Proper Salutation
This isn't really an interview question, but I have found that posting on this board is the best way to get answers because so many people read it. I was wondering, is it ever OK to address the contact by first name only in a cover letter? The ad only lists the contact's first name (i.e. "e-mail resumes to Susan@XYZCompany.com"). I'm not sure which salutation I should use. I feel strange using "Dear Hiring Manager" when the person's name is right in the ad, but I also don't know if addressing the cover letter to Susan would be too presumptuous. I would like to send the resume tonight, but I'm not ready to actually talk to someone about the position just yet (need to research the company a little more before I'm comfortable talking to someone). I'm worried that if I call reception to find out to whom my resume should be addressed, the receptionist will transfer me to that person and I'll be caught off guard, so I would rather not call if I don't have to. Do you think starting with "Dear Hiring Manager" even though the person's first name is provided will completely ruin my chances?
When an ad directs you to submit resumes to just a first name, there's nothing wrong with using it. They're telling you to do it, and you're following their instructions. However, if you want to look better, you can do some research to find out the person's last name. Sometimes on company website, you can enter the email and get the person's name. Or you can call and ask the last name so you can address it properly. Now if you did call and they happened to transfer you to "Susan," then that would be a good thing because you'd be more than just words on paper, but rather a voice. She could hear how knowledgeable you are, and that would separate you out. Plus, you made the effort to get a hold of her, and that makes you look good as well. You just need to be prepared for the fact that you might actually get to interview if you called, but then again, they could just call you out of the blue. At least this way, you're ready in advance because you made the first move. Which of these options you choose to you is up to you. Either way, there's no harm. Worst case, email everything to Susan and use her first name. You don't know if she's the one doing the hiring or just a go-between collecting resumes for review by somebody else. Either way, they're telling you to send stuff to her, and you're complying. "Dear Susan" is fine since they seem informal enough to just list her first name in the email address. You could determine her last name, but then you get into the whole Ms./Mrs. argument. Chances are at least 50/50 that Susan doesn't have a last name. A hundred years ago when I worked in the recruiter's office (briefly), I discovered that they used made up names as codes to identify which position, which ad, etc. I'd just go with Dear Susan in this case.
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