How would you address a professional with an unknown degree?

[Rajah]

I'm contacting people for some research for my independent study project for school, and one of those I'm talking to is an Archaeologist from New Mexico. I *assume* since he's well known and (seems to be) well respected (plus Archaeology is one of those fields you typically have to have a Doctorate in to do well), he's a Dr, but I'm not positive on that. I addressed him as Dr in my first message to him, but when he responded, he signed his response with just his first name.

Now how do I address him? Do I continue to address him as Dr "Name" until I'm corrected? Do I address him as just "FirstName" since that's how he signed his message? What's the proper thing to do here? Or do I outright ask him in my next message how he'd prefer to be addressed?

 

[Pam]

In my professional dealings, if a person signs his/her message with their first name - that's what I use the next time I write, email or phone them.

Pam

 

[Patabel]

I agree with Pam. How a person signs their name is how they want to be addressed. If he signed it with just his first name, then first name it is.

 

[Leota]

I agree - If he wanted to be addressed as Dr. So&So - He would have been sure to sign his correspondance as that -

 

[helenabear]

I agree with all the above. If they signed with their first name only, then I would address them by their first name.

 

[Val]

I will tell you what I tell my students. It is better to over-address than under-address. If in doubt, call the individual professor or doctor. As a PhD, I don't mind being called by my first name. In fact, with a long hyphenated last name it is easier. Other colleagues get quite offended.....so be safe rather than embarrassed (although I bet this individual will want you to call him by his first name!)....

one whine though.....as a woman in a male-dominated research area- why do students call the guy profs "Dr." and the women "Mrs."- (in my case even dropping the maiden part of my name)! I went to school just as long- and fought just as hard to earn my degree. You'd think this sexism would have disappeared by now! It seems if you are female you can't BE doctor or professor- just "teacher".

 

[Gillian]

I agree that some PhD's (male or female) can be very touchy about their Dr status. I'd play it safe! If it is a mistake, or he prefers to be addressed by first name only, you can always correct it in later correspondence.

Another thing you could do is an internet (google) search on this person. See if he has a CV out there somewhere that lists his education. It sounds nosy, but at least you'll be sure!

 

[Cindy B]

I worked for a woman, who had a doctorate. Some people addressed her as Dr. First name.. , or just her first name,..

As her assistant, I called her by the first name. If I was talking to students on her behalf.. I would say Dr... Last Name wanted me to speak with you regarding.....


I personally called her first name, but she did tell me first how she was.. She came out and said I'm not formal, I only use doctor with my students.

A google search would be a great idea...

I'm sure his CV is out there.

 

[jsmith]

PM me the guys name-if has been in the field very long I should either know or be able to find out. Or just address him as DR. It is extremely unlikely that he got well know as an Archaeologist without one.

 

[pumba]

with a DR before his name......and I say ........GET YOUR BOOTS OFF MY FLOOR.......seriously .....they call him what he tells them to call him......ask to put him at ease and you at ease......if in person....and if only in correspondence...call him Dr.

 

[Bob O]

Hey Dude!!!!!

 

[bobcat]

Indiana or Dr. Jones.

Seriously though I would address him more formally until told otherwise. Is he affiliated with a university? If so you can search their web page and see if he has a title listed.