Is it okay to switch to someone's first name after a phone conversation with them? This is considering you first addressed them as "Mr. ___" and they did not necessarily ask you to address them one way or another?
edit I should add it's a VP
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I wonder the same thing, I feel like I should still go with Mr/Ms but it feels weird
I think it's safest to address them as Mr. ____, but if you've had email correspondence with them and they sign as Jeff, you should call them Jeff.
I use this method.
Also note the "Southern Rule" (so I've heard it called), which is in conversation, if you say Mr. XYZ, and they say "Please call me FirstName," you use Mr. one more time, and if they re-iterate that you can call them by their first name, you're good to go.
And when meeting someone, if they introduce themselves as FirstName, you should be fine using that. If they give first and last, use Mr. XYZ, then follow the same rule as above.
What if they sign with just the initial of their first name?
I feel it's more respectful to still refer to them as Mr./Ms., don't you guys think?
I like that southern rule...
in the industry everyone addresses everyone else by their first name
I've noticed that, but let's say you're a VP/Principal/MD, would you want some 21-22 year old calling you by your first name?
Serious question, by the way, I'm actually curious.
I think this is more of a question for those looking to "break-in"
I call everyone "Dick".
Even when I was at the lowest level in the recruiting process - attending my university's information sessions - I always just used their first name when sending thank you emails and follow-ups. Fuck it, be a little casual, just don't overdo it and call them "broski".
When I was trying to break into the industry, I would try to use their first name as often as possible without being rude. You are trying to make them like you and become friends with them, at some point you have to break that formality barrier. A VP is definitely ok to address by his first name after you've talked to him on the phone.
I have a hard time figuring out that fine line between being respectful and still coming across as someone they would want to work and hang out with. I suppose I'll just play it safe and stick with Mr. until the person says otherwise.
If I e-mail them "Mr. _____" and they respond "John, " I will then respond "Jeff,."
I've never had an issue with this. Mr. _____ seems way too formal and I don't think they prefer Mr. unless they are a douchebag.
Also, I've found it helpful to call after-hours and listen to their voicemail. I talked to a "James" that referred to himself as "Jim" on his voicemail, and when we followed up via phone I called him Jim and he didn't mind. He is actually one of my director contacts now that will hopefully assist in breaking in after my MSF.
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