cover letter format unknown recipient

20 Examples Of How To Address a Cover Letter to an Unknown Recipient

Introduction.

Imagine sending out dozens of job applications, only to realize that you've been addressing your cover letters incorrectly. As it turns out, addressing a cover letter to an unknown recipient can be a tricky task. In this comprehensive guide, we'll provide strategies for finding the right name, using job titles as an alternative, formatting the letter, avoiding common mistakes, leveraging professional networking, and understanding the importance of personalization. By following our advice, you can increase your chances of landing that job interview and making a great first impression.

Finding the Right Name

Before you give up on finding the recipient's name, consider these research strategies:

Check the job post for a specific name. Sometimes, the name of the hiring manager or contact person is listed in the job posting. Read the post carefully to see if a name is mentioned.

Search the company website for a company directory or listing of key personnel. Many organizations have a "Meet Our Team" or "About Us" section that introduces their staff members. Look for someone with a relevant title, such as "Hiring Manager" or "Human Resources Director."

Call the company directly and ask for the appropriate contact person. If you're unable to find the name online, consider calling the company and asking for the name of the person responsible for hiring for the position you're applying for. This approach can be particularly effective for smaller organizations.

Utilize professional networking platforms like LinkedIn to find the recipient. LinkedIn is a powerful tool for job seekers. Try searching for employees at the company with relevant titles, then check their profiles for clues about their role in the hiring process. You can learn more about how to find the name of the hiring manager using LinkedIn in this helpful article.

Personalize your cover letter. Addressing your cover letter to a specific individual shows that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position. This extra effort can make a big difference in how your application is perceived by the recipient.

Using a Job Title

If you're unable to find the recipient's name, consider using a job title or department head as an alternative:

Address the letter to the job title of the reader. For example, you might write "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear Human Resources Director." This approach is more specific and professional than using a generic greeting like "To Whom It May Concern."

Consider addressing the letter to the head of the department where you're applying to work. If you know the department your job falls under, try addressing your cover letter to the department head, such as "Dear Marketing Director" or "Dear IT Manager."

Explain why using a job title or department head can still demonstrate professionalism and personalization. Although it's not as ideal as using a specific name, addressing your letter to a relevant job title shows that you've put some thought into your application and have a clear understanding of the company's structure.

Provide examples of different job titles to use as salutations. You can find a list of different job titles to use as salutations in this resource.

Discuss the potential impact of using job titles on the success of the job application. While using a job title may not guarantee success, it can increase your chances of making a favorable impression. A personalized salutation indicates that you're genuinely interested in the position and have taken the time to research the company.

Formatting the Letter

When addressing a cover letter to an unknown recipient, follow these formatting tips:

Always use "Dear" to start the address. This is a professional and respectful way to begin a cover letter.

Use a gender-neutral title (such as Ms.) if the recipient's gender is unknown. If you're unsure of the recipient's gender, it's better to use a neutral title like "Ms." rather than making assumptions.

For non-gender-specific names, use the recipient's full name. If you can't determine the recipient's gender based on their name, address the letter using their full name, such as "Dear Taylor Smith."

Maintain a professional tone even when the name is unknown. Even if you don't know the recipient's name, it's crucial to keep your language and tone professional throughout your cover letter.

Provide examples of well-formatted cover letter salutations.

While it's always best to try and find the name of the hiring manager or recruiter, there may be times when you just can't find that information. Don't let it deter you. Below are 20 examples of how you can address your cover letter when the recipient is unknown:

1. Dear Hiring Manager, 2. To the Recruitment Team, 3. Dear Human Resources Team, 4. Attention Hiring Committee, 5. Dear [Job Title] Hiring Team, 6. To the [Company Name] Team, 7. Dear [Company Name] Recruiter, 8. To Whom It May Concern, 9. Dear Hiring Authority, 10. Attention [Company Name] Hiring Professionals, 11. Dear Talent Acquisition Team, 12. Hello [Company Name] Selection Panel, 13. Dear Recruitment Advisor, 14. To the [Industry] Professionals at [Company Name], 15. Attention [Company Name] Talent Scouts, 16. Dear Hiring Advocate, 17. To the Selection Committee for [Job Title], 18. Dear [Company Name] Staffing Team, 19. Attention [Job Title] Recruitment Panel, 20. Dear [Company Name] Hiring Panel,

Remember, the goal is to be as respectful and professional as possible in your salutation. Even if you don't know the recipient's name, demonstrating courtesy in your greeting will set a positive tone for the rest of your cover letter.

Also, avoid overly casual greetings like 'Hello' or 'Hi there,' which might seem unprofessional, and stay clear of outdated phrases such as 'Dear Sir or Madam.' Instead, opt for more modern, inclusive alternatives. Be sure to follow your greeting with a comma or a colon, then leave a space before starting the body of your letter.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

When addressing a cover letter to an unknown recipient, it's essential to avoid these common mistakes:

Using generic greetings like "To Whom It May Concern." This phrase is outdated and impersonal, and using it can make your application seem generic and unprofessional. Instead, try to find a specific name or use a job title, as discussed in previous sections.

Using incorrect titles or making assumptions about the recipient's gender. Making assumptions about someone's gender or using an inappropriate title can potentially offend the recipient and hurt your chances of landing an interview. Stick to gender-neutral titles or use the recipient's full name when in doubt.

Addressing the letter to the wrong department or job title. Be sure to double-check that you're addressing your letter to the appropriate person or department. Sending your application to the wrong person can result in your application being overlooked or discarded.

Failing to proofread the cover letter for errors, even in the salutation. Typos and other errors can make a poor impression on the recipient. Be sure to proofread your entire cover letter, including the salutation, before submitting it.

Provide examples of mistakes that could hurt the applicant's chances of landing an interview. Some examples of common errors include misspelling the recipient's name, using an informal greeting (such as "Hey"), or addressing the letter to an unrelated department (e.g., "Dear Accounting Manager" when applying for a marketing position).

Utilizing Professional Networking

Leveraging your professional network can be an effective way to find the name of the recipient for your cover letter:

Use platforms like LinkedIn to research the company and its employees. As mentioned earlier, LinkedIn is a valuable resource for job seekers. You can use the platform to find employees with relevant titles, learn more about the company culture, and even discover mutual connections who might be able to provide an introduction or additional information.

Connect with current employees or alumni of the company. Networking with people who work at the company or have worked there in the past can give you valuable insights into the hiring process and help you identify the appropriate contact person for your cover letter.

Search for the appropriate contact person within your professional network. Use your connections to find people who work at the company you're applying to, and ask if they know who the hiring manager for your desired position is.

Networking can help job seekers get noticed by potential employers. Building relationships with people at the company can increase your chances of getting noticed and potentially even lead to a referral. Learn more about how networking can help job seekers get noticed by potential employers in this article.

Offer examples of successful job seekers who found the recipient's name through networking. For instance, this cover letter that landed a job seeker a role at LinkedIn is a great example of how personalizing your cover letter and leveraging your network can help you stand out.

Importance of Personalization

Personalizing your cover letter can make a significant difference in the success of your job application:

Discuss the impact of personalization on the reader's impression of the applicant. A personalized cover letter demonstrates that you've done your research and are genuinely interested in the position, which can make a positive impression on the recipient.

Provide statistics on the success rate of personalized cover letters compared to generic ones. According to resume statistics , candidates with typos in their cover letters or resumes are 58% more likely to be dismissed, while those who do not include specific employment dates are 27% more likely to be dismissed.

Offer expert opinions on the importance of addressing cover letters to specific individuals. Many career experts agree that addressing cover letters to specific individuals can increase your chances of landing an interview.

Explain how personalization demonstrates research skills and genuine interest in the company. Taking the time to research the recipient and tailor your cover letter to the specific position and company shows that you're not only a thorough and detail-oriented candidate, but also genuinely interested in the opportunity.

Share anecdotes of successful job seekers who personalized their cover letters and landed interviews. For example, one job seeker found the recipient's name through LinkedIn and personalized his cover letter , which helped him land an interview and ultimately secure the position.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In summary, addressing a cover letter to an unknown recipient can be challenging, but by following our tips and strategies, you can make a strong impression on potential employers. Remember to:

• Research the recipient's name or use a relevant job title.
• Personalize your cover letter to demonstrate genuine interest in the position.
• Maintain a professional tone and formatting throughout your cover letter.
• Avoid common mistakes that can hurt your chances of landing an interview.
• Leverage your professional network to find the appropriate contact person.

By applying these tips to your job search, you'll increase your chances of success and make a lasting impression on potential employers. Good luck with your job applications!

6 Examples: How To Address a Cover Letter Without a Name

Addressing the recipient without knowing their name might seem complicated, but there are ways to navigate this situation. Let’s take a look at a few strategies to make your cover letter feel personalized even when you don’t have a specific name to address.

Be Professional and Engaging

Using general salutations like “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam” can make your cover letter feel impersonal. Instead, opt for a more engaging opener such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Company Name] Team.” This type of greeting acknowledges the company and shows that you have researched the team you are addressing.

Focus on the Position and Company

Make sure to tailor the content of your cover letter to the job you are applying for by highlighting relevant qualifications, experience, and skills. Share specific examples of your successes that align with the responsibilities of the position. Mention the company’s values, goals, or recent successes to demonstrate how your values align with theirs. This can effectively showcase your interest and commitment to the role.

Use LinkedIn and Company Website Research

If you cannot find the hiring manager’s name in the job posting, you can turn to LinkedIn or the company website for clues. Search for professionals working in human resources or hiring roles at the company. If you find a specific contact, address your letter to that person while using their full name and title. Otherwise, continue with a professional and engaging salutation as mentioned earlier.

Here are two examples of how to start a cover letter without a name:

Dear Hiring Manager, As a passionate marketer with five years of experience, I am excited to apply for the Marketing Manager position at (…) Company. Achieving a 30% increase in leads generated through my previous campaigns, I am eager to contribute to the growth of your marketing department.

Dear ABC Inc. Team, With a strong background in project management and a proven track record of implementing cost-saving strategies, I am confident in my ability to excel as the Senior Project Manager at ABC Inc. Your company’s commitment to sustainable practices aligns with my values and I am thrilled to be considered for this opportunity.

By applying these strategies, you can create an impactful and personalized cover letter, even without knowing the recipient’s name. This attention to detail can set you apart from other applicants and leave a positive impression with your prospective employer.

How to Find the Hiring Manager’s Name

Sometimes locating the hiring manager’s name can be tricky, but there are several ways to find it. Let’s go through a few methods to help you address your cover letter without a name.

Using LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a great resource for finding the hiring manager’s name. Here’s how you can use it:

• Visit the company’s LinkedIn page.
• Click on the “People” tab to browse through the employees.
• Use the search bar and enter keywords such as “recruiter,” “hiring manager,” or the department you’re applying to.
• Check the found profiles, and try to identify the right person responsible for hiring in your desired role.

Make sure to double-check that the person is currently working in the company to avoid using outdated information.

Checking Company Website

Another way to find the hiring manager’s name is by checking the company website:

• Locate the “About Us” or “Team” page, where you might find a list of employees along with their titles and roles.
• Look for a person who has a recruiting or hiring-related title within the department you’re targeting with your application.
• If you cannot find the necessary information on the website, try checking a company’s press releases or blog. Sometimes they include names of important team members.

Making a Phone Call

When all else fails, you’re left with one more option – making a phone call.

• Call the company’s main line and politely ask the receptionist for the name of the hiring manager or the person responsible for recruitment in the department you’re interested in.
• Be prepared to provide the job title and a job reference number (if available) to help the receptionist find the right person.

Finding the hiring manager’s name isn’t always possible. If you cannot locate it, don’t worry. Addressing your cover letter as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern” is still better than not sending a cover letter at all.

How To Address a Cover Letter Without a Name: Sample Phrases

Starting with job title.

When you cannot find the recipient’s name, use their job title to address the cover letter. This shows that you can connect and direct your message to the relevant person. Here are some examples:

• Dear Hiring Manager, – This is a common and universally understood phrase for addressing a cover letter without a name.
• Dear [Job Title], – Use the specific job position that the recipient holds, for instance, Dear Marketing Director .
• To the [Job Title] Selection Committee, – This approach can be useful when applying for a role advertised by a team or committee that will handle the hiring process, such as To the Scholarship Selection Committee .

