10 e-mail mistakes that could cost your job

1. Emails sent under the influence Had a couple of drinks after work? Save your response till the morning when you’re sure of what you’re saying.

2. Sarcasm and dry wit Email is not a good medium to convey the intricacies of sarcasm, and often it can be taken out of context - with disastrous repercussions.

3. Private matters Always better to separate business and pleasure – and using company resources for personal issues is generally a bad idea.

4. Professional criticisms If it’s a small thing, say it over the phone; otherwise it looks too official and can cause unnecessary worry. If it’s really bad, discuss it in person.

5. Personal remarks and gossip It’s very easy to treat email like water cooler conversation, but these emails always have a tendency to get ‘Forwarded’.

6. Angry responses It’s easy to fire off an angry response without thinking, but not always easy to retract it. Best to put a delay on your email if possible, or wait a day before you respond if you’re really that upset.

7. Bad language Most people just don’t do it, but for the few who do – terrible idea, swearing has no place in work emails.

8. Company or industry secrets This one may well get you sued as well as sacked.

9. Racist/sexist language It’s best to avoid this in your everyday speech, as well as your work emails.

10. Sloppy writing Even if it’s sent from your iPAQ while you’re at the beach, remember that your image is on the line.

Last but not least, if you work in government or other offices of interest to the general public, be extra cautious. A leaked e-mail from Tony Blair’s former press officer, Jo Moore, got her in huge trouble when, on 11th September 2001, she said of the terrorist attack news “it’s now a very good day to get out anything we want to bury. Councillors’ expenses?”.