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How to address contact person in UK?

Hi, 
I'm from Germany, but applying for a job in London. How should I address my contact person in the cover letter? 

  • Dear Mrs. Smith
  • Dear Mrs. Sarah Smith
  • Dear Sarah
  • Dear Sarah Smith ? 

In Germany we would say "Dear Mrs. Smith", but I know that in other countries rules can be less formal. What do you think? 

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Top answer
Ian
Coach
on Apr 23, 2021
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

In a cover letter I would always err on the more formal side! As such, you should go with Mrs. Smith.

Please please please do not address this person by their first name in a cover letter! (Email is another matter of course)

Deleted user
on Apr 23, 2021

No need to overthink and keep it relaxed specially if you know the person. People in Consulting are totally cool with first names, specially in UK.

  • Dear John
  • Dear Jane

If you know the person and want to sound a bit more formal, then

  • Dear Mr. Surname
  • Dear Ms. Surname

Otherwise if you dont know the person at all then Dear Hiring Manager or Dear Sir/Madam is good enough.

15
on Apr 24, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

I agree with Ian, in a cover letter I would go for “Dear Mr/Ms Last Name” and err on the formal side – it is never a problem.

Over the phone, in emails and even in interviews they will probably call you by first name and ask you to do the same – but would personally avoid to be too formal in the cover.

Best,

Francesco

Raj
Coach
on Apr 29, 2021
FREE 15MIN CONSULTATION | #1 Strategy& / OW coach | >70 5* reviews |90% offers ⇨ prep-success.super.site | MENA, DE, UK

I wouldn't stress about this too much especially in the UK it is fine to address people by their first name

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