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If any field uses email to network a lot, it’s information technology.  While IT professionals can count on more casual interactions overall, there’s still some hard and fast rules of etiquette that IT contractors, IT recruiters, and IT managers alike need to listen to.  Here are a few email rules that will help IT consultants and technical recruiters keep their jobs—and maybe get some new IT jobs, too!

1. Don’t get too personal too quickly.  Making introductions without warning, sharing something you’d like feedback on or giving unsolicited feedback, or suggesting a partnership/collaboration without much discussion.  These behaviors are all incredibly off-putting and alienating, so take your time before doing them.  Make sure you have an established relationship and probably a conversation or two that leads up to these actions.
2. Don’t be too pushy.  Asking for a confirmation of receipt, adding return receipts, sending follow-up emails, and calling or following up in person are all too aggressive.  Give adequate time for a response.  If you receive none, let it go if you can.  It’s probably just going to lead to an awkward conversation later if you push it.
3. Do hold off on caps lock, emoticons, and strongly worded messages.  Be as professional as possible and don’t leave room for your recipients to interpret your messages as overly emotional.  It’s just too easy to do without the tone of your voice to accompany it.
4. Do remember that emails are forever.  Somebody can save an email forever and show it to whoever they want.  Word it carefully so this information doesn’t bother you!