Doing a short course atm. Was having a discussion around job applications and cover letters specifically.
We were told not to include any gendered terms, such as Sir/Madam, Mr/Ms, etc, because "In our modern era, you don't know whether the person you are addressing fits into those categories, even if you know their name" and "You should only ever use a first name, to avoid causing offence" (i.e. no "Mr Adams" or "Ms Smith")...
This is insane to me. I know this will obviously vary by country, but for an instructor to pass that off as some sort of "a given", or even like "You should already know that, you goddamn troglodyte" is... Pretty concerning, to me.
First it was "Use my preferred pronouns, bigot", and now it's "All gendered terms of address are offensive and outdated, bigot". In goddamn formal communications.
Madness. We really are at a cultural dead end.
From my experience there are people who don't care if you use the gendered terms and just use their names, however this is after they give you permission to speak casually to them (of course this only applies to times when there is a clear difference in hierarchy) so you should always address them in the most formal way possible until they tell you otherwise.
That said I'm not in America (or any of the other very infected places) so it may differ. Though never use the "Sir/Madam" or "Mr/Ms" style on emails as nothing screams "I put in no effort whatsoever" than an email that starts with "Hello Sir/Madam last name ", basic research on who you're dealing with can go a long way.
Then again I also skipped most HR interactions so far so not the most qualified to speak on what causes those parasites to trash CVs that are sent in
What would you suggest then, instead of, say, “Good Morning Mr X”..? You just mean use their full name, or..?
But yeah, in theory, I definitely agree. This is also in a formal, letter format, so I really don’t agree with what she was telling us (first name only) today. Hence this post.
But as you say, HR, and even getting through so that your fucking résumé is actually read, rather than just disregarded, is such a bullshit game that it’s hard to know what practices each individual company is following these days, lol…
I meant that some people actually put Sir/Madam (as in they don't choose one but put both in the email) which makes it sound like you didn't bother to look up anything about the person and instead cover your ass by putting both.
As for how to start "Good morning Mr X." Is definitely the way I'd go about it. Also, at least around here, some people like to use stuff like Dr when they have a doctorate so if you find that out and start with " Good morning Dr X" you tend to get an even better start.
As a business owner (still small and struggling though) I'd more likely read something that starts with "Good Morning Mr. X" or just " Mr. X" than the ones that start with "Mr/Ms X" that kind of disregard for the actual person I'll only accept from my government (cause I don't have a choice)
Hopefully I can strangle HR in my own business to avoid infestation.
Edit: Also bare in mind that in my language you can tell gender from how the 1st name ends so no reason not choose either Sir or Madam
Oh I see, yes. I understand now, gotcha.
Yeah, that is how I would go about it, too…
Which is, notably, the opposite, essentially, of what she was saying (sort of. You get the idea, at least!)…
Her advice was....retarded to say the least.
Generally for the email you want two major things. Show formality (as it's not only important when dealing with your boss but also with clients) and that you did some research.
All the other stuff (previous experience, your qualifications and so on) should be in the annexed CV.
As for what I'd write....well it's been over a decade since I've done one but something like:
"Good morning Mr. X
I am Z and I am looking for a job as a (insert job title). I've seen that your business handles (insert work they do) and I think I'd be a good fit given (your relevant qualifications, just important bits as your full ones will be in CV).
I hope to hear back a favourable response and thank you for your time"
I'd probably have to correct for translations and cultural differences but generally I'd go with something like that while including things that show I did my research on their business as much as possible
Edit: also if you have an official title for the person you are sending it to that is better than Mr.
Doctor/Director and so forth