Referring to Department

Another approach is to address the cover letter to the department that the position is within. This helps to direct your message to the appropriate team or group. Here are some examples:

• Dear [Department] Team, – Mention the department you are applying for, such as Dear HR Team, or Dear Sales Team .
• Greetings, [Department] Department, – Use the department name to address the letter, like Greetings, IT Department .
• To Whom It May Concern in the [Department], – This is a formal alternative when you don’t know the recipient or department’s name, for example, To Whom It May Concern in the Finance Department .

Using these approaches will ensure that your cover letter appears professional and well-directed, even when you don’t have the exact name of the recipient. Focus on the content and the skills you bring to the position to make the best impression on the reader.

Crafting Content for Cover Letters

When you’re unsure of the recipient’s name, you might feel a little lost on how to address your cover letter. Don’t worry. You can still create an engaging and professional cover letter that gets the job done. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft the perfect content for an anonymous cover letter.

Start with a professional, yet friendly, greeting. If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name, use a general opening line such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern” . These greetings are widely accepted and show respect towards the person receiving the letter.

Next, dive into your strengths, skills, and achievements. Mention the qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the position. Share relevant accomplishments from your previous roles, such as leading a successful project or boosting sales. Be specific when describing your skills and use quantifiable results when possible. For example:

“During my time at Company (…), I managed a team of 10 and successfully increased sales by 25% within six months.”

Show enthusiasm for the job and demonstrate your knowledge of the company. Research the organization’s goals, values, and recent projects, then incorporate this information into your cover letter. This will help you tailor your letter to the company’s needs and show that you’d be a good fit for their culture. You could say something like:

“As a long-time admirer of your company’s commitment to sustainability, I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to the upcoming eco-conscious product line.”

Close your cover letter with a strong call-to-action. Express your interest in further discussing your qualifications and offer your availability for an interview. Thank the hiring manager for considering your application and include your contact information. A sample closing paragraph could look like this:

“I’m eager to discuss how my expertise in digital marketing could contribute to the success of your team. Thank you for considering my application. You can reach me at (555) 555-5555 or [email protected] to schedule a conversation.”

Keep your cover letter concise and focused on your unique selling points. Even without knowing the recipient’s name, following these guidelines will allow you to create a memorable and attention-grabbing cover letter that leaves a lasting impression on potential employers.

Tips on Prefix Usage

When you’re addressing a cover letter without a specific name, it’s good to think about the appropriate prefix to use. Here are some tips to help you choose the right one:

First, consider using a general and gender-neutral prefix like Dear Hiring Manager . It will work well if you don’t know the recipient’s name or aren’t aware of their gender. This is a widely accepted way to address a cover letter without a specific name.

Dear Hiring Manager, I came across your job posting for a Graphic Designer, and I am excited to apply for the role.

If you happen to know the job title of the person who will read your cover letter, you can use it. This shows that you have put effort into researching the company and position.

Dear Marketing Director, I am writing to express my interest in the open Digital Marketing Specialist position at your company.

In some cases, you might know the name of the department that the job is in. In this case, you can address your cover letter to the entire department.

Dear Finance Team, I was thrilled to see an opening for a Financial Analyst at your company and would like to apply for the position.

When you’re unable to find any specific details or when addressing a larger company, you can opt for a broad salutation like To Whom It May Concern . Just be aware that it may come off as impersonal, so it’s best to use this as a last resort.

To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting my application for the Content Writer position posted on your careers website.

The key is to maintain a professional tone throughout your cover letter. Regardless of which prefix you choose, always customize your content to suit the specific job and company you’re applying to. By doing so, you demonstrate a genuine interest in the role and leave a positive impression on the hiring manager.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Sending a cover letter without addressing it to a specific person can be a pitfall. It might make the recipient feel unimportant or signal that you didn’t do your research. To make your application stand out, be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Not being specific about the role: Your cover letter should not only address the person but also the specific role you’re applying for. Tailor your letter according to the job and the company. For instance, instead of writing “I wish to apply for the marketing position”, be more specific like “I am interested in applying for the Digital Marketing Specialist role at [CompanyName].”
• Focusing too much on yourself: Although your achievements are important, the cover letter should focus on how your skills can benefit the company. Frame your accomplishments in a way that highlights the value you can bring to the organization.
• Being overly formal or stiff: While it’s important to maintain a professional tone, being too formal might come across as insincere or impersonal. Use a friendly tone and avoid jargon or buzzwords to keep your cover letter genuine and relatable.
• Spelling errors and typos: Even the smallest of typos can create a negative impression. Double-check your cover letter to make sure there are no mistakes. Keep an eye out for incorrect spellings, especially when addressing the recipient.

The goal of your cover letter is to make a personal connection and showcase how you are a great fit for the company. Taking the time to address your letter properly, proofread for errors, and customize your content demonstrates your attention to detail and commitment to the position.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i properly address a cover letter when the recipient’s name is unknown.

If you don’t know the recipient’s name, consider using a general salutation instead. For example, “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Recruitment Team” acknowledges the recipient without using a specific name. You can also research the company’s website or LinkedIn to try to find the appropriate contact person.

What alternatives are there to ‘To Whom It May Concern’?

There are several alternatives to ‘To Whom It May Concern’ that can help make your cover letter stand out:

• Dear Hiring Manager
• Dear [Company] Team
• Dear [Department or Job Title] Hiring Team
• Dear [Company] Recruitment Team

How do I determine the appropriate salutation for my cover letter?

To determine the right salutation for your cover letter, do a bit of research on the company or organization you’re targeting. This may help you uncover the specific department or hiring manager’s name. If not, use one of the general salutations mentioned earlier to address your cover letter in a more personalized manner.

What are examples of cover letter openings without using names?

Here are some examples of cover letter openings without using specific names:

• “Dear Hiring Manager, I am excited to submit my application for the [Job Title] position at [Company].”
• “Dear [Department or Job Title] Hiring Team, As a passionate professional with experience in [Industry], I am eager to contribute to [Company] as a [Job Title].”
• “Dear [Company] Team, I recently came across the [Job Title] opening at [Company], and I am confident that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate.”

How can I avoid common mistakes when addressing cover letters without names?

To avoid mistakes when addressing cover letters without names, follow these tips:

• Do thorough research on the company and the job posting
• Be concise and professional in your language
• Use an appropriate general salutation if you can’t find a specific name
• Double-check for spelling and grammatical errors before sending the cover letter
• Avoid using outdated or overused phrases, such as ‘To Whom It May Concern’ or ‘Dear Sir/Madam’

By following these guidelines, you can create a strong and effective cover letter that stands out to hiring managers, even if you don’t have a specific name to address.

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10 Best Ways To Address A Cover Letter Without A Name

• Cover Letter Format
• Salutation and Greeting
• Who To Address When Unknown
• How To Start A Cover Letter
• How To End A Cover Letter
• Best Cover Letter Font And Size
• Cover Letter Spacing
• Cover Letter Length
• Key Elements Of A Cover Letter
• How To Write An Address
• Official Letter Format
• Cover Letter Opening

Find a Job You Really Want In

Cover letters consume a fair amount of time in the application process, as the more personalized they are, the better. With the majority of the application process being automated and online now, the hiring manager ’s name can end up being an unknown quantity. If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name and don’t know what to do, then this article will help you. If the hiring manager’s name is unknown, then you have a few options. The best, of course, is to find out what their name is and address the letter to them. But if that all fails, then there are proper ways to address a cover letter to an unknown recipient. Key Takeaways: Try to find the name of the person you are addressing using the job listing, company website, or contacting the company. Don’t assume someone’s martial status and avoid using “Miss” and “Mrs.” whenever possible. Avoid assuming gender, even if you do know the person’s name. Use a professional and appropriate greeting and avoid sounding like you would when addressing your friend. In This Article    Skip to section How to address a cover letter if you don’t know the recipient’s name Why is addressing a cover letter correctly important? How to find out who to address your cover letter to Example cover letter Addressing a cover letter FAQ Final Thoughts References Expert Opinion Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs Show More How to address a cover letter if you don’t know the recipient’s name

There are a few rules to follow when addressing a cover letter: be professional, polite, and concise. That means that even if you don’t know the recipient’s name, you want to maintain the same professional tone in the letter and avoid overly stilted language or being too informal.

Here are some guidelines to follow when addressing a cover letter:

If you can find out the hiring manager’s name, do so. That means that you should spend time looking over the company website, checking LinkedIn profiles, or even calling the company.

Don’t assume the hiring manager’s gender. This is especially true when you don’t know their name. But even if you do find out the person’s name, avoid gendered language until you’re sure how they identify. Some people will put preferred pronouns in email signatures or on their LinkedIn profiles, so it might be a good idea to check.

Maintain a professional tone. There’s a common style and formality to business letters. Make sure that your cover letter has that tone. it’s different than a letter you’d write to a friend, and being too familiar with your writing can be off-putting to hiring managers.

Avoid assuming the person’s title. This applies to both marital status, such as using Mrs. or Miss, but also whether they have a doctorate. In general, unless this is someone you know, avoid using either Mrs. or Miss, because it can cause offense, even if used correctly.

Make sure you include a salutation. Even if you don’t know who you’re addressing, leaving one off entirely can end up either looking like a mistake or that you didn’t personalize the letter at all.

Be as specific as possible. Even if you can’t find out exactly who the hiring manager is, make sure to be specific in your greeting. Use Dear Marketing Hiring Manager rather than just Dear Hiring Manager if you’re applying for a marketing position.

Also, while HR is most often in charge of hiring, it’s best not to just address the HR department unless you know that they’re the ones who’ll be in charge of your application. Not every business has HR take care of all hiring tasks, especially if it’s a smaller company.

Examples of how to address a cover letter:

Dear Sir or Madam

Dear Hiring Manager

Dear Talent Acquisition Team

Dear [Company Name] HR Department

Dear [Company name] Hiring Manager

Dear Human Resources Manager

Dear Human Resources Department

Dear [Company Name] Recruiter

Dear [Department Name] Hiring Manager

Dear [Department Name] Hiring Team

Here are some examples of how NOT to address a cover letter:

Good Morning

To Whom It May Concern

Dear Mrs. Smith

Hi Sebastian!

Hey Sales Team

Why is addressing a cover letter correctly important?

Addressing a cover letter correctly shows professionalism, diligence, and politeness. All of these are good for an employee to have and show you to be someone that’s worth investing further time in. While finding the proper person to address can be a chore, it helps you in several ways because:

Hiring managers get myriad applications. Remember that you aren’t the only one applying for a job. While you want to make your application stand out from the crowd if you can, you don’t want to stand out in a negative way — that’ll ensure you don’t get the job.

Individual people ultimately decide who gets hired. While the application process can feel faceless, formless, and impersonal, there are actual people at these companies that sort through resumes . And people form first impressions.

It shows that you’re willing to go the extra mile. Think about what the admired traits are in employees. If you’re willing to put in the additional effort or work to get a superior result, then that’s the sort of employee companies want to have to work for them.

It’s less impersonal. Of course the hiring process is somewhat impersonal. You’re petitioning people you don’t know and that don’t know you. But if you address a letter to Dear Hiring Manager, it doesn’t have the same effect as addressing it directly to the person.

How to find out who to address your cover letter to

Despite the importance of properly addressing a cover letter, not every company makes it easy for applicants to do. If the hiring manager’s name isn’t immediately apparent, then there are some other options open to you before addressing the cover letter to an unknown recipient.

Check the job listing. One simple way is to look at the application and double-check that the hiring manager’s name isn’t on the main listing. Sometimes the information isn’t on the application, but rather on the job listing. If it isn’t there you will then have to start doing a little bit more investigative work.

Check LinkedIn. You can check on LinkedIn and on the company’s website to find the hiring manager’s name. If nothing shows up, then you will have to start contacting someone at the company to find out.

Contact the company. Now, this does not mean you should contact some random person at the company who lists the company’s name on their profile. Find the contact information for the HR department, for someone who works in HR, or for the head of the department you are trying to work in and ask them if they know the name of the hiring manager for your application.

Sometimes, they will not give this information, simply so that the hiring manager can stay anonymous and not get a billion emails from applicants. This situation is more likely to happen with massive companies like Google or Apple.

If they give you a name, use it. If they don’t, then you will have to then move on to the next step of figuring out how to address a cover letter to an unknown person.

