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.

[dot1]

Another vote for Dear Ms Jones!

[sansouci]

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

[roisin]

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?

[edam]

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.

[Gem13]

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.

[JoolsToo]

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

[JoolsToo]

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.

[HUNKERMUNKER]

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

[Miaou]

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

[roisin]

Newspaper publishing Zippy.

[zippy539]

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?

[roisin]

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

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

[iota]

ditto Soup

[NomDePlume]

Ms

[SoupDragon]

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.

[iota]

I would use Ms

[SoupDragon]

I'd go for Ms too.

[Lonelymum]

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.

[Blossomhill]

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