Letter writing etiquette?

Question

When addressing a formal job application letter to a woman whose full name I know, but don't know the marital status of, do I use Ms or Mrs?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Ms is handy. Really the female equivalent of Mr. I always use Ms unless I know that the recipient herself uses Miss or Mrs - then I use what she uses!

Answer 2

Personally I would prefer to receive a letter addressed to "Ms" rather than someone say Mrs and it be wrong.
However I think that Ms. is the title to address women who have been divorced. You are probably best to use Madam, or her full name (e.g. Dear Jane Smith) or call the company and ask like someone else suggested - than run the risk of getting it wrong and/or causing offence.

Answer 3

'Mrs' is only ever used to address married women. Therefore, if you are unsure about her marital status, you should use 'Ms.'
However, my recommendation is that you contact her workplace (eg the receptionist), and clarify the title by which she prefers to be known. This is acceptable practice, and you will get extra brownie points for making the effort.

Answer 4

I was taught to always use "Ms.", as marital status is irrelevant in the workplace.

Answer 5

Why don't you call the company and ask? Be honest and tell them you are addressing a letter to her and would like to know what title to use?

Answer 6

whats the element in case you don't desire a respond decrease back?which will merely be quite problematical on your "buddy" there is obviously a good reason you're no longer in touch and in case you opt for to maintain it that way merely leave it

Answer 7

It would probably be smart to use ms. in case she isn't married .

Answer 8

I would just stick with

Dear Madam.

Yours faithfully (to finish)

(If you really want to use their name use Ms xxx and then yours sincerely to finish).