thoughts on using Mr/Ms

Is it still better to play it safe, and address a MD using Mr. / Ms. for cold emailing, or do you think it's better to address them by first name?

As an anecdote, I once got on the phone with a MD several years ago, and accidentally addressed him by his first name. Later, when I met up with him in person, he told me not to do that so I am wary.

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Best Response

When adults talk to adults, they generally use first names.

Those who can, do. Those who can't, post threads about how to do it on WSO.
 

first name always, unless you want to be viewed as a child and not a potential colleague.

also, just a piece of advice I was told and found useful...

If networking and you get a business card, remember the way they introduced themselves. I work with an MD who goes by "Tim" and introduces himself as such, but his business cards say "Timothy". He once told me that if he gets an email from someone he gave his card to, and they address him as "Timothy", he knows they clearly did not care enough to listen to him and what his name is and that they do not pay attention. He uses it as a preliminary gauge of suitability for his team. (Read: he will not hire them 9 out of 10 times.)

Might be a severe case, but I found it to be extremely wise.

 

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