Some e-mail clients let you mark your e-mail as “urgent” or “high-priority.” Generally, you’re better off using a descriptive subject line to get your reader’s attention. An e-mail marked “URGENT” looks loud and pushy. Every now and then, loud and pushy may be exactly what you need. But don’t let yourself get comfortable with sending urgent messages (or crying wolf, for that matter) — it doesn’t look particularly professional.

Be especially careful when you forward an “urgent” e-mail. Your forward will also be marked “urgent,” when it probably isn’t.