Following on from the Miss/Ms/Mrs debate ...

[roisin]

I'm doing a job application, the address for applications is 'Francesca Jones, Sales & Marketing Director'.

My 'formal' training would say I should us 'Ms Bloggs' for the address and salutation. But my instinct (i.e. what I would personally prefer) is for Francesca Jones in the address, and Dear Francesca on the letter.

What do you all think? Votes please!

PS I have no idea as to the age of this person.

Could you not phone and ask what title do you need to use. It's just Dear Francesca may seem a bit informal.
Good luck btw x

I'd go for Ms Jones in the letter in that case. I don't like Ms myself but I think here it fits the bill.

I'd go for Ms too.

I would use Ms

Actually, I'd probably go for Ms Jones for the letter and Francesca Jones for the address since that is what the application asked for.

Ms

ditto Soup

Thank you for your prompt responses. That's pretty unanimous!

I'll blame you all if I don't get an interview

I'm going to go against the grain here - I'd probably do as you originally suggested, given the original address. But then, I work in a very informal industry - what kind of sphere is the job in?

Newspaper publishing Zippy.

Can I just stick a spanner in the works and say that I would address the letter "Dear Francesca Jones" ?

Miaou, only if I can throw in a hammer and a screwdriver as that's what I was just about to suggest

actually - can I throw a spanner in - if the application address is 'informal' I'd stick with their lead. I certainly address it to Francesca Jones but I'd hum and hah a bit of the salutation - maybe Ms Jones but probably Francesca.

bloody hell - there are a lot of spanners about - spooky

I would use her full name in both cases. It annoys me when I give my full name for it to come back as Mrs or Ms.

I've just advertised a post in my team, giving my Christian and surname as contact details. Got an email application with the salutation 'Madame'! Not even 'dear Madame'!
I wouldn't advise that approach... personally I'd be happy with Dear first name or Dear first name last name.

Thanks everyone - just as I was luxuriating in a consensus opinion from mumsnet ... now I'm going to have to make a decision for myself, aren't I?

Whatever you decide, "Dear Francesca" is far too familiar.

Another vote for Dear Ms Jones!