What does your email sign-off show about you?

If you work in an office, you no doubt use a computer, and if you use a computer, you most likely have to send emails! Email communication can be a mind-field, and we all have our own way of writing emails. Your sign off shows a lot about you, but it can also cause offence! So what does your sign-off say about you, and do you need to change?

1) Thanks, thank you
Saying "thank you" shows you are courteous, thoughtful and polite. However, ending every email in this way may be overdoing it, and depending on the context you may not need a thanks.

Be careful not to use a full-stop after a thanks, as this can come across passive-aggressive, and may not be received well! Try to stick to a comma, or an exclamation mark, to avoid any offence.

2) Cheers

"Cheers" is a casual sign-off which shows you are laid back, comfortable, and confident in communication with people online. This sign-off manages to still be professional, while giving off them impression that you are approachable.

However, this sign-off does not do well if the email is of a serious nature, so you might want to skip it if this is the case.

3) Have a great morning/day/evening/weekend

Although some people may find this insincere, if you add a line like this your emails, you genuinely want the best for people and have a positive outlook on life. The recipient of an email with a line like this is sure to feel positive after reading!

4) Kind regards/regards

These are one of the most common email sign-offs. It's not too formal or laid back, and it exudes confidence.

"Regards" is the more standard form, but some may add "kind" or "warm" on front. These are seen as more formal, so if in doubt stick to "regards" on it's own.

5) x

Unless the recipient is an office romantic interest, or you are very comfortable with your colleagues, you probably won't ending an email with a "kiss". If you do you will be seen as very open and familiar, and unless you have a good relationship with the recipient it may be seen as TOO familiar (and unprofessional).

6) Sincerely

"Sincerely" is a rare sign-off these days, as it's generally reserved for writing a letter. If you do write this on an email, you will be perceived as holding onto an outdated signature style.

7) No sign-off at all! 

This is a very casual way of ending an email. However, you may be seen as respectful and efficient - if you are in a long chain of emails; time-poor; or know the person you are emailing is super busy, leaving the extra line off will save those crucial seconds for both you to write, and the recipient to read.

How do you sign-off your emails? Let us know @office_fruit!