h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Ok, this is puzzling me.

I've been writing a lot of job applications lately, some for positions in the UK.

And invariably, the replies from the UK address me by my first name. Is this standard now? I thought that was just an American thing...

And what do I do when answering them? Will they think I'm being too familiar if I use *their* first name? Will they think I'm being too stiff and formal if I continue to use their surname?

Sometimes, the writer will only sign with their first name in the letter (though the full name is in the letterhead), sometimes they sign their first and last name. Is this a Clue?

At least in English, there isn't the whole Du/Sie thing to worry about, but this still has me confused.

hmmm, could just be your sector? I know the letters I've had are usually Mr. from job applications and the like.
Although again I can see that perhaps if you are applying to small or family companies it might be their policy to be more informal?

I would say, if it is a formal letter, and their surname is available then use that. But then I work in big business (or did) where it is all very impersonal.

You could always address it 'To whom it may concern' (no, don't...)

I would continue to use the surname but relax and not use totally formal wording all the time.

I don't know if that helps!

If someone signs with only a first name, I wouldn't hesitate to only use that in reply - they've effectively said that's how they want to be known.

On the other hand, I wouldn't worry about "Mr/Ms Smith" making you sound stuffy and too formal. Most business communications err on the side of formality anyway, especially with people you haven't yet met - so they certainly won't find anything exceptional in you using title and surname.

Ok. I suppose I'd better stick to surnames for now, then, except the people I've already called by their first name

Mala, don't forget to sign off with

"I remain, sir, your obedient servant."

(and yes, they used to, not so long ago)

At least English speakers never got into the whole addressing people in the third person thing.

Well, except for Jame Gumb, of course.

No no, the currently accepted sign off is

"big hugs and sloppy kisses, Mala"

And I never realised! Thanks for setting the record straight, Bea. No wonder they've been so slow to reply. Imagine me not knowing about the most basic of social niceties!

I'm quite supprized if they're using such informal signoffs in the letters... Were these from Universitys or potential companys/workplaces? Either way they oughta be sticking to the formal accepted letter writing... Well, it really doesn't look very good for them* if its a University in particular failing to understand and use teh most basic of formal writing protocols...
Hell in a handcart I tell ya... next thing you'll know they'll stop wearing formal evening-wear on the BBC news, and before you know it they'll allow women to vote...

You could sign off with

lol! OMG!


That would work,

Yes

Or stick a copy of our finest smileys. I would go for

I've seen job ads where they don't even give the name of the personell person, so how would you know their surname in that case?

"Apply to Melanie on 0123-4566" or "Send your CV to [email protected]"

(The e-mail address is suppsed to be fictitious)

well, let's hope Tracy at http://www.company.com/ is a sociable sort