Which do on put on written applications when i'm applying for a job?

Question

Hi please can someone tell me, when you are asked to send a written application and cv in to a company for a job. If the managers name is listed to you put Dear then the managers name, or do you put, Dear Sir/Madam, regardless of wheather you know there name or not. I always write Dear Sir/ Madam and i put yours Faithfully at the end, am i doing this right.? Thanks

Answer 1

It really depends upon how you got the name.
If in doubt Sir/Madam is the best way to go.

Answer 2

A cv is what we usually call a resume, unless you're applying for a job as a professor or doctor. Is that what you're asking? Actually, the question doesn't quite make sense. Do you mean you saw a job listed in the newspaper, and it said to include a written application?

Answer 3

Some useful advice: http://www.first-4-recruitment.co.uk/CV-writing.shtml
In particular - and I mention this in a positive way - take note of the advice to check spelling and if unsure get someone to do it for you professionally. You can easily update and modify a cv later if it is basically sound. For example, how many spelling and grammar mistakes do you think are in your question as typed in above?
I can, on a quick count, find 9 errors!
A prospective employer might just see this, so always take care in what you do if you want to be the best............
As a past employer, my pet hates were applicants who could not be bothered to find out anything about my company (just looking for any job, not wanting this job!) and an excess of personal detail unless appropriate to a career - eg 'play football' instead of 'vice captain of local football team, teaching me skills of team management, team playing, the importance of reliability and good timekeeping' - get the idea?
If you get an interview, here are two tips (1) remember it is a two-way process - do you want to work for them, as well as do they want you to work for them? - and (successful interviewees secret this) write afterwards to the person you met, by name (this time 'Dear Mr xxx' and 'yours sincerely' thanking them for their time and saying how you would welcome a further interview if they wish, or that you really would like the role discussed, or something like that. If you were interviewing someone for a job, who would you want, someone who turns up, grunts their way through a half-hour then disappears, or a candidate who asks questions and follows up the talk?

Answer 4

If you have the person's name, I would suggest that you address the letter with a personal salutation; "Dear Manager's Name" and finish with "Yours sincerely".

If you put Sir/Madam, it might imply that you have not read the information you have been provided with, therefore leading to what they could consider as a weaker application.

Good luck with the application and I hope you at least get an interview.

Footnote: You're right about using "Yours faithfully" when you use Sir/Madam. Only use sincerely with a personal name.

Answer 5

If you know the person's name - you should use it, as it shows that you have noticed it! Make sure you end with sincerely, not faithfully in those cases. If the company has used someone elses name - or if the person named on the letter does not actually get to read your reply - that is not your problem. Always use a name if you know it - and if you don't - phone up and get it - it shows pro-activity.

Answer 6

I've been told the following:
Your address and telephone number - top right.
Name of person to whom you were told to write (eg. Stephen Smith) followed by company address - below and on left side.
Gap
Date
Gap
Subject (eg Re: Clerical Assistant)
Gap
Dear Mr Smith

End with Yours sincerely
Signature (in a gap of several lines)
Print name

I was also told that unless it specifies 'handwritten' it is alright to type it.

Answer 7

If you know the name of the person who will be reveiwing your application, then ALWAYS use it as it shows personalisation and that you really care.

When you don't know the persons name, you MUST strive to find it by calling the company and asking.

Dear Sir/ Madam is only to be used in the dire case that you cannot find the persons name. It also indicates lack of resaearch or that its the 100th letter you've sent this week all saying the same. "To whom it may concern" is acctually a better way to word it.

Remember, when you know the name, always "Yours sincerely", but when you don't know the name, "Yours faithfully" (Small f) is the one.

Answer 8

If your potential employers name is known to you, by all means use His/Her formal name it adds depth to your letter, equally you could use Sir/Madam. Neither would disadvantage you.
Broadly speaking Sincerely would be used if you were not familiar
with the person to whom you were writing, Faithfully if you were.
Unless you were applying for a Job as a Proof Reader of course, writing styles vary and there are no cast iron rules.

Answer 9

A cover letter should be pretty in-and-out

Dear Sir/Madam (Whoever It May Concern is also good)

I'm writing to apply for post X. I believe myself an excellent candidate for the job yadadadada. Please consult my CV for further information.

Your Sincerely

[your name]

Answer 10

Dear Angel,
When the name is supplied and you are directed to send the letter to that specific person, then (Dear Mr. Doe,) is completely acceptable. You may consider replacing "Faithfully" with "Sincerely", at the end of the letter/application. Also, check your grammar! (spelling. spacing, punctuation and syntax).
The potential employer puts great value on these things!

Answer 11

of course you are. roll on, sista.... a good way to start off with an application letter is to be all formal(in writing of course, but on job interviews... well.. err... it's up to you to make that impression)...