How to address potential supervisors when they sign emails with first name??

[Catalyst77]

I've been in close touch with a pair of potential supervisors who have signed every single email with their first name only. I've also talked on the phone with their grad students, and they refer to the supervisor by first name only. So do you think it's ok for me to open emails to them with "Dear [firstname]"? It's getting awkward to keep calling them Prof. Lastname in emails to them, but I'm not a student there yet, so should I stick to the stiff formalities?

[awvvu]

Just keep calling them Prof. Foo, it doesn't hurt and they're used to it. I find that a lot of professors will sign with first names but it's still a good idea to keep the relationship formal until you at least meet them...

[crazygirl2012]

I go with "Dear first name" when they make it very clear that first name is acceptable. It sounds like yours made it pretty clear. However, if it makes you uncomfortable, sticking with "Professor" is fine.

[non humilis mulier]

After several emails signed with first names only, I decided that it might be rude to address the professor with anything BUT his first name. So I opened the next email with:

Dear John (if I may),

Blah blah blah.

Best wishes,

Jane

During my in-person interview, I asked how I should address him. He laughed and insisted I call him by his first name. Before I got home from the airport, I had an acceptance in my inbox. So, worked for me!!

[snes]

I'm currently trying to figure this out too. I play it pretty safe, and address them as Prof. X or Dr. Y especially if I haven't met them in person yet. The only professors I call by their first names are my undergrad advisors I've known for years! But I'll call someone by their first name in person before I will in written correspondence.

Yeah, it's kind of awkward, but they probably zoom to the content of your email anyway!

[TXTiger2012]

I always say Prof. or Dr. So-and-So until I'm explicitly told by them, preferably in person, that I should address them by their first name. Many professors may sign e-mails with their first name, or an abbreviated last name, out of habit or convenience and aren't necessarily aware that they're sending mixed signals about what you should call them. If they want to be called by their first name, they'll bring it up when you use their formal title, at least that has always been my experience. However, I would hope that 90-99% of professors would not make a big deal out of being addressed informally if they haven't yet told you you can.

[Darth.Vegan]

with my professors I am comfortable with I use their first name. Any new professors or those I am just getting to know I say Prof. X

Obviously if professors continue to sign emails with Prof or Dr. I will address them accordingly. But if you have been in regular contact with them and they use their first name then it's fine to do the same I think.

[Karajan]

the worst is initials! what do you do then? i usually stick with professor X, but it's tricky!

[coonskee]

I ALWAYS stick with Dr/Prof/Mr/Mrs/Your Majesty (Last Name) until someone specifically asks me to use their first name. I'm one of the better-safe-than-sorry types

[hbeels]

I agree with non humilis mulier... if you're worried about it, keep addressing them by their titles/last names. When you have the chance in person, just ask them outright. Not only will you know, but it will start you off well keeping everything clear and in the open.