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How should I address a female on the cover letter since I don’t know if the person is married? Can I use her given name?

zariea · Posted: Thu May 25, 2006 11:33 am Post subject:

Hi

Well the tradition , Dear Madam has not offended any woman so far. The marrietal status should not be an issue. But if you prefer you can just adress her by her name. Dear Sandra Bullock, for eg. That is still professional too.

Katja144 · Expert Joined: 22 Aug 2005 Posts: 176 Career Advice: +2/-0

There is also "Dear Ms. [her last name]", as "Ms." does not imply either marriage or non-marriage.

sweet_life · Expert Joined: 20 Sep 2006 Posts: 184 Career Advice: +0/-1

I would definitely recommend the formula "Dear Madam"....but you can also use the formula which includes her position in the firm. Like "Dear Hiring Manager". Nevertheless, I'd still use "Dear Madam".
Using her name/last name is not such a great idea, because you might just make a mistake. Keep it as neutral as possible.

Katja144 · Expert Joined: 22 Aug 2005 Posts: 176 Career Advice: +2/-0

Frankly, seeing as I've read so much about employers hating "generic" cover letters, I do everything I can on cover letters to make sure it's obvious that I didn't just copy-and-paste a different letter...which includes using the name of the HR contact if I have it. Writing just "Dear Madam," especially when you KNOW the person's name, seems lazy. As well as sexist, if you wouldn't write just "Dear Sir" for a man.

Besides, at least in the U.S., the term "madam" has some connotations of a woman who runs a whorehouse, and I dunno about you but that's the last thing I would want someone who I hoped to hire me to think I was referring to her as.

Richard · Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2006 5:46 pm Post subject:

Why not just phone the company concerned and ask her secretary how she likes to be addressed? That way there will be no mistakes. It's polite, shows initiative and will be appreciated. All you need to do is ask is "I'm writing to xxxx xxxx and I would appreciate if you could tell me how she likes to be addressed." Simple as that, no need to give away your name unless asked. Be polite and friendly, it will get you noticed. If she receives lots of application letters then she will be used to this enquiry.

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