220-1102 Question 763
Single answerUse appropriate professional titles and designations, when applicableA support technician is sending an email to an outside legal firm about a laptop encryption issue affecting a shared executive device. The technician wants to communicate professionally and avoid making the message sound overly casual or disrespectful. Which sign-off uses an appropriate professional title and designation for the recipient?
- A
Thanks, Mike
- B
Regards, Ms. Patel, Esq.
- C
Hey Counselor Patel!
- D
Best, Priya
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
This question tests professional communication in an IT support context, which is part of Core 2 expectations for interacting appropriately with users, vendors, and external parties. When communicating with outside professionals such as attorneys, executives, or medical staff, technicians should use formal titles and applicable designations unless instructed otherwise by the organization or recipient. In this case, using the recipient's surname with a professional designation such as "Esq." is the most appropriate option. This aligns with standard business communication best practices: maintain a respectful tone, avoid overly casual language, and match the level of formality to the audience and sensitivity of the issue.
- A. Incorrect.
This is incorrect because using only a first name in a formal message to an external legal contact may be too casual, especially when discussing a sensitive business issue. While not necessarily rude in all environments, it does not demonstrate the use of an appropriate professional title or designation.
- B. Correct.
This is correct because it uses a respectful title, "Ms.," with the attorney's surname and the professional designation "Esq." This matches the scenario requirement to use an appropriate professional title and designation when applicable in a formal business communication with legal counsel.
- C. Incorrect.
This is incorrect because although "Counselor" relates to the legal profession, the greeting is too informal and unprofessional due to the use of "Hey" and the exclamation point. A candidate might choose it because it sounds related to law, but the tone is not appropriate for formal business correspondence.
- D. Incorrect.
This is incorrect because using only a first name, even with a polite closing, does not apply the recipient's professional title or designation. Someone might choose it because it sounds courteous, but it does not meet the stated goal of using an appropriate title when applicable.