Example cover letter

Dear Sales Team Hiring Manager, As a fan of XYZ Inc.’s impressive technology products, I was ecstatic to see an opening for a Junior Sales Representative . After reading the job description, I am confident that I’m the right person for the job. With 4 years of experience selling cloud computing products and services, I would bring a unique perspective to the role. In my current role as a Sales Representative at ABC Corp., I’ve created technology presentations for all my clients, driving interest in new product sales and subscriptions by 84% year-over-year. Additionally, I’ve reduced the cost of customer acquisition by over 15% and consistently topped sales quotas by over 20% since starting at ABC. I know XYZ has amazing products and services that I would be honored to promote and sell. With my background in cloud computing, I would be able to hit the ground running and communicate your product’s benefits to customers. Please contact me if you have any further questions about my application or resume. I look forward to speaking with the Sales Team more about the role in an interview. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Malia Freeman [email protected] 555-777-9999

Addressing a cover letter FAQ

How do you address a cover letter to an unknown recipient?

Address your cover letter to “Hiring Manager” or “[Department Name] Hiring Manager.” Always do whatever you can to try to find the name of the person you’re addressing, but if you can’t, address it to the generic position or team you’re trying to get in contact with.

Is To Whom It May Concern rude?

Yes, To Whom It May Concern can be considered rude. Not everyone will agree that it’s rude, but many people do find it rude, or at least impersonal and lazy on a cover letter, so it’s best to avoid this greeting

Is it okay to use Dear Hiring Manager?

Yes, it is okay to use Dear Hiring Manager as a cover letter greeting. It’s always best to address your cover letter to someone by name if you can find it, but many times you can’t. In this case, “Dear Hiring Manager,” is an appropriate greeting.

Who is the best person to address a cover letter to?

The best person to address a cover letter to would be the hiring manager. This should be their first and last name if you know it, but “dear hiring manager” is acceptable if you are unsure of their name.

The rule of thumb was to use titles such as Mr. or Ms. However, it’s also important not to assume the hiring manager’s gender. If you don’t know the person’s preferred pronouns, then it’s best to just use their full name.

If you don’t know the recipient’s name, how would you close the letter?

Sincerely or Regards are considered formal, professional closings for letters. If you’re writing a cover letter to someone you don’t know, it’s best to remain professional and polite. A sign-off such as best wishes will likely come off as too familiar.

Final Thoughts

If you are applying for a job and writing a cover letter, make sure you take the time to look over all the details in the cover letter. Not taking the time to look for the recipient of a cover letter or using a professional greeting will look lazy. ​ Your greeting is a small part of the cover letter. However, it’s one of the most important pieces because it’s the first thing the hiring managers will read. Using an appropriate generic greeting will set the tone for your cover letter, making you sound professional and willing to put in the effort to make your cover letter flawless. ​ Now that you know how to address a cover letter if the reader is the recipient is unknown, check out our other articles about cover letters and the job application process.

Applying for jobs can be stressful and tedious, but taking the time to learn tips on how to improve your application will help put you one step closer to landing your dream job .

Georgetown – Writing Cover Letters for Government

Expert Opinion

• Who To Address Cover Letter To If Unknown

Vimari Roman Career Strategist Coach Be Productive Coaching

My recommendation is to always send a customized cover letter when applying for any job and when in doubt, address your letter to the hiring team using “Dear Hiring Team.” In most cases the application will end up on a recruiter’s or an HR Business Partner’s desk, and if they like your cover letter and resume, then they will pass it on to the hiring manager or the hiring team. By addressing your letter to the “team” you’ve got everyone covered and they will all feel as if the letter was written directly to them.

Expert Tip To Find Contact Infoformation

Sally Mikhail Founder of Recruit Petra LLC

Use LinkedIn to find out who to address your cover letter to you with a search of company personnel on the company careers page . However, if you are sending out a cover letter to an unknown hiring influence, you can address it to “Dear Hiring Team” or “Dear Hiring Manager.”

Who To Address Cover Letter To If Unknown Tip

Chelsea Jay Certified Resume Writer and Career Coach

Make sure that you review the company’s “About Me” or “Staff” to view their leaders which often lists direct managers, HR professionals, and executive leadership staff. If you know what department you’ll be working for, I recommend addressing the leader of that department. If the website is for a larger organization and does not list individual staff, I recommend utilizing LinkedIn. You can do a quick company search and find employees who are currently working there. You may even find the original posting with the hiring manager’s name attached.

If you cannot find the hiring manager’s name based on the posting, I recommend taking time to learn more about the specific department you’ll be working in. For example, if you discover that you’ll be working in the Communications department, the next step would be to learn about the specific team you’ll be part of. If you find out that it is the Public Affairs team, I encourage you to address “Public Affairs Team” at the beginning of your cover letter.

If you’re up for a bolder approach that is sure to get attention, address someone on the executive leadership team. I recommend addressing the President or Vice President of the organization (they should be easy to find since they are often the “face” of the organization). Of course, address them with a salutation along with their first name, last name, and title. In the beginning of the cover letter make sure to distinguish what department and position you are applying for. For example, Dear Mr. John Smith, President.

As an applicant, your goal is to stand out and showcase that you are informed and willing to go the extra mile (by doing research!).

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Heidi Cope is a former writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog. Her writing focused primarily on Zippia's suite of rankings and general career advice. After leaving Zippia, Heidi joined The Mighty as a writer and editor, among other positions. She received her BS from UNC Charlotte in German Studies.

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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How to address cover letter without a name

Imagine that you’ve found a position you want to apply for and are working through your cover letter. There’s just one problem — you’re not sure how to address your cover letter. Unknown recipients can complicate the application process, especially when you want to set a great first impression. If you’re wondering who to address cover letter to if unknown, it’s important to find an alternative solution that is professional and respectful. Here’s what you need to know.

Unknown recipient: What you can do about it

Chances are that you’ve been searching “how. to address cover letter without name” or “unknown recipient cover letter” after encountering this scenario. The good news is that there are multiple solutions to this conundrum. 

If you need to write a cover letter to an unknown party, you should: 

Research the company

You should be researching any prospective employer before submitting an application so that you can learn more about their values, organizational structure, and culture. By digging a little deeper, you can usually find some basic information about the head of HR or the appropriate contact person. 

This information is usually located on the company’s website or the hiring manager’s LinkedIn. If you search the company, their account should be associated with it. 

If necessary, call the business. Give them your name, let the person who answers know that you are submitting an application, and ask who to address the documents to. 

Customizing your resume and cover letter for each job application will help you stand out and may increase your odds of landing an interview. Doing the legwork and finding out the name of the hiring manager is a great way of customizing your application, and it shows that you are a self-starter.

Use generic salutations

You will also want to consider how to address a cover letter without a name. If you can’t track down contact information for the person in charge of hiring, use a generic salutation. A few favorites include:

• Dear Hiring Manager
• Dear Recruiting Team
• To Whom It May Concern

However, be careful not to overuse these phrases, as doing so can make your letter feel generic. Instead, use one of these phrases at the opening of your cover letter and keep your sentence phrasing focused on you and the business as a whole throughout the rest of the document. 

Need some more inspiration for creating a great introduction? Check out our cover letter examples and resume examples . These free resources can jumpstart your job search efforts and help you land an interview. 

Personalize your greeting

When deciding who to address cover letter to if unknown, it’s vital to get creative with your personalization. Do your best to track down an HR department head or hiring manager’s contact information. If you simply cannot, personalize your content by referencing recent company news or mutual connections. 

You can still create a great cover letter without a personalized greeting. However, you need to make at least some aspects of your document feel tailored to the job and organization you are applying to. You don’t want hiring personnel to believe that you submitted an identical document to multiple businesses. 

For more detailed tips and tricks, check out our growing library of cover letter articles . You’ll find everything from resume templates to job-specific cover letter examples, as well as best practices, dos and don’ts, and more!letter

Expert Tip:

Creating a cover letter with unknown recipients will not be a barrier to getting the job, provided you adhere to established best practices, research the business you are applying for, and personalize your documents to demonstrate your desire to join the organization.

Avoid common mistakes

Creating a cover letter without knowing the recipient’s name can be challenging, but it’s crucial to avoid common pitfalls that could undermine your application. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using outdated or incorrect titles

One of the most common errors in addressing a cover letter involves using outdated or incorrect titles. Avoid using generic titles like “Dear Sir/Madam.” Instead, take the time to research the company or department structure to determine the appropriate title to use. Using the wrong title can convey a lack of attention to detail and professionalism.

If you can’t find the person’s name, it’s acceptable to use a generalized title, such as “Hiring Manager” or “Human Resources Manager.” Tailor the title you use based on the size and structure of the company. 

Misspelling names or titles

Another common mistake is misspelling names or titles. Double-check the spelling of the recipient’s name and any titles before sending your cover letter. 

Misspelling a name can make a negative impression and suggest carelessness. If you’re unsure of the correct spelling, consider reaching out to the company or using a neutral salutation like “Dear Hiring Manager.” 

Remember, the recipients are going to draw several conclusions about you based on your cover letter and resume. In addition to running spell checks, consider using matching resume and cover letter templates to ensure consistency across both documents. 

Our resume articles offer additional insights that can assist with preventing mishaps and making your application more impactful.  

Making assumptions about the recipient’s gender

Assuming the gender of a recipient based on their name can also be a mistake. In today’s diverse workplaces, it’s essential to avoid making assumptions about gender. 

Instead of using salutations like “Dear Sir” or “Dear Madam,” opt for gender-neutral alternatives like “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Company Name] Team.” This demonstrates respect for all individuals and avoids potential offense.

More importantly, using gender-neutral language demonstrates that you are an emotionally intelligent and considerate person. Hiring teams are considering more than just your skill set. They want to make sure you will have good chemistry with existing employees. 

Failing to research the company

Failing to research the company before addressing your cover letter is one of the worst mistakes you can make. Take the time to learn about the company’s culture, values, and organizational structure. This information can help you tailor your cover and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company. 

Neglecting to customize the cover letter

Failing to customize your cover letter for each job application is another common mistake. Employers can easily spot a generic cover letter.

Take the time to customize your cover letter for each application, highlighting relevant skills and experiences that match the job requirements. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and increases your chances of progressing in the hiring process. 

“Remember, the recipients are going to draw several conclusions about you based on your cover letter and resume”

In today’s hiring market, you don’t want to simply submit your cover letter and wait around for businesses to contact you. Be proactive and follow up with the human resources department a few days after you apply. Call the company directly, or reach out via email. 

When you do reach out, be direct. Consider saying something like, “I am reaching out about the status of my application, which was submitted on [D ate of Submission]. I look forward to continuing the hiring process and participating in an interview.” This reply demonstrates confidence and genuine interest without overplaying your hand. 

If you speak to someone on the phone, use a similar approach. However, it’s best not to be rigid. Aim to be kind and personable, as the person you speak to may be directly involved in the interview and vetting process. If it is a smaller business, you may even end up speaking directly to the person in charge of hiring. 

Keep in mind that it’s acceptable to follow up multiple times. Generally, you should reach out two to three days after your initial application and roughly a week later if you still haven’t heard anything definitive. 

Crafting a compelling letter for an unknown recipient

Many applicants wonder who to address cover letter to if unknown recipient. But no matter who the intended recipient is, creating a dynamic cover letter requires diligence and discipline. Be willing to research your prospective employer so that you can learn more about the organization and who will be involved in your interview process. 

Doing some extra work to make your application stand out can mean the difference between getting an interview or having your letter get lost among other job seekers.

If you’d like to learn more about how to create a more appealing application, Jobseeker can help. We provide free resources, useful templates, and personalized support designed to help you achieve your career goals. Connect with us today!

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To Whom it May Concern? How to Address and End a Cover Letter

We’ve put together a few tips to help you personalize your cover letter, whether you know the hiring manager’s name or not.

Customers Interviewed by:

In our modern age of personalization, To Whom It May Concern is both an antiquated and detached way to address a cover letter . It may also imply that you haven’t researched the company or that you assume the letter can be read by anyone. Below, we’ve put together a few tips to help you personalize your cover letter , whether you know the hiring manager’s name or not.

When it comes to addressing a cover letter, advice columns frequently spotlight these two pitfalls:

• Mistake 1 : Failing to address your cover letter to a specific person
• Mistake 2 : Addressing a cover letter to the wrong person

Most job postings don’t specify who will be reading your cover letter. This puts job seekers in a tricky situation. Fixing the first mistake could cause you to make the second. So what’s the best way to replace “To Whom It May Concern” on your cover letter?

