Final answer:
Applicants may be asked to designate a title on an application to ensure formal communication and respect for the individual's preferences. The highest-ranking title is typically used, and 'Ms.' is appropriate if a woman's marital status is unknown. Compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is essential to avoid discrimination.
Step-by-step explanation:
Applicants can be asked to designate a title in an application form under certain circumstances. When writing a business letter or in formal business communications, it is customary to address the recipient by their formal title. It's important to use titles such as Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Dr. as they respect the recipient's preferences and denote professionalism. If a woman's marital status is not known, it is considered appropriate to use 'Ms.' to avoid making assumptions.
When an individual possesses multiple titles, the highest-ranking title is usually the preferred choice unless there's clear information about their preferred title. For example, an individual with a PhD and a Professorship could be addressed as either 'Dr. John Doe' or 'John Doe, PhD.' Should none of the titles be known, a general salutation like 'Dear Hiring Committee:' can be used as a respectful alternative.
It is important to note that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects job applicants from discrimination and employers should refrain from requesting personal information that could lead to discrimination. This includes making decisions based on marital status or gender identity as laid out by discrimination laws. Adopting a practice of using inclusive and non-discriminatory language when requesting applicants to designate titles can help ensure compliance with these laws and promote equality in the hiring process.