Cover letter etiquette

[figment]

[Poll #1451760]

ETA: Sadly, it looks like I'm too late for this question to matter much - my friend let me know he's already made an offer to someone. Alas. Well, it may come up again!

Comments

[tx-cronopio.livejournal.com]

I would type it formally, Dear Mr. Smith, and then across that you write his first name in handwriting -- John. That recognizes both the required formality and also acknowledges your personal relationship, which has to be a good thing in this situation!

[tomscud.livejournal.com]

I voted "dear firstname" but on consideration it makes more sense to write "dear Mr. Lastname," since the cover letter is likely to be seen by other people as well. You could perhaps add a cover letter to your cover letter (if you're emailing, this could be the email to which the cover letter and resume are attached) in which you address him by his first name.

[r0ckc4ndy.livejournal.com]

This.

[gunn.livejournal.com]

Yes.

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

Type it officially, "Dear Mr. Lastname." Then, after you print it, cross out "Mr. Lastname" and handwrite the first name.

B

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

No, really. This is the way it's done.

B

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

Write "dear James," or whomever, and then make it clear in the body that you're on a first name basis.

K.

[xcorvis.livejournal.com]

My old boss had this happen a couple of times. I don't remember how the cover letters were addressed, but I'd say always default to the more formal - no one will take issue with it. Probably a dozen people will read your resume. Like Tomscud says, maybe a separate note to your friend would be in order - that can be friendly and informal, but write it with the idea that someone else might read it.

[evaluna68.livejournal.com]

Yeah, or just call your friend and ask his advice. Nobody can read your phone call!

[daedala.livejournal.com]

I think that since you're dealing with him in a professional capacity, you should deal with his professonal persona. Being too formal probably won't hurt you, but being overfamiliar (or appearing to lean on the prior relationship) might.

[jgs42.livejournal.com]

"Dear Stinky"

[lexinatrix.livejournal.com]

I'd be most inclined to go with the formal "Dear Mr. Lastname" and then add a personal note after my signature saying "With special thanks, [firstname], [your firstname]"