salutation

[luckyjason]

Hi,

What's the best salutation for a letter nowadays when you are addressing to a stranger (eg. for a job application letter, a complaining letter to a restaruant (or other place), or someone that you never met etc.)?

When I was in school, teacher taught us to write: "Ladies and Gentlemen,", but, I have never seen such a solutation from any letters I received, so I think "Dear Gentlemen" would be a good choice which transformed from "Dear Sirs" which is quite an old-fashion.....

Could any one give me a suggestion? Thank you.

 

[smiling]

I think depending on how formal it is:

Dear Sirs (but don't like it very much to be honest as it cuts off all women!)
Dear Sir or Madam
Dear Mr/Ms XXXX

Bye

 

[Dimcl]

Hi,

What's the best salutation for a letter nowadays when you are addressing to a stranger (eg. for a job application letter, a complaining letter to a restaruant (or other place), or someone that you never met etc.)?

When I was in school, teacher taught us to write: "Ladies and Gentlemen,", but, I have never seen such a solutation from any letters I received, so I think "Dear Gentlemen" would be a good choice which transformed from "Dear Sirs" which is quite an old-fashion.....

Could any one give me a suggestion? Thank you.

"Dear Sir/Sirs" is never old-fashioned, in my humble opinion. In fact, I find "Dear Gentlemen" much more old-fashioned sounding. Just my opinion... If you know it's a male to whom the letter is going, address it as "Dear Sir". If a female, it's best to find out her name first and address it to "Ms. XYZ".

 

[panjandrum]

Use the "Search This Forum" feature at the top right of this forum.
Search for
dear sir madam letter

You will find many threads on this topic with plenty of helpful suggestions.

 

[luckyjason]

Thanks a lot for the guide, I am checking it out now.