It’s easy to get caught up using shorthand “speak” over e-mail. Be careful who you use it with.

When talking professionally in-person, the chances that you get criticized for grammar or spelling is almost none. However, professional e-mail requires much more attention to be paid towards grammar, spelling, and proper English.

In addition, it’s important to remember to separate personal from professional “speak” within e-mails. When I was looking for a new job, I was e-mailed by a potential employer using shorthand like “u” for “you”, “2″ for “to”, etc. (e.g. “i’d like u 2 get back 2 us asap. thx!”). That’s a huge turn-off for any candidate.

First impressions count, even if it’s just an e-mail.