Q: At what point in the job search can I use a recruiter or editor's first name? I want to be polite and respectful, but not unnecessarily formal.
Ms. Laura
A: I know how you feel. I went to work for the Detroit Free Press when I was 28 and started by calling people "Mr." this and "Ms." That first day hour they told me that first names were OK.
By the time you're an adult -- in college -- most editors will see you on some levels as a professional peer. First names will not offend most of us. They're a refreshing change from "SOB" and "creep." However, you can't go wrong by starting with Mr. SOB or Ms. Creep. Most editors will soon tell you that first names are fine.
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