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Addressing bankers - first name/last name
 

SymphonyBanker's picture
(Baboon, 113
 
Points)
 on 6/13/12 at 12:22pm

This may be a silly question, but when I reach out to bankers for informational interviews via email, I always adress the banker as "Dear Mr./Ms. __________." The reply is usually by first name "Max, would be glad to chat, etc."

At this point, should I head any replies with "Mr./Ms. _______", or is it ok to switch to first name?

Thanks!

Tags:
Nabooru's picture

You can start by using their

(Gorilla, 689
 
Points)
 on 6/13/12 at 12:57pm

You can start by using their first name when you reach out in the first place...be polite, well-spoken, etc. but no need to be that formal.

Who are you going to believe, me or your lying eyes?

turtles's picture

If they are much older, and

IB
(Neanderthal, 2,938
 
Points)
 on 6/13/12 at 1:16pm

If they are much older, and very senior, and I know they have connections like crazy, I always address them by their last name until they start signing emails/introducing themselves on the phone with their first name

Just saying...

Going Concern's picture

I think you should use Mr/Ms

(King Kong, 1,694
 
Points)
 on 6/13/12 at 3:53pm

I think you should use Mr/Ms until they reply back to you, then use whatever they signed their email as. In general I think that using Mr/Ms is safer because it's more formal, but using first name is more personal and more likely to get a response especially if it's not a senior MD. Imagine how you would feel in one or two years if someone emailed you and called you Mr.

And I think it's gonna be a long, long, time

kidflash's picture

I always use first names, and

IB
(Gorilla, 668
 
Points)
 on 6/13/12 at 4:00pm

I always use first names, and have always had good rapport with people who replied. Don't think it's a big deal either way.

Nobama88's picture

In your first contact,

RE
(King Kong, 1,676
 
Points)
 on 6/13/12 at 4:03pm

In your first contact, address them by Mr. / Ms. whoever.

They will usually respond with "blah, blah, thanks, Max". From that point forward, I will address them by their first name. This goes for email and in person.

I find that the vast majority of people dont mind being called by their first name, however you will always get those handful of people who find it rude to call them by anything else except their last name.

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SymphonyBanker's picture

Thanks! Exactly what I needed

(Baboon, 113
 
Points)
 on 6/13/12 at 8:40pm

Thanks! Exactly what I needed to hear.

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