What is the correct salutation, one letter addressed to 2 people; you only have first initials and last names?

Question

Since the genders are unkown, I believe I would address them in a single letter as "Dear X. Xxxxx and Y. Yyyyyy:" (insert first initial and last name of recipients). Am I right???

In the actual address, which is the same for both, would I just use the same concept (one line for each)?

What is the correct salutation, one letter addressed to 2 people; you only have first initials and last names?
Since the genders are unkown, I believe I would address them in a single letter as "Dear X. Xxxxx and Y. Yyyyyy:" (insert first initial and last name of recipients). Am I right???

In the actual address, which is the same for both, would I just use the same concept (one line for each)?

This is a business letter...Dear Sir/Madam; Dear Sir and/or Madam; won't work as it could be two females, or two males....And since their first initial and last names are present in the address block, To Whom It May Concern doesn't sound right to me either, hence this question! Thanks for everyone's help!

It matters to me that I use the correct format. I very well versed in the English Language. This is for a cover letter to my resume and I'm and Administrative Assistant so it's important that I utilize the proper salutation.

Some people may no longer care, but I still do! Thanks again for everyone's input!

Answer 1

I agree with the "Dear Sirs or Madams" it is rather old style but ought to suffice.
It surely beats "Dear People" or "Dear you Mugs!"
--That Cheeky Lad

Answer 2

only two choices, depending on the formality of the letter you could use:
Dear Sir / madam
or
To whom it may concern.

as i say it depends on the formality of the letter.
i only use english every day, i had a shite education so may be i'm wrong.
and to be honest in this day and age when we have people using slang and dropping letters etc in txt messages on cell phones for example, i do not think anyone with an once of common sense cares how it is addressed.
again i could be wrong. but no one seems to give a crap anymore for the correct usage and speeling of the english language. mind you the language does keep evolving. but that is not the point.
The point i'm making is use a little common sense and judge for yourself what sounds correct depending on how formal the letter is.
a hi m8 in the context of the question could be fine if addresing your friends, but bad form so to speak on a business or formal environment where one of the two forms listed at the top of my answer would be better placed.

if in doubt try consulting an english grammer text book. if this is for an english class homework assignment.
in the real world as i said several times, read your letter and address it appropriately depending on the formality and tone you need to set.

however if you use a computer and a word processor then mail merge the recipients details into the letter.
but the same rule apply. when posting you leave of the Mr. Mrs. or Miss on the envelope when not known.
or you can attempt to find out the correct information some how.

Answer 3

hi there

i agree with you completely that the begining of a letter is extremely important as it determines how seriously the people take you

i searched google and ound this very useful...it is a snippet from a book about letter ettiquette...

http://www.basildonbond.com/pages/BeginCloseLetters.asp

hope tht helps...

if you dont want to click the link heres what it says...

"
A personal letter usually begins with 'Dear Tom', 'My dear Tom' or for special cases 'My darling Tom'.

Business letters usually begin with 'Dear Mr Jones'. It is important to find out the name of the person you are writing to if at all possible, if not then you should address it to 'Dear Sir' or 'Dear Madam'. When writing to a company, it is correct to either address the letter 'Dear Sirs' or 'Messrs...'.

For personal letters, the sender will usually sign off either with 'Best wishes', 'Kind regards', 'With love', or another suitable close. Take care when ending with 'Yours' as this can sound cold.

For business letters that begin with 'Dear Sir, Messrs, or Madam' you should close with 'Yours faithfully'. Where your letter has opened with 'Dear Mr Jones' you should close with 'Yours sincerely'. "

just have a look around on that site...
good luck
x

Answer 4

You have a few options:

If it's an impersonal letter - very business-like you can use either of these - don't use initials - EVER!

*To whom it may concern,
or
*Dear Sir/Madam,

If you know their names, do not assume they are married or otherwise; it's proper to write

*Dear Mr. Smith and Ms. Simpson,
*Dear Mr. and Mrs. Smith, (if you know they're married)

In the actual address, usually put them alphabetically!
Mr. Jones
Ms. Smith
48 Lucky Lane
Springfield, Illinois 00000

Good Luck!

Answer 5

I guess a Dear Sir/Madam will do, its a formal letter and everyone will understand u did not know them personally hence that. i believe the person or persons will either correct you in a subsequent letter or let it be if it does not bother him/her/them.

All the best

Answer 6

Since you aren't referring to the initial when saying dear sir or madam that line would be appropriate. I dont see how someone could take offense over it.

Answer 7

Well, since apparently you don't know them all that well, you could go with the standard, 'To Whom It May Concern:'
Or, you could make it a little less formal and say, 'Dear Sirs or Madams,"
Or, even less formal, Dear X. and Y."

Answer 8

You've got the right idea, yep. That is the most proper and formal way of doing it,

Answer 9

If you have the first intial and last name for each person that would be the way to do it.

Answer 10

Irrespective as to how you address your letter...a letter should be addressed to one person only never two or more.