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How to address contact person in UK?

Cover letter
New answer on Apr 29, 2021
4 Answers
1.1 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Apr 23, 2021

Hi,
I'm from Germany, but applying for a job in London. How should I address my contact person in the cover letter?

  • Dear Mrs. Smith
  • Dear Mrs. Sarah Smith
  • Dear Sarah
  • Dear Sarah Smith ?

In Germany we would say "Dear Mrs. Smith", but I know that in other countries rules can be less formal. What do you think?

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Ian
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replied on Apr 23, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

In a cover letter I would always err on the more formal side! As such, you should go with Mrs. Smith.

Please please please do not address this person by their first name in a cover letter! (Email is another matter of course)

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Adi
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replied on Apr 23, 2021
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

No need to overthink and keep it relaxed specially if you know the person. People in Consulting are totally cool with first names, specially in UK.

  • Dear John
  • Dear Jane

If you know the person and want to sound a bit more formal, then

  • Dear Mr. Surname
  • Dear Ms. Surname

Otherwise if you dont know the person at all then Dear Hiring Manager or Dear Sir/Madam is good enough.

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Francesco
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replied on Apr 24, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

I agree with Ian, in a cover letter I would go for “Dear Mr/Ms Last Name” and err on the formal side – it is never a problem.

Over the phone, in emails and even in interviews they will probably call you by first name and ask you to do the same – but would personally avoid to be too formal in the cover.

Best,

Francesco

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Raj
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replied on Apr 29, 2021
FREE 15MIN CONSULTATION | #1 Strategy& / OW coach | >70 5* reviews |90% offers ⇨ prep-success.super.site | MENA, DE, UK

I wouldn't stress about this too much especially in the UK it is fine to address people by their first name

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