Get instant feedback on your cover letter with Jobscan’s cover letter optimization tool. See it in action .

3 Key Tips for Addressing Your Cover Letter

1) don’t address your cover letter to the recruiter.

For many job openings, the first person you need to impress is a corporate recruiter. That doesn’t mean you should address your cover letter to them.

“Recruiters do not read cover letters,” a long-time healthcare recruiter told Jobscan . “Bottom line.”

That might be an overstatement — most don’t, some do — but many recruiters would admit that they aren’t the intended audience of a cover letter. “It’s mostly for the hiring manager,” said a recruiter in the non-profit industry. “For us [recruiters], it’s just an extra step in an already elongated process.”

The healthcare recruiter agreed: “If you’re sending it straight to a hiring manager who’s looking at a much lower number of applicants, they might actually read that.”

2) Search for the Hiring Manager’s Name

The best way to personalize your cover letter is to address the hiring manager by name. However, it can be difficult to identify the hiring manager, and your educated guess could cause you to address your cover letter to the wrong person. Here are some tips for finding the hiring manager.

Search the Company Website

Few job postings list the hiring manager by name but many will tell you the position to which you’d be reporting.

With this information, a little detective work can reveal the name of the hiring manager.

Start off by browsing the company’s website. Look for an about page, company directory, or contact page. These pages are frequently linked at the very bottom of the website. Companies that feature employees on their about page make it much easier to figure out who will be reading your cover letter.

You can also try searching the website. If the website doesn’t have a built-in search bar, use this syntax in Google:

“[position you’ll be reporting to]” site:company website

This will reveal hard-to-find about pages or other mentions of the position in the company’s blog posts, press releases, and other pages.

Search LinkedIn

If a company doesn’t list the hiring manager on their website, LinkedIn is your next best resource.

Start off by searching for the company page on LinkedIn. Once you’re on the company’s LinkedIn page, click “See all X employees on LinkedIn” near the top.

Depending on the company size, you can either browse all positions or narrow your results by adding search terms to the search bar (e.g. “Marketing Manager”) and utilizing the “Current companies” filters on the right side of the screen.

Search for the “reports to” position from the job listing. If it wasn’t provided in the listing, search for keywords related to your prospective department (e.g. “marketing”). If the company uses an intuitive corporate hierarchy  you should be able to determine who will be reading the cover letter.

Contact the Company Directly

There is nothing wrong with calling or emailing the company to ask for the name of the hiring manager. Be polite and honest with the administrative assistant or customer service representative. Explain that you’re about to apply for a job and you’d like to know who you should address in your cover letter.

If they aren’t able to provide an answer or transfer you to someone who knows, let it go. The last thing you need is word getting back to the hiring manager that you were pushy with one of their colleagues.

3) Use a More Personalized “To Whom it May Concern” Alternative

You can still personalize your cover letter, even when you don’t know the identity of the hiring manager. Instead of “To Whom It May Concern,” which casts a wide net and is specific to no one, try addressing your cover letter to one specific person.

The most generic version of this is:

Dear Hiring Manager,

But job seekers can often be more specific. Take a look at these examples:

Dear Customer Experience Manager, 

Dear Customer Experience Hiring Team Manager, 

Some other alternatives include addressing your cover letter to an entire department:

• Dear Engineering Department,

Dear Engineering Team, 

OR addressing the entire team:

Hi Jobscan Team,

Dear Jobscan Team,

As with many aspects of the job application process, demonstrating that you put in some extra effort can make a difference. Doing some research before addressing a cover letter contributes to a positive first impression.

8 cover letter salutation examples

Here are eight standard cover letter openings you can choose from. Select the one that best suits the energy of the company you’re applying to and use either a specific name or department depending on the information you have available.

• Hi Mr. Smith,
• Hello Jobscan Team,
• Dear Ms. Whittaker and Team,
• Good morning, Mr. Kennedy
• Good afternoon, Louise, 
• To the Jobscan hiring manager, 

How to end a cover letter

Just as important as beginning your cover letter is ensuring you end it on a strong note. Your cover letter ending should not be underestimated in its ability to help you move forward in the hiring process. After making your case in the previous paragraphs, you need to end your cover letter with a strong call to action to entice the recruiter to invite you for a job interview.

Madeline Mann , an HR leader in the technology industry and creator of Self Made Millennial , says that while no conclusion will save a bad cover letter, it can distinguish you from another good candidate.

It’s all about enthusiasm, according to Madeline. “Companies want people who want them,” she says. If you can draw to the company’s values and show how interested in working with them you are, that’s a substantial advantage. You want to create a lasting impression by incorporating that enthusiasm in your cover letter ending.

“Companies want people who want them” – Madeline mann

A good conclusion, in fact, should reflect the rest of your cover letter.

Set up the end of your cover letter with a strategic middle section

If you want your cover letter ending to be effective, you first need to build momentum. Most recruiters and career coaches agree that by the time you get to the end of your cover letter, it needs to possess the following three elements:

• It tells a story about yourself
• It shows your value concretely
• It calls the recruiter to action

Julia Reiter, a career coach based in Toronto, suggests that you lead up to your cover letter ending by showing that you understand the company’s current challenges and are equipped to solve them. This will make your cover letter call to action all the more effective.

Although the job description will give you information about what the company is looking to accomplish, it will not help you distinguish yourself from other applicants. Show the company you are willing to go the extra mile by researching the key industry challenges and the particular issues they might be facing (beyond the obvious ones).

For example, you can read articles from industry-related publications and get acquainted with the numbers and statistics about the particular business areas your company is engaged in. By being aware of the particular issues they are facing, you can more easily make your skillset and experiences relevant.

When you talk about your past experiences and accomplishments , make sure you mention the problems the company is facing. For example, if you are applying for a customer success manager position at a Software-as-a-Service company, a relevant issue might be high churn rates.

Instead of writing something like “my experience in customer success makes me confident I will be a great addition to your team,” write something like “When I worked at XYZ company, I was able to reduce the churn rate by 30%. With this experience and my deep knowledge of B2B consumer psychology, I am prepared to ensure we have one of the lowest churn rates in XYZ industry.”

End your letter with a call to action

You may be tempted to write that “I’m looking forward to hearing from you” for your cover letter ending. That isn’t a call to action. For Madeline, the end of a cover letter serves to give one last push and show interest and enthusiasm in a way that stands out.

Likewise, Julia says, “now that the company knows you are aware of their current challenges and are equipped to solve those challenges for them, don’t leave them hanging. Tell them how they can make your skills and experiences a reality on their team. What number can they reach you at for an interview?”

How do you conclude a cover letter? Here are 3 examples

• “I’m excited to have the opportunity to talk about how I could join your team in its quest for XYZ value. I’m particularly thrilled about XYZ project and would love to know how I can contribute to it.
• “I am keen on meeting with you to see what I can contribute to XYZ company as it moves on in its journey to XYZ goal. I am available at your convenience for a phone call or in-person meeting.”
• “I would love to get your thoughts on what I mentioned. I am happy to hop on a phone call at your earliest convenience to discuss how I can help XYZ company with XYZ issue.”

Read more : Check out our cover letter examples page, which covers a wide range of jobs, industries, and situations.

Mistakes to avoid when ending a cover letter

The mistakes people make when they end their cover letter are often the same ones they made earlier in the piece. However, they can be particularly detrimental to your chances of landing an interview if they constitute the final impression a recruiter has of you.

When ending a cover letter, avoid:

Making it about yourself instead of the company: use sentence constructions that make the recruiter see how the company is going to benefit from hiring you. For example, try to use “you” or “we” instead of “I.”

Sounding generic or robotic: we’ve all seen these cover letters that end with the same plain paragraph. If you write one of those, the last impression you’re giving is not different from those given by all other applicants.

Selling yourself short: the conclusion is your last chance to show off the value you can bring to the company. Emphasize it and use it as a segue into your call to action.

How to end a cover letter with the appropriate salutations

Always remember that recruiters review hundreds of applications for each position. When you are competing with that many candidates, the slightest mistake will disqualify you immediately Although you may not think too much of the salutations, they can hurt your chance of landing an interview.

Make sure your salutations are formal and polite. You should be respectful not only by indicating your appreciation of the recruiter’s time but also by being concise. Do not overdo your salutations and do not employ informal greetings. “Sincerely,” “Thank you for your consideration,” “kind regards,” are all safe options.

When ending your cover letter, you want to balance confidence, respect, and appreciation.

17 cover letter ending examples

Depending on the energy of the business you are applying to, and your own personality, select one of the following 17 cover letter closing options.

• Best wishes,
• Sincere thanks,
• Many thanks,
• Thanks in advance,
• Thank you for your consideration,
• Thank you for your time,
• Respectfully, 
• Sincerely, 
• Sincerely yours, 
• Yours truly, 
• Kind regards,
• With best regards,
• Looking forward to speaking with you, 
• With gratitude,

One Final Important note: Cover letters aren’t what they say they are

Cover letters don’t introduce your resume, they supplement it.

In order to get your cover letter into the hands of a hiring manager who cares, your  resume has to get past the recruiter and, in many cases, the applicant tracking system they’re using.

Try analyzing your resume below to receive instant optimization tips and recruiter insights from Jobscan so that the time you spend crafting your cover letter isn’t a waste.

The keyword analysis also shows exactly what to focus on in your cover letter.

Jobscan Premium (one month free)  even has a cover letter scan feature.

Editor’s Note: A section of this article was originally written in a separate blog post by Léandre Larouche on June 9, 2020. It has been updated and combined with this article as of June 10, 2021.

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How to Address a Cover Letter When the Name Is Unknown

Are cover letters still important when applying for a job? According to ResumeLab, the answer is yes: About 83 percent of recruiters, hiring managers and human resources staff members surveyed agreed that well-written cover letters give applicants an advantage.

It is also important to know that while some of the rules for writing effective cover letters remain the same, some have changed over the years, like how to address a cover letter when the name is unknown. What might have looked proper just a few years ago could appear awkward today.

Cover Letter Examples

There are many websites out there that offer cover letter examples, but some may be outdated, so it's important to know what to look for. The best examples will show the correct ways to address the recipient, highlight the applicant's motivation to work with the company and their career objectives. Highlighting professional achievements is also important. In some cases, applicants may also explain any employment gaps or the reasons for a change in careers.

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What information should you include in a continuation header for a business letter, how to make a front page for a resume, how to drop off a resume in person, guidelines for writing a letter requesting a job interview, how to write a thank you after the second interview.

The Muse points out that cover letter opening paragraphs should start by grabbing the reader's attention. Instead of starting with something such as "I would like to apply for the [position]," it is better to be less generic. Examples of more memorable openings might include an anecdote or something about the applicant is inspired by the company's biggest successes. The remaining paragraphs should be almost like a sales pitch, explaining why the applicant is the one who is best qualified for the position.

At the end of a cover letter, a great closing can also serve to create a lasting impression. It is always good to thank the recipient for their consideration, but being more assertive can work better for nabbing an interview. Suggesting that the reader contact the applicant to set up a time to further discuss the position and their experience can be the nudge needed to get to the next step.

How to Address Cover Letters

These days, most resumes and cover letters are sent through emails, job boards and company websites, so a few questions about how to address the letters come to mind. Many of the current rules are more relaxed than in the past, and not all the advice is the same. Monster writers recommend using the standard business letter format, which is a formal style that is single-spaced and left justified.

The top should have the applicant's contact information, which can be on a personal letterhead. This is followed by the date, a single space and the recipient's contact information, including name, title, company name and address. Then, another single space, followed by the opening salutation.

The paragraphs should follow the business letter format, with single spaces in between each. The concluding paragraph should have a single space after it, and then the closing salutation goes in, followed by the applicant's signed or typed name. If unsure, it is always best to make the cover letter look formal. As a guideline, creative industries like art and design or marketing might be more casual, while law firms and corporations tend to be more formal.

Cover Letter Salutations

These can also be formal or casual and again, it is better to stay formal if the applicant is unsure. "Mr." and "Ms." can be used, but "Mrs." and "Miss" should be avoided as they assume that the recipient is married or not married. Although using "Dear" or "Hello" in front of the name is acceptable, it is not required. However, writing "Dear Jane Doe" looks awkward; "Dear Ms. Doe" looks better. In casual cover letters, the first name followed by a colon might be acceptable.

