Professional Email Etiquette when contacting potential supervisors

Striking the right tone while writing to potential supervisors is critical.

Here are some general tips. 

• Avoid all caps, multiple exclamation points, overuse of bold, underline, italics, etc. 
• Use a respectful tone.
• Be short and concise. Break up blocks of text into shorter paragraphs or bullets. 
• Salutations and closings should be professional.
  • Open with Dear Professor Smith
  • Sign off with Best wishes, etc.
  • Avoid use of first names or informal adress unless they indicate a comfort with it.
• Proofread! 
• Attach a CV, unofficial transcript and letter of interest for their lab. Do not re-use the same message for multiple supervisors - tailor each comunication for their specific lab.
• Read their website carefully and be sure to provide specific material requested. Pay attention to any information on active projects.
• Don't cut and paste descriptions of research from their website - write about how YOU are interested in participating. You may not get to work on that specific topic, but it shows an ability to think behond repeating what you read on the website. 
• Personal statements: Focus on your research interests. Students often want to write about why they are interested in studying Psychology in general, or life experience that has lead them down this path. This is important, but is not the best use of your research statement. Potential supervisors want to see what research questions you have, and what you may want to discover. This is your chance to wow potential supervisors with your writing, as well as your ability to take on research projects.