Melissa J asked:
I sent a formal cover letter and resume out last week and had a job interview with the company this week. In the cover letter, I wrote ‘Dear Ms. Smith’. However, at the job interview, she introduced herself as Beckie. Now I want to send a ‘Thank you’ note to her, so that she will remember me during her employment selection. My question is should I start the letter with ‘Dear Ms. Smith’ or ‘Dear Beckie’? I don’t want to seem overly formal since the interview went well and she was friendly but I don’t want to seem too informal either, like she’s a friend I’ve known for years.
I sent a formal cover letter and resume out last week and had a job interview with the company this week. In the cover letter, I wrote ‘Dear Ms. Smith’. However, at the job interview, she introduced herself as Beckie. Now I want to send a ‘Thank you’ note to her, so that she will remember me during her employment selection. My question is should I start the letter with ‘Dear Ms. Smith’ or ‘Dear Beckie’? I don’t want to seem overly formal since the interview went well and she was friendly but I don’t want to seem too informal either, like she’s a friend I’ve known for years.
Thanks for any advice that you may have!
Thank you to all of you. I will go with the majority and stay formal!
stick with Ms. Smith
Comment by Riot — July 28, 2008 @ 6:11 pm
The interview you get the volunteered her first name use it good luck hope you can write dear becky in your thankyou letter most companies are on first name basis anyway and if the interview you get the volunteered her first name use it.
Comment by Emmi — July 31, 2008 @ 10:20 pm
in a business letter you should always use Mr. or Mrs. it’s better to be too formal than informal. It’s a sign of respect to address someone as mr or mrs especially since it is a prospective employer. i would go with mrs.
Comment by ravensgirl — August 2, 2008 @ 8:08 pm
I would stick with Ms. Smith to be safe. It would never be inappropriat but Beckie could be.
Comment by iceemama — August 5, 2008 @ 7:42 pm
Stay with Ms Smith..
Comment by david786 — August 7, 2008 @ 5:16 pm
Stick to Ms. Smith. Keep that respect going till you get the job.
Comment by K.Chick — August 10, 2008 @ 2:02 pm
I agree with everyone else…. Stay with Ms. Smith. very proper etiquette…
Comment by staremwi — August 13, 2008 @ 7:59 am
Stick with “Ms. Smith”. “Dear Beckie” implies a familiarity you have yet to establish.
Comment by surffsav — August 14, 2008 @ 12:44 am