Email & phone manners for work
How to come across as professional in messages and calls — a skill employers really notice.
Writing a work email
Start with a greeting (“Hi Sam,”), say why you're writing in the first line, keep it short, and end politely (“Thanks, Jordan”).
Use a sensible email address — firstname.lastname beats xX_gamer_Xx for job stuff.
Tone
Work messages are friendly but a bit more formal than texting mates. Skip the slang and too many emojis until you know the workplace.
Read it back before you send — does it sound clear and polite?
Answering the phone
If you're calling about a job, say who you are and why you're calling clearly: “Hi, my name's Jordan, I'm calling about the apprenticeship advertised.”
Speak a little slower than feels natural, and have a pen ready to note anything down.
Key points
- Greeting, clear reason, short, polite sign-off.
- Use a professional email address.
- More formal than texting — skip the slang.
- On calls: say who you are and why, speak clearly.
This is a free WorkPathway lesson to build your skills — it's not a regulated or accredited qualification.