11-07-2012, 09:24 AM
When you are dealing with a business don't assume a man will read your letter. As a woman and business owner it bothers me that a person doesn't recognize that I could be a woman and a business owner.
Sir and Mr. are male gender specific. It is ONLY used if you sure it is a man.
DON'T USE Dear Sir unless you absolutely certain you are writing to a man.
If you know the person's name and you are not sure if it is a man or a woman use:
Formal - Dear Pat Jones:
Do NOT put Dear Mr. Jones: You can put Dear Mr./Ms. Pat Jones:
Less Formal but entirely acceptable:
Attention: Pat Jones
Formal correspondence use:
Dear Sir or Madame:
Dear Chairperson:
Formal but a little antagonist:
To whom it may concern:
Less formal you can us:
Dear Representative, or something like Dear Member,
Greetings,
Hello,
Hope this helps.
Sir and Mr. are male gender specific. It is ONLY used if you sure it is a man.
DON'T USE Dear Sir unless you absolutely certain you are writing to a man.
If you know the person's name and you are not sure if it is a man or a woman use:
Formal - Dear Pat Jones:
Do NOT put Dear Mr. Jones: You can put Dear Mr./Ms. Pat Jones:
Less Formal but entirely acceptable:
Attention: Pat Jones
Formal correspondence use:
Dear Sir or Madame:
Dear Chairperson:
Formal but a little antagonist:
To whom it may concern:
Less formal you can us:
Dear Representative, or something like Dear Member,
Greetings,
Hello,
Hope this helps.