Timing is Everything

We know that many students work on assignments and job applications in the evenings - and especially at this time of year, some of you may even be pulling the occasional all nighter. With that in mind, we’ve noticed a few emails coming in outside of typical business hours and wanted to share a quick tip about how that can sometimes be perceived by employers. An email leaves a lasting impression in more ways than one. The content of your message, the subject, the email you choose to send it from and the time at which you send it, all interact to give the recipient an impression of who you are.

When communicating with a potential future employer or career connection, professionalism comes first! Most businesses operate between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. so emails that come in late at night can signal urgency or last-minute work, even if that’s not actually the case. Employers may associate daytime emails with planning and organization, and middle-of-the-night emails with reactive work.

While these standard business hours may not be your typical student working hours, there are ways that you can make it seem like it is! A simple solution is to schedule send your email during business hours. Most email platforms include a “schedule send” feature that allows you to write your message when it’s convenient for you and then you can schedule it to be delivered the  day during business hours. Small habits like this can help you present yourself as organized and professional as you begin connecting with employers.