Many job postings do not include the hiring manager or recruiter's name, and for good reasons. There could be several people who are accepting the applications, or the person in question might want to protect their privacy. Novoresume posts that including a salutation is still important; otherwise, it may seem like the applicant was careless. What can one do in this case?

Without a specific name, it is never a good idea to write "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir or Madam." A writer from Zety explains that both are outdated and impersonal. It is best to use phrases like "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Hello Customer Service Hiring Team." If that seems strange, rest assured that it is very common to send a cover letter to an unknown person.

It is always recommended to tailor cover letters to the job description, but without a name to use, applicants cannot tailor the salutation to the recipient in the same way.

More Cover Letter Tips

Salutations like the last two just described solve the problem of the unknown hiring manager. Zety also suggests a few more salutations to use, such as "Dear Recruiting Manager" and "Dear Hiring Team." They also claim that a personalized salutation is always a better choice, so doing some investigating may reveal the right person's name.

If a name was not found during the first look at the job posting, it should be looked at more carefully a second time in case it was missed. If not, the fastest way to find out might be to call the company and ask for the person who will be doing the hiring. These names can also sometimes be found on company websites and on LinkedIn.

It can also help to see Dear Hiring Manager cover letter samples online. This way, applicants can look at several examples to see which looks the best. There are also cover letter samples designed for different job industries and skill levels, as well as examples that show how to apply when there is no job opening advertised. Copying and pasting is never recommended though, because hiring managers recognize that (and it could also constitute plagiarism).

Closing the Deal

Closing salutations have also changed over the years, and you should no longer use old-fashioned ones like "Very Truly Yours" or "Sincerely Yours." More formal cover letters can be closed with a "Sincerely" or "Respectfully Yours," while casual ones often end with "Yours," "Regards," "Best Regards" or "Best." Again, looking at cover letter samples online will give applicants a better feel for what looks right.

Hiring managers and teams receive countless cover letters and resumes, so following a few guidelines and finding ways to make a cover letter stand out can really give applicants an edge. The sheer volume of applications means that in the majority of cases, applicants do not hear back from the companies they apply to. Sending a follow-up email is an option; it may do nothing at all but on the other hand, it might catch a hiring manager's eye.

Betterteam writers recommend waiting two weeks to write an email follow-up. It should have a clear subject line that includes the applicant's name and the job title. The body should state the purpose of the of the email and include a short reminder as to why the applicant is the best fit for the position. It should be kept concise and to the point, with a sincere thank you at the end.

Finally, always proofread your cover letters, resumes and follow-up emails before clicking send – imagine how disappointing it would be to lose a job over a typo.

• Resume Lab: Is a Cover Letter Necessary in 2021? Do I Need a Cover Letter?
• The Muse: The Best Cover Letter Examples for Every Type of Job Seeker
• Monster: The Foolproof Business Letter Format
• Novoresume: How to Address a Cover Letter in 2021
• Zety: Dear Hiring Manager Cover Letter Example & Guide
• Betterteam: Job Application Follow-up Email

Danielle Smyth is a writer and content marketer from upstate New York. She holds a Master of Science in Publishing from Pace University. She owns her own content marketing agency, Wordsmyth Creative Content Marketing, and she enjoys writing home and DIY articles and blogs for clients in a variety of related industries. She also runs her own lifestyle blog, Sweet Frivolity.

Mastering the Art of Addressing Unknown Recipients in Your Cover Letter

• Career Advice

• Posted On: 2023-09-14
• Posted By: Shacara

Introduction:

Section 1: why addressing matters, section 2: when the recipient is unknown, section 3: strategies for addressing unknown recipients, section 4: the etiquette of generic salutations, section 5: making the best of limited information, section 6: personalizing your cover letter beyond the salutation, section 7: common mistakes to avoid, section 8: tailoring your cover letter for different scenarios, section 9: showcasing your unique value proposition, section 10: the power of a compelling opening paragraph, section 11: crafting a convincing body paragraph, section 12: communicating your enthusiasm and fit, section 13: addressing potential concerns or gaps, section 14: closing on a strong note, section 15: proofreading and final checks, conclusion:, get ahead of the competition.

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How to address a cover letter without a name

Writing a cover letter and  tailoring it to the job you’re applying for can be tricky, especially when you can’t find the details of whom you’re meant to address it to. This seemingly small stumbling block could pause your progress. What to do?

In this article, we cover best practices and approaches to address a cover letter when the recipient is unknown. Here are some tips for success and mistakes to avoid when addressing your cover letter without a name.

Whom to address a cover letter to if no name is provided?  

How to start a cover letter without a name   

How to find the right name for your cover letter  

Cover letter with no name – examples

Whom to address a cover letter to if no name is provided?

The ideal scenario is to  address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager by name. This approach shows you care about the role enough to find out who your boss would be, and helps personalise your letter. It’s a great way to capture their attention.

But what happens when a job posting doesn’t include the name of the hiring manager or contact details? It may be a hurdle, but it doesn’t mean you can’t make a strong, personable connection. In these cases, different approaches can be used to maintain professionalism while still making a personal impact.

How to start a cover   letter without a name  

Starting your cover letter to an unknown recipient is important, to help you create a professional and engaging tone. Here are some ways you can  open your letter , ensuring it captures attention and conveys respect.

Using ‘Dear Hiring Manager’   

‘ Dear Hiring Manager ’ is a universally accepted option when the name of the recipient is unknown. (The hiring manager is usually the person you’d be reporting to in the role.) This approach holds a high level of professionalism and formality, which is appropriate for most types of  job applications . It ensures your cover letter is likely to be directed to the correct person or at least to someone with hiring responsibilities.

Addressing the letter to the hiring team   

Choosing to address  your cover letter to the department's hiring team shows you have taken the time to research the company and understand its structure. A ‘hiring team’ generally includes the direct manager of the vacant position, plus senior colleagues or teammates you’d be working most closely with. To tailor your letter effectively, look for the specific department name either in the job posting or on the company website. This shows a proactive approach to your job application.

Use a formal address in a cover letter   

Using a formal address such as  ‘ Dear Recruitment Officer ’ is less common but still works if the job posting provides a generic title. It’s important to use the exact title mentioned to keep it professional and ensure the letter reflects the specific role or department outlined in the description.

Do not assume gender or marital status   

It’s important to avoid assuming the gender or marital status of the recipient. Phrases like  ‘ Dear Sir/Madam ’ are outdated and can be seen as impersonal. Use titles like Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss only if you are certain of the recipient’s preferred title, which is rarely the case when the name is unknown.

Use job profiles and processional titles   

Addressing your cover letter to a job profile or professional title, such as  ‘ Dear Head of Sales, ’ can be effective if the job posting clearly mentions a specific department or senior position. This approach is less formal than other options but can be a great way to add personalisation.

Avoid using ‘To whom it may concern’   

The phrase  ‘ To Whom It May Concern ’ is considered outdated and impersonal. Because it’s generic, it could be seen as a lack of effort on your behalf, in trying to find the right contact person. You should always try to avoid making your  application appear generic , as it’s less likely to capture the attention of the hiring manager. Instead, opt for more personalised alternatives.

Avoid addressing your cover letter to recruiters   

Directly addressing your cover letter to  recruiters is generally not recommended unless requested, as they may not be the decision-makers for the position you’re applying for. Focus instead on addressing it to either the  hiring manager or the relevant team that is directly involved with the role.

Address the cover letter to the right person    

It’s important to make every effort to address your  cover letter to the most relevant person or team. This shows you’re really invested in the role and that you’ve carried out thorough research and increases your chances of your application being reviewed by the right person. Use all available resources, including the job posting, company website and  professional networking platforms , to find the best recipient for your cover letter. 

How to find the right   name for your cover letter

Finding the right name to address in your cover letter can have a big impact and create a personal connection. Here are some methods for  researching this crucial piece of information to ensure your application is as targeted and effective as possible.

Read the job description thoroughly   

The job description is the most likely place you’ll find clues for whom you should address in your cover letter. Take a close look to see if it mentions the name or title of the hiring manager. Contact details such as an email or a direct line might be provided, particularly in smaller companies, offering you insight into how to personalise your cover letter. 

Visit the profile of the job publisher   

Many job boards allow you to view the profile of the company that posted the job. This company profile can sometimes reveal the name of the hiring manager or relevant department responsible for the listing. Accessing this information directly from the job board can be a simple yet effective way to personalise your cover letter and show your attention to detail skills. The company’s official website might also have an Our Team page where you can see employees’ names and roles. 

Do a quick search   

If in doubt… search online. Use the company name along with the job title or department as search terms, and consider using quotation marks around your search phrase to narrow down the results more accurately. This can help uncover the name of the hiring manager or relevant contacts posted on the company’s official website or professional networking sites. 

Network with people in the company   

If you have  connections at the company , now’s the time to reach out for some inside information about the hiring process and the name of the hiring manager. This helps when it comes to personalising your cover letter and also provides insights into the company culture and other job-related details.  

Cover letter with no name –  examples

Writing a cover letter without a name can still be effective with the right approach. Here are some examples to give you an idea.

Subject: Application for Project Coordinator Position

Dear Hiring Manager,

I’m writing to express my interest in the project coordinator position advertised on your website. With a proven track record in project management and a passion for continuous improvement, I believe I am a strong candidate for this role. My experience at XYZ Corp, where I led cross-functional teams to deliver projects within strict deadlines and budgets, aligns closely with the responsibilities of this position.

I am particularly drawn to this opportunity because of your company's commitment to innovation and quality, values I have upheld throughout my career. I am eager to bring my expertise in project planning and stakeholder engagement to your team, contributing to successful project outcomes and organisational growth.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my background, skills, and enthusiasm align with the goals of your team.

Kind regards,

Takeshi Sugi

Subject: Enthusiastic Candidate for Marketing Coordinator Position

Dear marketing coordinator hiring team,

I’m excited to submit my application for the marketing coordinator role advertised on  SEEK.com.au . With a solid background in digital marketing and a deep understanding of communication strategies, I’m ready to contribute to your department’s goals.

At my current workplace, I successfully increased our social media engagement by over 50% through targeted content campaigns and data-driven decision-making. I am keen to bring my skills in social media strategy and analytics to your company, supporting your efforts to expand your digital footprint and engage with a broader audience.

I admire your team's innovative approach to marketing and am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute in such a dynamic role. I am confident that my proactive style and commitment to excellence would be a great match for your company.

Thank you for considering my application. I hope to discuss in further detail how I can contribute to your team.

Warmest regards,

Ilana Mauboy

The way you address your cover letter can shape the  first impression you make. By thoughtfully choosing how to address your cover letter when you don't know the name –whether to a hiring manager, a team, or a department – you set a professional tone right from the start. By following the methods outlined in this guide and dedicating the time to write a well-written and personalised cover letter, you can help your application stand out. Remember: every part of your  job application is an opportunity to demonstrate your  attention to detail and conscientiousness. 

If the job posting mentions a department, should I address the cover letter to that department or the hiring manager within it? 

Address the cover letter to the hiring manager within that department if possible. If the manager's name is not available, addressing it to the department (e.g.,  Dear Marketing Department ) is a good alternative. 

Should I address my cover letter to the recruiter who contacted me about the job? 

Yes, if a  recruiter contacted you directly about the job opportunity, you should address the cover letter to them. This personalises your response and helps in maintaining continuity in communication.

Where can I find the company website or social media profiles to potentially discover the hiring manager's name? 

Company websites are typically the best source for accurate and up-to-date information. Look for sections like  About Us, Team  or Staff . Social media platforms are also great for  researching company staff , especially for finding out the names and titles of department heads or hiring managers.

Is it appropriate to reach out to someone at the company to ask about the hiring manager? 

Yes, it is appropriate to reach out to someone at the company, especially if you have a professional connection. This can be done through  professional networking sites. Ensure your approach is courteous and professional, expressing genuine interest in learning more about the role and the company.

If I can't find the hiring manager’s name anywhere, which approach from this guide should I prioritise? 

If you can’t find the hiring manager's name, the safest and most professional approach is to use  Dear Hiring Manager . This is widely accepted and ensures that your cover letter is appropriately directed without making incorrect assumptions about personal details.

