
Now I know this one is pretty obvious, but it’s also necessary. This is how people will know how to address you and spell your name. Use the name you want to be referred to by including any titles.
Your Position/Role/Major
We answered who you are, but what do you do? This is where you want to include your job title or if you’re still a student you would include your major.
Name of Business/University
Who, what, now we need where.
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Other Contact Information (If Needed)
If you/your business have a mailing address and/or phone number you should include that in your signature. You can also include other email addresses to reach you or other members of your team.
Relevant Social Media/Links
Remember what I said about this being a mini ad for you? Well, treat it like one. Pull your potential clients from that email deeper into your world, to your social media, website, blog, etc.
Additional Information
Whether or not you need additional information will vary. Some jobs may require you include special information in every email, or you may do so for your own protection. In the second example below, you will see additional information that is included due to the nature of the potential communications.
Examples:
Simple Website Type:
Madeline Jefferson
Freelance Writer and Content Creator
Simple Student Type:
Madeline Jefferson
3rd Year Marketing Student, University of America
madeline.jefferson@american.edu
Elevated Professional Type:
Rachel L. Bussett (she/her/hers)
CEO at Bussett Legal Group PLLC
Phone: 405-605-8073
Email: Rachel@BussettLegal.com
2201 N. Classen Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73106
www.blglawok.com
Pro tip: Adding your gender pronouns is a great way to show future employers or clients you are someone who respects and appreciated diversity!
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Meet The Writer!
Hi! I’m Madeline Jefferson. I am a freelance writer, editor, and designer who has a wide breadth of experience and knowledge on many subjects including: fiction writing, religion, law, politics, history, literature, chronic illness, and mental health. I have a B.A. in Religion and Middle Eastern Studies from Washington and Lee University. As a freelancer I offer services such as: blog writing, copywriting, ghostwriting, manuscript editing, and print and digital design. You can find me on: LinkedIn; Twitter, Instagram; and on my website: https://www.madelinejefferson.com/.
