I need to write an e-mail regarding a scholarship to the head of an office at a school I hope to attend, so I want to sound as professional as possible. However, I do not know if the contact person is a Ms. or Mrs. or Dr. What is the proper way to start my letter under these circumstances? My boyfriend suggested I start with "Dear Madam", but somehow that seems a bit too proper and impersonal to me. Any suggestions?
Thank you!
2007-09-30 17:53:45 · 25 answers · asked by geekily 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Starting your letter with "Dear Madam" or "To whom it may concern" is too impersonal. It might also give her the impression that you lack initiative.
If you can't find this information by searching the school's website, then I would call and ask a receptionist. Addressing the person by their proper title and using the correct spelling of their name can go a long way in making a good first impression.
Good luck!
2007-09-30 18:07:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest going to the department website and searching for the person there. Their name has to appear somewhere. Also, most schools have search engines on their pages, so type the name in there and see what you can dig up. If they are a doctor, definitely go with Dr so-and-so. If you find out they also teach, go with Professor so-and-so. You can't ever chance a Mr., Ms., or Mrs. unless you're sure because you might either be ignoring their title or confusing their marital status. Dear Madam not appropriate.
Basically, you're going to need to do some digging. Good Luck.
2007-09-30 18:05:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Try...
To Whom it May Concern:
or Dear Madam:
If you have time, a better alternative is to call the school and speak with someone in the office, potentially an assistant. Inform them of your dilemma and ask the best way to address the letter, as Ms. or if the person in question has attained her Doctorate.
2007-09-30 18:13:06 · answer #3 · answered by relax1x 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The professional approach is to find out the person's name, title and address.
This information is often on school websites ~ if it's not apparent in the faculty listing, check out the school's pages about that subject, there may be an item or photo of the person concerned.
In a school situation I would avoid 'Dear Madam or Sir', because the person is as likely to be 'Dr' or 'Prof', so it comes across less than professional.
If a web search fails, a telephone call will usually provide the information you need.
Cheers :-)
2007-09-30 18:12:26 · answer #4 · answered by thing55000 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are talking about writing a formal document, even if it is email; so I side with your boyfriend. Business usage is Dear Sir, or Madam. If the gender is unknown then Dear Sir/Madam is used.
But if you really want to score points look up the person on the school's website. That will tell you if she is a doctor or not and then you can say Dear Dr. Smith, or Ms. Smith, whichever.
2007-09-30 17:59:05 · answer #5 · answered by LodiTX 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dear Sir or Madam might work. Or call the school and ask them the name of the person and the person's title (Dr./Mr./Ms., etc.). If the school has a website, this info might be available there, too.
2007-09-30 17:56:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would just use Ms., because she won't necessarily care if it's wrong, she knows you don't know her, and it's not madam, lol (sorry dude but the chick is right) anyway, good luck on that scholarship. Also you could Dear School Official.
2007-09-30 17:59:02 · answer #7 · answered by Ty W 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was told always under such situation, address the person as "Dear Sir". The reason given was weird though.
1) If the receiver is a guy, GREAT
2) If the receiver is a female, she wont get offended because she knows she you have no idea.
3) If the receiver is a guy and u gave, "Dear Mdm", its not nice.
These reasons has no logic at all but I personally prefer Dear Sir/Mdm
2007-09-30 17:57:05 · answer #8 · answered by CSL 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Dear Sirs/Madam,
Blah Blah Blah...
Or.
From: Me
To: the Head of Admissions, or Dean of Admissions:
Blah Blah Blah
2007-09-30 17:57:28 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You call the office and without giving your name, if you care, you ask the person who answers.
For example, "I am writing a letter and would like the correct spelling and title for the head of the scholarship committee" or ".... for A. Johnson, listed as contact for scholarships."
add "and I need the full address also." if you need it.
2007-09-30 17:59:19 · answer #10 · answered by Mike1942f 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