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Are there specific cases where "Dear Sir/Madam," would be better then simpler "Dear," to start an e-mail?
To give more context, I am preparing an e-mail to ask about eligibility for a certain job offer. The e-mails address is one of those generic (like questions@example.com).
KcFnMi
Posted 2015-10-26T00:18:16.120
Reputation: 185
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Not on subject line but inside the e-mail I'd use “Dear Sir/Madam” rather than just “Dear.” If you just write "Dear" it makes it sound like a love letter.
MaxW
Posted 2015-10-26T00:18:16.120
Reputation: 1 761
In graduate school the prof got a freshman student on a work-study program as a secretary. She closed a couple of business letters "Love," and he flipped. ;-) – MaxW – 2015-10-27T17:42:38.033
2Never start an e-mail with a simple "Dear," -- it looks too much like a scam/phishing bait. – Victor Bazarov – 2015-10-26T00:54:13.620
What does your job seeker manual tell you about such a situation? – Victor Bazarov – 2015-10-26T00:55:18.610
So, "Dear Sir/Madam," is the standard approach? May I ask for more appropriate alternatives? – KcFnMi – 2015-10-26T01:14:27.093
Much better than "Dear," -- at least in my book. If you know the name of the person, it would be even better. It might not be a bad idea to give them a call and ask the name of the HR person in charge of job advertisements, and how to contact them. What do you got to lose? – Victor Bazarov – 2015-10-26T01:19:39.367