Please do my poll! Quickly! Need help before 9:00 PM!

[bertha katzenengel]

Poll question: Please do my poll! Quickly! Need help before 9:00 PM!

I'm writing a resume cover letter. Need help determining addressee's GENDER!

The name is Rashawn.

I have run through all the assumptions I can think of, including the fact that HR assistants are usually women. Post whatever info you think might help me determine the gender, and vote.

I'm willing to bet that nothing will shitcan a resume faster than having it addressed to "dear sir or madam" or "dear Ms./Mr. Smith."

Thank you!

[vademocrat]

1. Behindthename.com says Masculine...

http://www.behindthename.com/php/view.php?name=rashawn


RASHAWN

Gender: Masculine

Usage: English (Modern)

Pronounced: ray-SHAWN

[bertha katzenengel]

4. Wow. Who knew?

Maybe I'll just make the salutation, "Good morning."

[ghostsofgiants]

2. According to the sites I looked at, male.

http://www.behindthename.com/php/view.php?name=rashawn
http://www.yeahbaby.com/baby-name.php?name=Rashawn
http://www.mybirthcare.com/favorites/M/English/meaning.asp?name=Rashawn

[flvegan]

3. You're not writing to HR, though.

You're writing, in general, to "the company" to which you're submitting this resume. Consider if the resume was forwarded from a man to a woman, or vice versa.

Nothing will shitcan a resume faster than assumption, I think. That said, if you're qualified and a good prospect, you could call me Dear Dingbat, at I'd probably hire you.

[bertha katzenengel]

5. Good points.

I will make it a generic greeting.

:hug: you're a good egg, FL Vegan.

[meti57b]

6. use the person's full name ... first name and last name

"It is also acceptable to use the full name in a salutation if you cannot determine gender. For example, you might write Dear Chris Harmon: if you were unsure of Chris's gender."

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/pw/p_basicbusletter.html

[bertha katzenengel]

7. What a dolt. I never thought of that.

I sent it off already. D'oh! :dunce:

Thanks you, Meti.

DIG the kitty in your sig line.

[spindrifter]

8. I use Dear Reader in these situations.

Who knows who is reading it--maybe it's just going through a scanner.