Thank you note etiquette

[amg418]

Hello!

I have recently graduated from nursing school and passed the NCLEX-RN. Today I had an interview for my dream job, and I felt it went extremely well. I'm in the process of writing my thank you notes (as I interviewed with several people) to send out tomorrow and had a question regarding how to address it.

When addressing the opening of the note (ie: Dear X,), I normally address it as "Dear Mr. or Ms. X", but during my interview, the nurse manager introduced herself to me by her first name. Should I still address as Ms. X or by her first name?

Thank you!

[RN403, BSN, RN]

Ms. X would be the more professional choice, IMO. In my experience with interviews the interviewer always introduced themselves by first name. I still addressed the thank you letter with "Dear Ms. X"

[amg418]

Ms. X would be the more professional choice, IMO. In my experience with interviews the interviewer always introduced themselves by first name. I still addressed the thank you letter with "Dear Ms. X"

That was my thought as well. I just wanted some others' input as I didn't want to come across as too "stuffy". Thank you!

[RunBabyRN]

I actually choose to do first names, unless they gave their last name verbally, or have signed correspondence with it. I think it also depends on the vibe you get from said managers.

[whatsmyusername_RN]

In my thank you card, I addressed them by their first names, as they never gave me the last names. I think addressing them by their first names is okay (even if you know their last names), as long as they introduced themselves by the first names.

[Flatlander]

Some of the formality has gone out of fashion, I think. But I usually use the Ms or Mr and last name until I've been introduced or until there's been some back and forth correspondence. I was recently informed in a job search seminar that many employers prefer an email thank you. So, I think the email format is even less formal than a card or letter. I still like to use the Dear so and so and the sincerely at the end, even in an email for job prospects.

The reason employers prefer email is because it's fast. They can receive your thank you within 24 hours and not have to mess with the mail or a slow mail room. Besides, what are they gonna do with all those cards? Paper their walls? Most people are too busy to deal with phone calls and mail as long as they can do it all on email. That goes for sending resumes and cover letters by email, too. Or so I've been told.