ATT. NE is a shortened form of the word "attention", which is commonly used in e-mails and written communications to indicate the intended recipient. The best way to use ATT. NE in email correspondence is by entering it in the subject field - this makes it clear who the message is for and increases the chances that the email will be read by the correct recipient.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Add ATTENTION to an email
Step 1. Begin the subject line by typing ATT. NE
In some cases, such as with job applications, you may only have the generic email of a company, even though you want to get the attention of a particular person, office, or department. The best way to succeed is by writing in the subject "ATT. NE: Mario Rossi".
Alternatively, if you don't know any specific name, you could write "ATT. NE: Hiring Manager" or "ATT. NE: Marketing Department"
Step 2. Include other relevant information in the subject line
In addition to trying to get the attention of a particular person, or group of people, you should also include some important details related to the content of your email. This will make it more relevant, increasing the likelihood that it will be opened and read quickly.
For example, you could write "ATT. NE: John Smith - Ref.: Content Marking Employment"
Step 3. Begin the body of the email with ATTN when the subject line is full
You can also include a message containing "ATTN" in the body of an email or in an attached document. By doing so, you will still be communicating who the message is intended for and can only use the subject line to indicate the purpose of the email. This may be necessary when, for example, you reply to an email whose subject line has already been created.
- For example, you can start the body of the email by writing "ATT. NE: Giovanni Bianchi".
- You can also choose to insert "ATT. NE" in both the subject line and the body of the email.
Part 2 of 3: Knowing when to Use ATT. NE in emails
Step 1. Use ATTN when you don't have the desired recipient's email address
If you don't know the direct email address of the person or business division you need to contact, you can send an email to the general contact address listed on the company website. After that, in the subject line you should specify, using "ATT. NE", who the message should be addressed to.
Step 2. Include "ATTN. NE" in internal communications
Use this when you are writing a note for internal use that may be relevant to several people within your industry or group, but that specifically requires the direct attention of one or two people. This way you will still be keeping everyone informed, while at the same time giving priority to the recipients to whom the message is addressed directly.
You could write "ATT. NE: Maria Rossi - Ref.: Sales goals", but send the message to the entire sales department
Step 3. Indicate that your email is important by using the abbreviation "ATT. NE"
By writing it in the subject line, you can also indicate that there is something that needs immediate attention. For example, you can write "Pay items require urgent ATTN".
Part 3 of 3: Make sure your emails grab attention
Step 1. Always include a subject line
When sending an email, it is very important to always include a subject line. This is an opportunity for you to make your email stand out while providing some useful details about the content of the email. An email with no subject is more likely to be trashed or lost in the inbox, or it will irritate the recipient by forcing them to open the message to find out what it is.
Step 2. Don't dwell on the subject line
Most mailboxes show as little as 60 characters in the subject line, while typically only 25 to 30 characters will appear on a mobile phone. Therefore, you need to keep the subject line short and write down the most important information first.
Abbreviations, such as "ATT. NE" and "Ref.", Make it easier to include additional information in the subject line
Step 3. Write something that draws attention
Inboxes are often flooded with spam and promotional material; as a result, many people trash emails even before opening them. If you're sending an email to someone you don't know directly, it's important that your message stands out from others. You can grab the recipients' attention by writing a catchy and creative subject line.
- You could write "I don't want anything from you" if you are trying to connect with someone you admire but have never met personally. For example, this person could be your favorite writer or a go-to professional in your industry.
- Alternatively, you could write "Increase profits by expanding your customer base". This could come in handy if you are looking to create new business relationships and want your emails to be opened.
Step 4. Enter the details that matter
It is vital to always include important information about the content of the email. If you are writing an email about a project to a colleague, be sure to include the title of the project in the subject line. This way your colleague will know what it is and, if necessary, can prioritize your message.
- You can also express a concept that conveys the sense of "necessary response". This will likely increase the priority of your email.
- Conversely, writing "Quick question - Ref.: business lunch" is unlikely to attract attention, as it indicates that the answer will be easy.