How can I ensure my cover letter opening is strong even without a personalised salutation? 

To ensure a strong opening for your cover letter without a personalised salutation, focus on an introductory paragraph that highlights your enthusiasm for the position and your most relevant qualifications, and how they align with the job’s requirements. Starting with a strong statement about your  professional background or a notable achievement can capture the reader's attention.

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How to Address a Cover Letter Without a Name: 5 Best Salutations

Cover letters can be a bit of an art form when they include the proper salutation to their recipient. Since you’re creating your own cover letter and don’t have a name to address it to, you might feel a little stuck.

Don’t worry; there are plenty of ways to still address your cover letter appropriately, even if you don’t have this information readily available.

Let’s take a look at five different ways on how to address a cover letter without a name.

Table of Contents

5 Popular Ways to Address a Cover Letter Without a Name

How long a cover letter should be is important somehow. What matters is that it is addressed directly to someone specific, such as Dear Mr. Jones or Dear Recruiter.

If there is no name in the email asking you to submit your cover letter, then try these five ways on how to address a cover letter without a name:

1. To the Hiring Manager

If you don’t know who will be reading your cover letter, it’s best to start with To the hiring manager and follow that up with a more personal introduction. These words should sound professional so that they’re easy for whoever is reading them to digest while they’re reviewing your resume/cover letter.

For example:

To the Hiring Manager: I am writing to you because I am interested in the position of __. I have seen that you are looking for candidates and my qualifications seem to be a good fit. I believe that I have what it takes to do this job well. Please find my CV attached for your review and consideration. Thank you so much for your time, and looking forward to your response. If you have any questions about anything, please feel free to contact me at __. I’m happy to answer any questions and provide additional information as needed.

2. Dear Hiring Manager

It is important to address the cover letter recipient with a formal greeting. And when making cover letters, the most commonly used term is Dear, which is often used before the recipient’s name.

Since this is a formal greeting, any titles that follow should use this style. If possible, avoid salutations that are gender specific. Also, avoid informal salutations, such as those that include the words Hi and Hello.

It is important that you specify what kind of work experience you have in the cover letter and why this job is right for you. Let the Hiring Manager know that they can reach out to you anytime during their application process if they want to talk more about it.

Lastly, make sure that you end your cover letter properly.

Dear Hiring Manager, I hope you’re having a great day! I’m writing in response to your recent posting. My name is __, and I’m excited about the possibility of working with you. I noticed that the company is looking for someone who has experience in __ , and I would love to share my qualifications with you. Feel free to contact me at _ so we can talk more about it. Thank you for your time, and have a great day!

3. Dear [Company Name]

There are a lot of reasons why you might not have a name in your cover letter. Maybe you’re applying for a job, and the company hasn’t been formally named yet, or maybe you’ve applied to an organization that doesn’t use names in their communications.

Whatever the reason, it can be tricky to address your cover letter without a name. But that doesn’t have to be a cause of headaches. In such a case, use Dear Company Name.

• Are Cover Letters Necessary?
• How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?

This option is the best way to go if the company has already publicly announced its name. For example, you can say, “Dear Google”.

For example: Dear Google, I’m writing this cover letter to apply for the __ role. [Add career highlights and other relevant experiences.] Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions that you may have. Enjoy the rest of the day!

Hello is one of the most common ways to address a cover letter without a name. If you are making your cover letter formal, use Dear Hiring Manager, but if you are using a more casual tone, try something like Hello.

If you know who will be reviewing your application, it’s also appropriate to use their name in the salutation.

For example: Hello Hiring Manager, My name is __. I hope you’re doing well. I was reading your job listing and noticed that you’re looking for someone to fill the position of (job title). I’m very interested in this opportunity because __. Thank you for taking the time to read my cover letter, and I’d love to learn more about your company, so feel free to reach out if there’s anything else you need from me!

5. Dear Sir or Madam

Finding the right words when creating a cover letter you will send to an unknown person or company is always difficult. But there are many ways to address your cover letter that will have your potential employer reading it and considering you for the position. Dear Sir or Madam is just one example.

The use of Dear is typically seen as a more formal way to address your cover letter, and Sir or Madam is used when you don’t know the gender of the person reading your correspondence. When in doubt, stick with these two options for addressing a cover letter without knowing the recipient’s name.

However, this is only ideal if you know the gender of the hiring manager but don’t know their name. If you are not sure whether the hiring manager is he or she, consider using a gender-neutral salutation.

Dear Sir/Madam, I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to apply for the __ position you recently posted on the __ job site. I am confident that my knowledge, skills, and experience would be an asset to your awesome team. I am enclosing my resume/CV for your consideration. Thank you very much for taking the time to read my letter and considering me for this opportunity.

Other Salutations to Use When You Don’t Have a Name

There are many different ways to start a cover letter , but if you don’t have the name of the person you are addressing, then it can be difficult to come up with a good opening.

The most common way to address someone in a cover letter is by using their title and last name. If this isn’t possible, there are other ways that you can use as well. One way is to start off with any of the salutations mentioned above. Another option is to start off with these options:

• Dear Hiring Committee
• Dear [Department Name] Hiring Team
• To the Recruiting Team
• Dear Recruiting Team
• Dear Human Resources Manager
• Dear [Title of the Person You Would Be Reporting to]
• Dear [Company Name] Recruiter
• Dear [Position Title] Recruiting Manager
• To the [Department Name of the Position You Are Applying for]
• Dear Hiring Manager or Interviewer
• Dear Hiring Manager of Company X
• Dear Person in Charge of Hiring

Tips to Find the Names of Employers and Hiring Managers

A cover letter may seem like a small part of the hiring process, but it has an enormous impact on whether or not your resume will even be opened by the company you’re applying to.

One way to ensure your cover letter isn’t ignored is by addressing it properly, which can be difficult if you don’t know to whom you’re writing it!

To help you figure out the name of the cover letter’s recipient , here are some tips:

Tip #1: Check the company’s website.

If you know the company’s name and they have a website with contact information, that’s usually the best place to start.

Tip #2: Review job listing sites.

If you’re applying through an online job application site like Indeed, then there will be an option to check to whom the cover letter will be sent. The job posting usually provides you with the names of employers or hiring managers.

Tip #3: Use LinkedIn.

The easiest way to find out the name of the Hiring Manager is to check LinkedIn. The job posting usually includes information about the Hiring Manager. Visit the profile, where it’ll list their current position as well as past positions on their profile page.

Tip #4: Check the job description.

Check the job description to find the name of potential hiring managers. Sometimes, it’s just there. All you need to do is read through the job posting.

Tip #5: Search social media.

You can probably find the names of recruiters on social media. See Facebook or Twitter for any information you can use in writing the cover letter.

How to Make the Perfect Cover Letter

When sending your cover letter without the name, you must be sure that you are addressing the person who is in charge of hiring. Avoid using To Whom It May Concern at all costs. If it is unavoidable, aim to get personal as soon as possible. If you’re emailing a large company, mention specific people you have spoken with over email or via social media in your letter.

To make the perfect cover letter , use an online cover letter maker. This is the best and easiest way to address your cover letter without knowing the name of the company.

The cover letter maker will have all of your information and personalize it for you. Plus, it will give tips on what to include in your cover letter. An online cover letter maker will walk you through each step and ensure that your cover letter looks professional.

You can also get help from other people who are reviewing cover letters if you need more advice on how to approach this. They will know everything about how these companies operate and be able to provide insight into what might work for them.

Final Thoughts

Writing a cover letter can seem like one of the most time-consuming and overwhelming parts of your job search, especially when you don’t know who the person you’re writing to is. However, cover letters are necessary.

If you don’t know the name of the person you’re writing to, that doesn’t mean you should throw in the towel and not write one at all, though. These five ways on how to address a cover letter without a name will ensure that your application still gets noticed.

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WTO / Letters and Emails / Cover Letters / How to Properly Address a Cover Letter (with Examples)

How to Properly Address a Cover Letter (with Examples)

A cover letter is an official one-page document you submit as part of your job application alongside your resume or curriculum vitae.

The main aim of writing this letter is to highlight your professional background to the hiring manager or potential employer.

A well-written cover letter can spark the prospective recruiter’s interest and get them to read your other job application materials. However, a poorly formatted letter might mean that your job application documents will be disregarded, and you want to make sure this does not happen. As such, before you start writing this letter, you must have adequate information on how to draft an effective cover letter , starting with how to address the letter correctly.

How you address your cover letter is very important, as this is usually the first thing the hiring manager reads when going through it. A well-formulated cover letter address shows your enthusiasm for the job and demonstrates your attention to detail skills.

This is because it will be specific (i.e., include the hiring manager’s name and title), indicating that you took your time researching the company and the cover letter recipient. Moreover, addressing your letter properly sets the tone for the rest of your letter, making your job application stand out.

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How to Address a Cover Letter Properly

Knowing how to address your cover letter professionally and appropriately will enable you to make a positive impression on the recruiter reviewing your letter, increasing your prospects of getting more job interviews and ultimately landing the position you were hoping to secure.

The following are different methods of addressing the situation, depending on the situation:

Addressing a cover letter with no name

The most appropriate way of addressing this letter is to use a formal salutation addressed directly to the recruiter or hiring manager using their full names. However, in some cases, research into the company and whom to address the cover letter to may not disclose the recruiter’s name. In such a situation, you can explore alternative methods of addressing the letter that do not negatively impact your chances of getting a job interview.

These include:

Use academic or professional title

Using the recipient’s right academic or professional title is considered an excellent greeting option. It demonstrates that you read the job description and tailor your greeting based on the company department where the job position is currently available, the hiring manager’s title, or the team with which you will potentially work. Nonetheless, you will need to be as specific as possible to demonstrate that you have done your research and aren’t just sending a generic cover letter to many recruiters from different companies hoping to land a position in either of the companies. 

Examples of professional greetings in such a scenario include:

• Dear Customer Support Hiring Manager/Team, in the event you are applying for a customer service representative position
• Dear Chief Financial Officer/Accounting Manager, if you are applying for an accounting position
• Dear Talent Acquisition Team
• Dear Human Resources Manager, among others.
• No salutation

If you cannot find the recipient’s name, do not know the recipient’s professional or academic title, and are unsure of the department where the job is currently available, you can opt to skip the salutation and start your cover letter with the introductory paragraph . This is advisable, as it avoids the chance of making things worse. However, it is essential to note that this should be considered a last resort, as not including a salutation may come across as being rude, overly lazy, or implying that you do not know how to write this letter, all of which may put you out of contention for the job.

Use “dear hiring manager”

If you cannot find any specific name or sufficient department information, use the “dear hiring manager” salutation, as it sounds professional and is gender-neutral. Some applicants like to use “Dear Sir/Madam” as a generic salutation for cover letters, but its use is a bit old-fashioned. In addition, it may be considered overly formal by some employers. The “ To Whom It May Concern ” greeting is also discouraged as it sounds too impersonal and outdated.

Other options

The most common and acceptable way to address a cover letter when the letter’s recipient is unknown is by using the ‘Dear Hiring Manager” greeting.

Still, you can use other alternative greetings, including:

• Dear IT Department
• Dear Company ABC Hiring Manager/Recruiter
• Dear Head of Nursing
• Dear Company XYZ Team
• To the Catering Department, etc

Addressing using a formal full name

Generally, most job descriptions or job postings will provide the name of the hiring professional or the manager you will be working for. In such cases, it is preferable to address your cover letter formally using the hiring professional’s first and last name. Addressing your letter using the recipient’s formal full name establishes a personal connection and sets the right tone for your letter.

• Dear John Doe
• Dear Alexis Brown
• Dear Johnson Kingstone

Using gender-specific titles such as Mr., Ms., or Mrs. is only advisable if you are sure of the receiver’s gender and marital status. Suppose you know the hiring professional personally and they have told you their preference; you can use their title and last name when addressing the cover letter.

• Dear Mrs. Patterson
• Dear Mr. Stanley
• Dear Ms. Rodríguez

Given that your contact has a professional title that you are aware of, you may want to replace the gender-specific titles such as Mr. or Mrs. with the receiver’s professional title or honorifics, as this is considered more respectful. For example, if the letter’s addressee is an individual with a medical or doctorate degree, you will need to write Dr. before their name as a sign of respect.

