Hints for Writing a Good Email

DO:

  • Introduce yourself: “Hi, My name is _________.”
  • State your purpose: “I am planning to go to grad school in chemistry and am looking to gain some research experience in a lab before I apply.” OR “I’m thinking about becoming a chemistry major and would really like to get involved with research in the department.”
  • Give some background: “I’m a sophomore chemistry major with an overall GPA of 3.4, and a chemistry GPA of 3.8. I have taken 103/104 and am currently enrolled in 311 and 343.”
    • Discuss topics that show why you will be a good group member and successful researcher
  • Talk about your interests: “I’ve always been interested in polymers and would really like to understand their environmental impact.”
    • Convey your passion and enthusiasm for the research topic
  • List a specific project: “I saw on your website that you were conducting research with biodegradable co-polymers and would love to learn more about this project.”
    • Be sure to give specifics about why you are interested in this topic or would be a good fit for the project
  • Ask if they are taking students: “Thus, I was wondering if you are taking any undergraduate researchers this semester.”
  • Ask to set-up an appointment: “If so, may I set-up an appointment to further discuss your research and this opportunity?”
  • Make sure to say thank you: “Thanks for your time. I look forward to hearing back from you.”
  • Include your resume or CV: Some faculty will want to review this before moving forward to schedule a meeting, so including it will eliminate an additional email.

 Don’t:

  • Refer to faculty by their first name or Mr., Ms. or Mrs.: Everyone you will be contacting has their Ph.D. Refer to them as “Dr. Last Name” or “Professor Last Name“
  • Use Slang or abbreviations: Be professional in your email. This is the first impression the faculty member will have of you, so make sure it is good.

Remember these points are guidelines, you want your own personality and excitement to be present in your email, so arrange them however you see fit and feel free to add information that is particularly relevant to why you want to do research.