Addressing a Letter

Nitefly · 25 Feb 2009 at 16:27

I am writing a covering letter to a firm as part of an online application. The form states "Please enter or cut and paste a covering letter explaining the reason for your application".

I want to address this letter to a person, but I am unable to find out who exactly it should be addressed to (it is unknown who will read the form).

The question is, do I address the letter 'Dear Sirs' or 'Dear Sir or Madame'.

Thanks in advance

peterattheboro · 25 Feb 2009 at 16:28

I do, 'Dear Sir/Madam'.

metamorphpwner · 25 Feb 2009 at 16:29

i usually just put dear sir/madam when it's unknown
i sent one today to someone called sam, could be male or female so sir/madam so i don't offend.

Cosimo · 25 Feb 2009 at 16:34

Use, Dear Sir/Madam.

oddjob62 · 25 Feb 2009 at 16:35

remember to finish with "yours faithfully" if you use "sir/madam"

metamorphpwner · 25 Feb 2009 at 16:36

oddjob62 said:
remember to finish with "yours faithfully" if you use "sir/madam"

really? the letter i posted today was wrong then.

Ciphon · 25 Feb 2009 at 16:37

Don't put To Whom It May Concern, sounds soooo arsey!

Cosimo · 25 Feb 2009 at 16:37

oddjob62 said:
remember to finish with "yours faithfully" if you use "sir/madam"

In the form, Yours faithfully

Nitefly · 25 Feb 2009 at 16:37

oddjob62 said:
remember to finish with "yours faithfully" if you use "sir/madam"

Will do

All comments welcomed, thanks.

Luke · 25 Feb 2009 at 16:41

I always use 'yours sincerely' unless I already know the person in question.

RDM · 25 Feb 2009 at 16:42

emailiscrap said:
I always use 'yours sincerely' unless I already know the person in question.

If you use the name of the person it is "Yours sincerly" otherwise it is "Yours faithfully".

Luke · 25 Feb 2009 at 16:43

Ok, I've been getting it wrong for years. Thanks

peterattheboro · 25 Feb 2009 at 16:44

emailiscrap said:
Ok, I've been getting it wrong for years. Thanks

No, I think you are correct.

Admiral Huddy · 25 Feb 2009 at 16:46

"Oi listen up !"

it's a little less formal I think.

Cosimo · 25 Feb 2009 at 16:46

emailiscrap said:
I always use 'yours sincerely' unless I already know the person in question.

When you know the recipient's name you should always "Yours sincerely".

Jeff Lynne · 25 Feb 2009 at 16:59

How about "Darling Fascist Bully-Boy?" (NSFW!)

Cosimo · 25 Feb 2009 at 17:09

Admiral Huddy said:
"Oi listen up !"

it's a little less formal I think.

Oi listen up !

Gisa job

Cheers!

yer old mate

Nobby