Originally Posted by
Uplinker
Blimey, this all seems a bit harsh !
New pilots looking for their first job are probably going to be young and a bit "innocent" about the world of work, and it seems a bit punitive to expect them to know exactly how to address people and the command structure of companies. Or how to go about impressing people.
How many good people have been 'put in the bin' because of some perceived but unintentional sleight, I wonder ?
At least "Dear Sir/Madam" is respectful and polite, (and non sexist). And how is a prospective new pilot employee to know if it is OK to directly address the CP, or if the CP will be personally opening their letter ? It might be the deputy CP, someone in admin or HR.
Using someone's name without knowing them might be regarded by some as being a bit over-familiar or a bit cocky.......? Maybe it is different over there.
Good luck to the OP.
I learned all this at school, the importance of addressing people correctly, how to write a job application letter, even how to fold the paper before it went into the envelope so that it opened nicely.. Is this no longer taught and if not then why not?
It's just basic good manners, knowing how to address people. Plus you want to have an edge over all the others, so make an effort. "Dear Sir/Madam" is about is polite as "Dear Whatsyername" and shows a laziness that could reflect the work ethic.