Look bad if I don't informally inquire? And do I use Sir/Madam?

Starlet

Galaxymoo wrote: »

I'm applying for a few roles at the moment and a couple of job adverts give a number to call for informal inquiries. One even states that they will meet off site for an informal chat. However, these particular roles I have thoroughly researched so I really can't think of any questions to ask. I don't want to ask silly questions where they think I've not researched the company already.

But... I feel that I should call - to make myself stand out from the other candidates. Maybe they even prefer to talk to candidates informally?
I'm just wondering if it would reflect badly if I didn't call?

Also - I feel uneasy putting 'Dear Sir or Madam' on my covering letter. When I cannot find out anywhere the name of the recruitment manager, is it better to do just put 'Sir or Madam' or to call the company to ask for their name? I'm not sure if this is too forward and means people have to go out of their way for me?

Thanks for any help!

When making job applications in the past, I've always made an effort to find out the name of the person to address my letter to.

In the worst case scenario of never receiving an email response or telephone call back from the HR department, I've put: "To the Hiring Manager" on my covering letters. I, too, dont like using, "Dear Sir or Madam".

phill99

Starlet wrote: »

In the worst case scenario of never receiving an email response or telephone call back from the HR department, I've put: "To the Hiring Manager" on my covering letters. I, too, dont like using, "Dear Sir or Madam".

WHY? For Gods sake why? 'Hiring Manager' is not a British term. Its Americanese at its absolute worst. We don't have 'Hiring Managers' in the UK.


Dear Sir or Madam is an acceptable way of addressing a letter and shows a level of business respect and maturity.


Instead of 'Dear Hiring Manager' why not put 'Oi, Geezer', 'Hello Mate' or 'Dearest Squirrel Nutkin'. All will be treated with a level of contempt, just like 'Hiring Manager'.


Put 'Hiring Manager' on letters to me and your letter will be cut into 6 equal sized pieces, put on a piece of string and hung in the toilet to be used appropriately.

theoretica

I think it really depends on the type and level of job. If you might be expected to write letters in your job I would certainly expect a formal and traditional address - just as many people wear a formal and traditional suit for interview. Why risk people really disliking what you write?

On the other hand, there are quite a lot of jobs which seldom if ever require any writing, and an employer could easily find more relevant factors to select on than letter writing conventions.

phill99

theoretica wrote: »

I think it really depends on the type and level of job. If you might be expected to write letters in your job I would certainly expect a formal and traditional address - just as many people wear a formal and traditional suit for interview. Why risk people really disliking what you write?

On the other hand, there are quite a lot of jobs which seldom if ever require any writing, and an employer could easily find more relevant factors to select on than letter writing conventions.

No. Its not about whether you have to write letters in a job or not. Its basic business etiquette and how you make that first impression. 'You never get a second chance to make a first impression' is such an important adage here.


Formality, offering your respects and showing good manners is far more important than whether a potential employee happens to like a particular greeting. You maybe the best person for the job, but if you don't get that first point of communication correct, you won't get your CV looked at, let alone called for interview.

theoretica

phill99 wrote: »

No. Its not about whether you have to write letters in a job or not. Its basic business etiquette and how you make that first impression. 'You never get a second chance to make a first impression' is such an important adage here.


Formality, offering your respects and showing good manners is far more important than whether a potential employee happens to like a particular greeting. You maybe the best person for the job, but if you don't get that first point of communication correct, you won't get your CV looked at, let alone called for interview.

You are presumably hiring business people for whom demanding such formality and communication it is very reasonable - not drivers, joiners, mechanics or cleaners. Or maybe not, in which case I think it illustrates that the employer must be right for the employee and not just the other way around.

Pinkwhisk

You should put.
Dear whoever is lucky enough to be reading my application. :j

auldblerk

theoretica wrote: »

You are presumably hiring business people for whom demanding such formality and communication it is very reasonable - not drivers, joiners, mechanics or cleaners. Or maybe not, in which case I think it illustrates that the employer must be right for the employee and not just the other way around.

Well, I'm applying for cleaning and/or labouring jobs and would never not use 'dear sir or madam' in a covering letter, maybe it's my age or I'm old fashioned but to me, it's good manners.
Where is the harm in typing 4 words when it could make a difference upon whether you get the job or not ?

staple28

It's basic manners and etiquette to use dear sir or madam in a letter, it doesnt matter what kind of job you are applying for! I would never dream of using anything else espcially not hello hiring manager, is there even such a job title?!

ChristineLouise

When you do not know the individuals name, or cannot be bothered to ring up and find out, there is nothing wrong with "Dear Sir / Madam" or "To whom it may concern"
Having just recently advertised and been through CVs for an office assistant vacancy I can tell you over half were filed straight under B1N, for poor letter writing skills, poor english, and lack of computer typing skills. The role I recruited for involves dealing with customers by email and letter and over the phone, therefore I want someone whom can competently and effectively communicate with customers without me having to proof read their communications first!
If the job involves communicating with customers / management in any way - then you can bet your !!! they want someone whom knows how to properly address a letter!
Sometimes with text and email speak I think many younger than I struggle to formally use the english language!