Email Drab or Fab Part 1: Using Signatures

Take a look at the two email signatures below: 

Thanks, Chris

Thanks,

Which one of these looks like it came from a professional that is excited about his job and wants to work with you, and which one looks like it came from someone that would have rather not sent you an email in the first place?

That question doesn't actually need a response, and chances are if you end your emails like the example on the left, it's not because you don't care, it's because you are busy or just don't think about things like your email signature. The reality is having a strong email signature matters. It's like your digital business card. Not only does it make you look more professional, but it also gives you a chance to share important information with the people with whom you are communicating. 

Here is how to make your own professional email signature for Gmail: 

1. Open a browser 
2. In the address bar go to docs.new (this will open a new Google Doc). 
3. Insert a table (Start with 1 row and 2 columns to start with). 
4. In the left column insert a picture or yourself or a school related logo (remember to keep it professional). 
5. In the right column type the information you want to share. 
6. Change the font style, size, and color to make it look the way you want. 
7. You can add rows or columns as needed to make sure things are spaced the way you want them to be. 
8. Highlight and copy the entire table 
9. Open Gmail
10. Click on the settings icon
11. Click settings
12. Under the General Tab, scroll down until you see Signature: 
13. Paste the table into the box provided. 
14. Click in the box that says "Insert this signatures before quoted text in replies..."
15. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Save Changes 

That's it. Now every time you send an email your signature will be fabulous.

Note: Here is a video of how to set up signatures in Outlook.

Please leave a comment below with what information you like to include in your signatures.