the name of the addressee on a CV covering letter

[zonino]

Hi All,

 

I've found a job that I really, really really want to get, and the description says to send to, well, lets call them Alex, A name that could be male or female!

 

so... how do I address the covering letter?

 

Dear Alex?

 

Dear Sir/Madam?

 

I can't find a staff list anywhere on the site, and I don't think there is one.

 

your advice would be appreciated!

 

thanks,

 

Stan

[paulears]

If the job application says to contact Alex, then this is an invitaton to address them in a less formal manner- if this was not acceptable, the statement would have said Ms Alex McCintyre, Head of Personnel etc ect.

 

So I would take this as an invitation to call Alex, Alex.

 

If you really feel unsure, wait till monday morning and ring them up and explain that you want to write to Alex, but would prefer to be able to use his or her full name and title. Even if they say it's not necessary, you'll at least have the answer.

P

[pritch]

In the absence of a surname, I'd go with Dear Alex.

 

Dear Sir / Madam just looks like you've taken the exact same letter you use for every single application.