You’re working on a project that involves collaboration across multiple teams. You’ve spent time crafting the perfect email to the group. You hit send with high hopes, but then days go by without a response.
If it sometimes feels like you’re sending emails into the void, Microsoft Outlook’s @mention feature might be just what you need to help your messages stand out.
The @mention feature allows you to tag a specific person or group in an email to alert them that you are addressing them directly. Emails with @mentions stand out in the recipient’s inbox and direct their attention to the part of the email that involves them.
It’s easy to get started using @mentions in Outlook, whether you’re using webmail, a desktop client or the mobile app:
- In the body of a draft email or meeting invitation, type the “@” symbol followed by the first few letters of the contact’s first or last name. Outlook will offer suggestions from the UW directory.
- Once you’ve selected a contact, their full name will appear highlighted in the message, and their email address will be automatically added to the To: line.
After you send the message, it will appear with an @ symbol label in the recipient’s inbox list, helping draw attention to it among their other messages. Their name will show up highlighted when they open the message, alerting them to what they need to see.
Once you’ve got the basics down, here are some tips to help you use @mentions like a pro:
- You can use this feature to alert a group of people by @mentioning a distribution list, such as an Outlook or Google group.
- If you’re unsure of someone’s name, simply type “@” in the message body, and Outlook will show a list of suggested names. You can then select the person you want to mention from the list.
- If you receive a lot of emails, you can filter your inbox to show only the messages that mention you. From your inbox, select the filter and choose the “Mentions me” option. (Note: Depending on which version of Outlook you’re using, the filter may show up as “Mentioned Mail” or just “Mentioned”).
- If you use the full email list to view your emails, you can add the Mention column to see which messages @mention you at a glance. You can toggle that feature in Outlook’s column settings.
Using @mentions in Outlook can improve communication and ensure the right people see essential messages. Give it a try in your next email.