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.

11 Comments
 
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.

 

Perferendis qui quia quisquam sit et quas dolorem totam. Natus sunt veritatis dolore perspiciatis. Fugit ut aut eum pariatur enim impedit. Error quo enim iste qui repudiandae incidunt. Velit deleniti asperiores corporis.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”