When applying for a job and you don't know if the person is a miss, mrs or ms would you just address it to Dear 'first name'?

[littlemissbossy]

or would that be too familar? Opinions please ladies
TIA

[southeastastra]

as long as you know it's not a mr i would go for ms

[littlemissbossy]

familiar

[VoldemortrepentsandmarriesLuna]

ms (as long as they are definately female ).

Just 'first name' can be seen by some as over familiar.

[flowerybeanbag]

Too familiar. Ring the company and ask receptionist or secretary, or if you can't find out put Ms.

good luck!

[BonyM]

Agree with southeastastra - Ms is the safest bet.

[fawkeoff]

i always put madame/sir

[mosschops30]

I always do dear sir/madam

[flowerybeanbag]

I would say definitely don't put sir/madam if you do have a surname - it looks like you haven't paid attention to application details.

[MadEyeMacdog]

Ms if you know the surname or Sir/Madam if not

[littlemissbossy]

I know I probably look lazy and I would call but I'm sending out a general letter with CV to loads of different companies... I am so desperate for a new job, I can't bear it here any longer
I think I'll play it safe and go with Ms. Thanks ladies

[Kewcumber]

agree with MadEyeMacdog - Ms if you know surname, madam if not

[Kewcumber]

oh god absolutely wouldn;t put first name on a covering letter to CV. Would put me right off as an employer

[mummymagic]

Going to go against the grain here but IMO if they have only given you full name and not 'Mr/Mrs/Ms Whatever' then I would write that. I think most of my covering letters have been addressed 'Dear [Full Name]' actually (envelope addressed to Mr/Ms etc.)

Maybe it depends on the industry (am in teaching/theatre/drama jobs) but I have always been offered an interview following applications

(PS I really wouldn't do the blanket covering letter thing. Write a relevant letter for each job. It will be worth it when you get the interviews.)

[Lolly68]

I would address it "Dear Sir/Madam".