Whether you’re applying for a job or just trying to get your boss to answer a question, a lot can hang on a simple email. Getting people to open, read, and answer your emails could mean the difference between staying stuck at your boring job with the fluorescent lights and the copy machine and getting hired as a Ruby developer. Or going unnoticed for your hard work and getting a raise. As annoying as it is when people ignore your emails, it goes both ways. How many times have you received an email and let it sit unread in your inbox all afternoon, and then all week, until it finally disappears into the abyss of your inbox?