More examples

• Dear Prof. Hussein
• Dear Rev. Purity Smith
• Dear Lt. Angelou

Address using the only name for a non-gender-specific name

If you know the hiring officer’s name but cannot definitively tell their title, gender, marital status, or preferred pronouns, it is best to address them using only their full name to avoid any mistakes.

• Dear Alex Brown
• Dear Jamie Brown
• Dear Mohamed Ahmed,
• Dear Tiffany Hale

When addressing a cover letter, it is best to be as specific as possible and personalize it accordingly to impress the hiring professional and compel them to read the rest of your letter.

Including a specific name and title is always considered the best way to address a cover letter.

However, if your research efforts do not disclose the hiring manager’s name, you can still be as specific as possible and consider using the department or academic title, or address your letter in a more generalized manner but with a particular audience in mind.

How do You Find Out to Whom to Address a Cover Letter?

Most organizations provide the names of the hiring managers so that applicants immediately know to whom to address the letter.

However, in cases where you are not given the recruiter’s name, consider the following effective ways to discover whom to address your cover letter:

Double-check the job posting

The most convenient way to find out the name of the hiring professional is to double-check the job posting or job description. This is because most job descriptions contain comprehensive information on job application submission criteria, which generally include the letter’s receiver.

Examine the email address provided in the job description

If the hiring manager’s name is not included in the job description or is not apparent to you, you can discover the hiring manager’s name by examining the email address provided in the job description. For example, if the email address provided in the job description is [email protected], a Google search combining the person’s name as indicated in the email and the company name might find you the hiring manager’s full name. However, this may not always work, as some organizations prefer to use business emails.

Check LinkedIn

LinkedIn job postings often include the name of the person offering the job. LinkedIn’s profile name is more often than not the hiring manager’s name, and you should use that name in your address line.

Check the company website

Suppose the company you are applying to has an official company website. Then try to find the head of the relevant department on the company’s staff page or do a LinkedIn company search.

The supervisor’s title

In most cases, job descriptions list who the new hire will report to, such as the head/director of accounting, the director of nursing services, etc., without disclosing a specific name. In this case, there are various search options you can explore to find out the hiring manager’s name.

This includes running an advanced LinkedIn or Google search for all directors of accounting or nursing services in that company, checking with your network for someone who might have an idea of the person’s name, including your professional networks, or searching the company site for listings of staff members by title.

If all of the above-mentioned options fail, you can consider contacting the company by phone or email and telling them that you are applying for a specific job position. Still, there are chances that you may not find the contact person, and you would like to address your cover letter to the right person.

How to Address an Email Cover Letter

If the company’s preferred job application submission criterion is through email, you will need to format your cover letter in the email’s body or as an attachment along with your resume. If you are formatting the letter in the email’s body, create a strong subject line that is clear and concise to enable the recipient to know the purpose of the email. Your subject line should include the job title you are applying for, your full name, and a phrase that reiterates what the email contains.

After providing a suitable subject line of 6–10 words long, include a professional and specific salutation. If you know the addressee’s name, address the letter to them using either their full name or “Mr.” or “Ms.” preceded by their full names. If the recipient has a professional or academic title, such as “Dr.” or “Prof.”, use that in place of Mr. or Mrs.

Subject Line: Job Application for Financial Analyst, Jessica Jones Dear Mr. John Doe, or Dear Dr. Vincent Hopkins,

If you are unable to determine the recipient’s name from the email provided or through a quick search, use a general salutation such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or leave out the salutation and begin your letter with the introductory paragraph.

Once you have selected a suitable salutation, follow it with a comma or colon, skip a line, and then start the first paragraph of your letter. This applies to letters sent via email or traditional mail.

Do’s and Don’ts for Addressing a Cover Letter Properly

These letters are formal; thus, they should always be addressed professionally and with a specific audience in mind to demonstrate an applicant’s professionalism and attention to detail.

Discussed below are the steps for addressing a cover letter:

Do some research to find the hiring manager’s name

Whenever possible, this letter should always be addressed to someone specifically in their official name. This makes the letter seem more personalized to the reader and helps differentiate you from other candidates. Therefore, do research and try to find the hiring manager’s name. However, if you can’t find the recruiter’s name, you may list the contact name as “Hiring Manager.”

Do read job descriptions for the hiring manager’s name

Double-checking the job description to find out the hiring manager’s name or whom you will report to if you are hired is very important as it shows your keenness and attentiveness skills, which most employers look for in potential employees.

Do customize your letter to the audience

If you research the company website and LinkedIn profiles, double-check the job description or email address, and you are still not able to find the letter recipient’s name, consider customizing your letter to a specific audience rather than a specific individual. You can address the letter to the department, faculty, the company, or the overall hiring manager.

Discussed below are the don’ts for addressing this letter:

Don’t use “to whom it may concern.”

While some applicants prefer to address their letter to ‘ To Whom It May Concern ” in cases where the department head, exact department, or recruiter’s name is unknown, it is greatly discouraged, as it is impersonal and outdated. 

Don’t use “Dear Sir or Madam.”

Using dear sir or madam as a greeting line in cover letters is also discouraged, as it is overly formal and old-fashioned. While it may seem logical to address an unknown recipient, it is impersonal and might not fit the specific company culture.

Don’t address a letter incorrectly

Knowing how to address your letter correctly makes you a very visible and appealing candidate to potential employers. On the other hand, addressing your letter incorrectly may create a negative picture of you in the hiring manager’s mind, thus reducing your chances of getting a job interview.

Don’t address using “Hello or hi.”

The address line of this letter should be written formally to maintain a sense of professionalism. Starting the salutation with greetings such as “hello,” “Hi,” and “hey” makes the tone of the letter informal, which is incorrect. Always consider starting your salutation with “Dear…” or simply writing the addressee’s full name.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to address your cover letter properly can make the difference between your application being noticed and overlooked by hiring professionals. The most appropriate way to address it is by personalizing it for the recipient using their first and last names. There are various effective ways to find the recipient’s name, including double-checking the job description, examining the given email address, checking LinkedIn and the company website, or contacting the company via email or a phone call. However, if these targeted searches do not find you the hiring manager’s name, there are other acceptable strategies to address your letter in a more generalized but specific manner. Remember that “To Whom It May Concern” and “Dear Sir/Madam” are inappropriate salutations for a cover letter, as they are impersonal and outdated. 

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The 3 Rules of Addressing Your Cover Letter in 2023

You’ve finally sat down to write that cover letter (good for you!), but immediately you run into a roadblock: How do you even start the darn thing? Who do you address it to? Should you use Mr. or Ms.? Do you include a first name? And what if you’ve searched high and low, but can’t find the hiring manager’s name? 

Don’t fret! Follow these three rules for cover letter salutation salvation.

Rule #1: Address your cover letter to the hiring manager using a formal, full-name salutation (if possible).

For a cover letter, you should always default to addressing it to the hiring manager for the position you’re applying to. Unless you know for sure that the culture of the company is more casual, use the hiring manager’s first and last name. You can include a title, such as “Mr.” or “Ms.” (never Mrs. or Miss). But if you aren’t crystal clear on whether to use “Mr.” or “Ms.” and can’t find their pronouns with a little Google and social media searching (and you don’t have an easy way out with a “Dr.”), just drop the title. Omitting it is infinitely better than accidentally misgendering someone .

Most letters I see still use the “Dear” greeting, though I’ve seen a growing trend of people dropping it and starting with “Hello” or just the name. Any of these works. The most important part is having the actual name . Never use “ To Whom it May Concern ” or “Dear or Sir or Madam”—nothing could be more generic (not to mention archaic). Your cover letter could be the first opportunity you have to make an impression on the hiring manager, so make sure you show that you did your research .

For example, you can address your cover letter by saying:

• Dear Ms. Jacklyn O’Connell,
• Hello Mr. Kevin Chen,
• Dear Niko Adamos,
• Hello Jean Butler,
• Tiana Richards,

Rule #2: If you don’t know the hiring manager, guess.

Sometimes, even after hours of online searching ( try these tips ), you still might not be able to definitively figure out who exactly the hiring manager for the position you’re applying for is—and that’s OK.

If you can only find a list of the company’s executive team, use the head of the department for the position you’re applying for. In the end, no one will fault you for addressing the letter higher up than necessary. This approach is definitely better than not using a name in your cover letter, because it still shows the time and effort you took to find out who the department head is.

Rule #3: Be as specific as possible.

So you’ve done your due diligence and after an exhaustive search—nothing. You just can’t find a single name to address your cover letter to. If that’s the case, don’t worry. The company is likely privately held with no reason to share who its employees are—and, more importantly, is aware of this.

If this is the case and you don’t have a name to use, try to still be as specific as possible in your greeting. Consider using “Senior Analyst Hiring Manager” or “Research Manager Search Committee”—something that shows that you’ve written this letter with a particular audience in mind and aren’t just sending the same generic letter for every job opening.

For example:

• Dear Software Developer Search Committee,
• Hello XYZ Co Marketing Team,
• Dear Junior Accountant Hiring Manager,

Ultimately, you want your cover letter to convey your interest in the position. To start off on the right note, make your salutation as specific as possible—ideally with the name of the hiring manager. Of course, that can’t always happen, but as long as the effort is clearly made, you’ll be showing whoever reads your cover letter that you’ve put time into your application and are truly excited about the opportunity. 

Regina Borsellino contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

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How to address a cover letter when the name is unknown.

Most advice about cover letters instructs job applicants to personalize these documents, but that can be tricky when you don’t know exactly who you are sending the letter to. With a little bit of research, though, you can often find a specific name, along with additional information that will help you land the interview.

Investigate

If the job listing doesn’t provide a specific name to address applications to, do some research to find a name. In some cases, companies might deliberately leave a name off the listing as a test of an applicants’ resourcefulness and willingness to learn about the company. The easiest way to get a name is to pick up the phone. Call the company directly, and say something like, “I am applying for a position in the ABC department. Can you please tell me who to whom I should address my cover letter ?” If you do not get a name, search the company website for a company directory or listing of key personnel.

If your research doesn’t reveal a specific name, the next best option is to address your letter to the general “hiring team.” Very rarely are hiring decisions made by one person, so addressing the hiring team, rather than the more specific “hiring manager,” ensures that you cover your bases. You could also use the generic “Dear Recruiter” or “Dear Recruiting Team.” Don’t address your letter to any variation of human resources, because not all companies have HR departments, and it’s likely that your resume will be reviewed by a department other than HR.

Greetings to Avoid

Never begin your cover letter with “To Whom It May Concern.” Most HR and recruitment professionals note that this is the fastest way to get your resume tossed in the trash, as it tells the employer that you don’t care enough about the job or the company to do even a little bit of research or attempt to personalize the letter. Not to mention, it’s overly formal and doesn’t convey your personality.

Also avoid beginning letters with “Dear Sir or Madam,” or worse, choosing one or the other. Not only does it sound too formal, especially when you are applying for work in a creative field or a startup, but you run the risk of offending someone. At the other end of the spectrum, beginning with “Hello” or even worse, “Hi!” is too informal, and again, shows that you haven’t done any research at all to customize the letter.

Going the Extra Mile

The research you do for the correct name can reveal additional information you can use to customize and personalize your cover letter and application. For example, you might discover that the person doing the hiring went to your alma mater, or shares the same hobby. Even if you can’t find specifics about an individual, researching the company and its mission, vision, goals and priorities can give you some ideas on how to write a better cover letter that gets you noticed.

Related Articles

How to get a resume forwarded to the hiring manager →.

How to Answer Denied Interview →

How to Contact a Hiring Manager →

How to Write a Cover Letter to a Blind Ad →

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Wholesale Job →

How to inquire about a job after the deadline has passed →.

• University of Pennsylvania: Cover Letter Guide for Undergraduates
• Business Insider: The 5 Worst Ways to Address a Cover Letter
• IT World: How to Address a Cover Letter if You Don't Know the Hiring Manager's Name
• Job Star Central: Job Search Guide

An adjunct instructor at Central Maine Community College, Kristen Hamlin is also a freelance writer and editor, specializing in careers, business, education, and lifestyle topics. The author of Graduate! Everything You Need to Succeed After College (Capital Books), which covers everything from career and financial advice to furnishing your first apartment, her work has also appeared in Young Money, Lewiston Auburn Magazine, USA Today, and a variety of online outlets. She's also been quoted as a career expert in many newspapers and magazines, including Cosmopolitan and Parade. She has a B.A. in Communication from Stonehill College, and a Master of Liberal Studies in Creative Writing from the University of Denver.

