<p>I got an email from a college alumnus today inviting me to interview with him. In it, he called me Mr. XXXX</p>
<p>Problem is, I can't think of any ways to gently correct him that won't make me sound like a pretentious, self-important *******. Or that won't be potentially embarrassing for him.</p>
<p>Maybe I'm just over-thinking it? Suggestions anyone?</p>
<p>LOL. it’s okay. Just go and surprise him that you’re not. ;)</p>
<p>I would just let it go. Show up to the interview and do your best. It could be a simple typing error and the interviewer may not have even caught it. They may be interviewing many people, using the same email and just didn’t change the title. Don’t take it personally.</p>
<p>I’m not taking it personally at all! My name is foreign and most people aren’t familiar with it. However, I feel I should correct him before I meet him face-to-face. Otherwise, he’s in for a bit of a surprise. :o</p>
<p>Here’s what you do: in a confirmation email to him about your meeting, say “i’ll be wearing a blue dress”. Most likely, he’ll figure out you’re female from that.</p>
<p>If you have not responded yet, try something like this.</p>
<p>Hi, Mr. X. I am excited about my interview, and looking forward to meeting you on <date> at <location>. By the way, I am actually female. I know it is hard to tell from my name! But I thought I should tell you before so you know that are looking for a young woman, not a young man. Thanks! Y</location></date></p>
<p>I would be more direct than the “I will be wearing a dress” comment… I would be embarrassed if I were him and you pointed it out that way, and not sure how to respond. It would be more direct to just say it, and tell him that you know it is an honest mistake given your foreign name.</p>
<p>I voted for the surprise. Pretty funny event though</p>
<p>Really, putting your interviewer more at ease is in YOUR best interest. Better to give him the heads up via email than making the intro more awkward than it already is in any interview.</p>
<p>I don’t think the element of surprise is a good thing in this situation. I agree with the previous posters that advised to politely explain that you are a woman. No sense in making it an awkward or embarrassing situation for anyone, least of all you</p>
<p>I emailed him back with, “By the way, it’s Ms. XXXX. Given my unusual name, I can see how it might be difficult to tell.” </p>
<p>Thanks guys!</p>
<p>I think that was exactly the right way to play it, Opaline.</p>