Interestingly, at least to me, I was completely outnumbered in a recent workshop on the subject of whether job hunters should address hiring managers on a first name basis when writing a cover letter — or stick with the more traditional form of address such as “Dear Mr. Smith” or “Dear Ms. Jones.”
My personal opinion is that when you’re writing to a complete stranger whom you’re hoping will hire you, you should play it safe and stick with the more respectful “Mr.” or “Ms.” salutation. My workshop attendees, however, felt that we’d outgrown this convention and that most people would rather have you address them by their first name, instead. And just to clarify, we both agreed that many employers might not care, either way, but that you still had to pick one approach or the other when composing your letter…
Let’s put it to a vote. What do you all think?
April 27, 2009 at 9:36 pm
Great question. I think unless you either have met the hiring manager (or other manager you are sending the cover letter to) or have a previous relationship, you should stick with the “Mr. Youngquist” approach – out of respect. Another good reason for this is some people (myself included) do not go by their first name. If I received a letter addressed to my first name, not the name I go by, I would throw it away without giving it serious consideraton. Likewise if it was someone I had not met and did not know, I would think it a bit presumptive for them to call me by my given name.
April 28, 2009 at 3:37 pm
I believe in first names, particularly because it’s a more comfortable way for me to address others, and I would prefer it if I were a hiring manager.
There’s something that feels old-fashioned and stiffly formal about referring to someone as a “Mr.” or “Ms.”
Addressing someone by their last name also creates an implicit one-down position in the dynamic between the two parties. While the hiring manager deserves respect – there are other ways to impart this (i.e. be prepared, speak articulately, listen attentively, etc.).
April 29, 2009 at 11:37 pm
If the contact is a total stranger, with no intro or discussion with anyone about the person (via mail, phone or otherwise), I would go with Mr. or Ms.