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Sample Letter Hub

Cover Letter To Unknown Recipient

By Sikandar Ali

May 8, 2024

Are you struggling to write a cover letter when you don’t know the name of the recipient? You’re not alone. Many job seekers face this challenge when applying for a job.

A cover letter to an unknown recipient is a letter that is written when you don’t know the name of the person who will be reading your application.

Its purpose is to introduce yourself, highlight your qualifications, and explain why you are the best candidate for the job.

In this article, we will provide you with templates, examples, and samples of cover letters to unknown recipients. We understand that writing a cover letter can be a daunting task, especially when you don’t know who will be reading it.

That’s why we’ve created this resource to make it easier for you to write a cover letter that will impress potential employers. Whether you’re applying for a job, internship, or any other position, our samples will help you craft a professional and effective cover letter.

Our goal is to provide you with the tools you need to write a cover letter that will stand out from the rest.

We know that a well-written cover letter can make all the difference in getting an interview and ultimately landing the job. So, let’s get started and take the first step towards writing a successful cover letter to an unknown recipient.

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on your company’s website. With my strong background in [relevant skills or industry experience], I believe I am a great fit for the role and can contribute effectively to your team.

Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a commitment to [specific achievements or qualities relevant to the job]. My [mention any relevant degree or certification] has equipped me with the skills necessary to excel in this position. I am confident that my proactive approach and dedication make me a valuable asset to your team.

Although the specific recipient of this letter is unknown, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]’s success. I am impressed by your company’s commitment to [mention any company values or achievements], and I am eager to be a part of such a dynamic and innovative organization.

I have attached my resume for your consideration. I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss how my skills and experiences align with the goals of [Company Name]. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely, [Your Full Name]

Addressing A Cover Letter To Unknown

Addressing the letter to an unknown recipient, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]’s success. I am impressed by your company’s commitment to [mention any company values or achievements], and I am eager to be a part of such a dynamic and innovative organization.

Cover Letter Without Name

Dear Hiring Team,

I am writing to express my sincere interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on your company’s website. With a solid background in [relevant skills or industry experience], I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team.

Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated a commitment to [specific achievements or qualities relevant to the job]. My [mention any relevant degree or certification] has equipped me with the skills necessary to excel in this position. I am eager to leverage my expertise to contribute to [Company Name]’s continued success.

While I understand that the specific recipient of this letter may be unknown, I am excited about the opportunity to be part of the [Company Name] team. Your company’s dedication to [mention any company values or achievements] aligns with my professional values, and I am enthusiastic about the possibility of contributing to your dynamic work environment.

Enclosed is my resume for your consideration. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences make me a strong fit for the [Job Title] position. Thank you for considering my application.

Cover Letter Greetings No Name

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] as advertised. With a strong background in [Your Relevant Experience], I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team.

Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a commitment to [Key Skill or Attribute] and a keen understanding of [Industry/Field]. My hands-on experience in [Specific Task or Project] has equipped me with the skills needed to excel in the advertised role.

I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of its reputation for [Highlight a Company Trait or Achievement]. I am eager to bring my expertise to your dynamic team and contribute to the continued success of [Company Name].

Enclosed is my resume, which provides further details about my professional achievements. I am excited about the opportunity to discuss how my skills align with the needs of your organization in person.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the success of [Company Name] and am available at your earliest convenience for an interview.

[Your Full Name]

Cover Letter With No Address

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] as advertised. With a solid background in [Your Relevant Experience], I am eager to bring my skills and enthusiasm to your esteemed organization.

Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a dedication to [Key Skill or Attribute] and a comprehensive understanding of [Industry/Field]. My experience in [Specific Task or Project] has equipped me with the expertise needed to thrive in the role you are looking to fill.

I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] due to its reputation for [Highlight a Company Trait or Achievement]. I am excited about the prospect of contributing to your team and supporting the continued success of [Company Name].

Enclosed is my resume, providing additional details about my professional journey. I am eager to discuss how my skills align with the needs of your organization in person.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] and am available at your earliest convenience for an interview.

How to Write a Cover Letter to an Unknown Recipient

Writing a cover letter can be a daunting task, especially when you don’t know who the recipient is. However, it’s important to remember that a cover letter is your chance to make a great first impression and stand out from other applicants.

In this article, we’ll provide you with some tips on how to write a cover letter to an unknown recipient.

1. Do Your Research

Before you start writing your cover letter, try to find out who the recipient is. Check the job posting, company website, or LinkedIn to see if there’s any information about the hiring manager or HR representative. If you’re still unable to find out who the recipient is, don’t worry. You can still write a great cover letter.

2. Use a Generic Greeting

If you’re unable to find out who the recipient is, use a generic greeting such as “”Dear Hiring Manager”” or “”To Whom It May Concern.”” While this may seem impersonal, it’s better than using the wrong name or title.

3. Introduce Yourself

Start your cover letter by introducing yourself and explaining why you’re interested in the position. Be sure to mention the job title and where you found the job posting. This will show the recipient that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the position.

4. Highlight Your Skills and Experience

In the body of your cover letter, highlight your skills and experience that make you a great fit for the position. Use specific examples and quantify your achievements whenever possible. This will show the recipient that you have the skills and experience necessary to excel in the role.

5. Show Your Enthusiasm

In addition to highlighting your skills and experience, show your enthusiasm for the position and the company. Explain why you’re excited about the opportunity and how you can contribute to the company’s success. This will show the recipient that you’re not just looking for any job, but are genuinely interested in the company and the role.

6. Close Strong

In the closing paragraph of your cover letter, reiterate your interest in the position and thank the recipient for considering your application. Be sure to include your contact information and encourage the recipient to reach out if they have any questions or would like to schedule an interview.

FAQs About Cover Letter to an Unknown Recipient

1. how do i address a cover letter to an unknown recipient.

When addressing a cover letter to an unknown recipient, it is best to use a generic salutation such as “”Dear Hiring Manager”” or “”Dear Recruiter.”” This shows that you have put in effort to address the letter to the right person, even if you do not know their name.

2. Is it okay to address a cover letter to “”To Whom It May Concern””?

While it is acceptable to use “”To Whom It May Concern”” as a last resort, it is not the best option. It is better to use a more personalized salutation such as “”Dear Hiring Manager”” or “”Dear Recruiter”” to make a better impression.

3. How can I find out the name of the recipient?

If possible, try to find out the name of the recipient by doing some research. Check the company’s website, LinkedIn, or other social media platforms to see if you can find the name of the hiring manager or recruiter.

4. What should I include in the body of the cover letter?

In the body of the cover letter, you should introduce yourself, explain why you are interested in the position, highlight your relevant skills and experience, and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

5. Should I mention that I do not know the recipient’s name in the cover letter?

No, it is not necessary to mention that you do not know the recipient’s name in the cover letter. Instead, focus on making a strong impression by highlighting your qualifications and interest in the position.

6. How can I make my cover letter stand out even if I do not know the recipient’s name?

To make your cover letter stand out, focus on tailoring it to the specific job and company. Highlight your relevant skills and experience, and show that you have done your research on the company and the position.

7. Should I follow up after sending a cover letter to an unknown recipient?

Yes, it is a good idea to follow up after sending a cover letter to an unknown recipient. This shows that you are interested in the position and are willing to take the initiative to follow up.

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How to Address a Cover Letter With Examples

Options for Addressing a Cover Letter

• Letter Without a Contact Person
• Non-Gender-Specific Names

What Title to Use

• Address an Email Cover Letter
• Review a Sample Cover Letter

Before You Send Your Letter

One of the trickiest parts of writing a cover letter comes at the very beginning. Much of the time, you won’t know exactly who will read your letter. How do you address your cover letter when you don’t have the contact person’s name and/or gender ?

First of all, try to find out the name of the contact person. Some employers will think poorly of an applicant who does not take the time to learn the hiring manager’s name. Also, take care not to assume that you know the gender of the recipient based on the name. Many names are gender-neutral, and some hiring managers may identify as a gender other than male or female.

It’s also possible that you’ll do your research and still be unable to figure out to whom you are addressing your letter. In that case, it's better to be safe and use a generic greeting . It's also acceptable to start a letter without a greeting and start with the first paragraph of your letter .

You have a lot of options when addressing your letter. Learn more about the possibilities before you make your choice.

How to Address a Cover Letter Without a Contact Person

There are a variety of general cover letter salutations you can use to address your letter. These general cover letter salutations do not require you to know the name of the hiring manager.

In a survey of more than 2,000 companies, Saddleback College found that employers preferred the following greetings:  

• Dear Sir/Madam (27%)
• To Whom It May Concern  (17%)
• Dear Human Resources Director (6%)
• Leave it blank (8%)

Do keep in mind that terms like "To Whom It May Concern" may seem dated, so the best options may be either to use "Dear Hiring Manager" or not to include a greeting at all. Simply start with the first paragraph of your letter.

How to Address a Cover Letter for a Non-Gender-Specific Name

If you do have a name but aren't sure of the person's gender, one option is to include both the first name and the last name in your salutation, without a title that reveals gender:

• Dear Sydney Doe
• Dear Taylor Smith
• Dear Jamie Brown

With these types of gender-ambiguous names,  LinkedIn  can be a helpful resource. Since many people include a photo with their profile, a simple search of the person's name and company within LinkedIn could potentially turn up the contact's photograph.

Again, you can also check the company website or call the company’s administrative assistant to get more information as well.

Even if you know the name and gender of the person to whom you are writing, think carefully about what title you will use in your salutation.

For example, if the person is a doctor or holds a Ph.D., you might want to address your letter to “Dr. Lastname” rather than “Ms. Lastname” or “Mr. Lastname.” Other titles might be “Prof.,” “Rev.,” or “Sgt.,” among others.

When you address a letter to a female employer, use the title “Ms.” unless you know for certain that she prefers another title (such as “Miss” or “Mrs.”).

“Ms.” is a general title that does not denote marital status, so it works for any female employer.

How to Address an Email Cover Letter

Hiring managers get a lot of emails each day. Make it easy for them to scan your email and follow up by including a clear subject line and a signature with your contact information. It's important to address the email cover letter correctly, including the name of the person hiring for the position if you have a contact, to ensure that your letter gets noticed.

Subject Line of Email Message

Never leave the subject line blank. There is a good chance that if a hiring manager receives an email with no subject line, they’ll delete it without even bothering to open it, or it could end up in their spam mailbox. Instead, write a clear subject indicating your intentions.

List the job you are applying for in the  subject line of your email message , so the employer knows what job you are interested in. They may be hiring for multiple positions, and you will want them to identify the position you’re interested in easily.

How to Address the Contact Person

There are a variety of  cover letter salutations  you can use to address your email message. If you have a contact person at the company, address the letter to Ms. or Mr. Lastname. If you aren’t given a contact person, check to see if you can  determine the email recipient's name .

If you can’t find a contact person at the company, you can either leave off the salutation from your cover letter and  start with the first paragraph  of your letter or use a  general salutation .

How to Format the Salutation

Once you have chosen a salutation, follow it with a colon or comma, a space, and then start the first paragraph of your letter. For example:

Dear Hiring Manager:

First paragraph of the letter.

Body of Email Cover Letter

The body of your cover letter  lets the employer know what position you are applying for, and why the employer should select you for an interview. This is where you'll sell yourself as a candidate. Review the job posting and include examples of your attributes that closely match the ones they are looking for.

When you're sending an  email cover letter , it's important to follow the employer's instructions on how to submit your cover letter and resume.

Make sure that your email cover letters are as well-written as any other documents you send.

If you have attached your resume, mention this as part of your conclusion. Then finish your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow up. Include a closing, then list your name and your  email signature .

Your email signature should include your name, full address, phone number, email address, and  LinkedIn Profile URL  (if you have one) so it is easy for hiring managers to get in touch.

Firstname Lastname  Street Address  (optional) City, State Zip Code  Email  Phone  LinkedIn

Sample Cover Letter

This is a cover letter example. Download the cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Sample Cover Letter (Text Version)

Mary Garcia 12 Rogers Avenue Townville, New Hampshire 03060 555-555-5555 mary.garcia@email.com

February 17, 2021

Franklin Lee

CBI Industries 39 Main Street Townville, New Hampshire 03060

Dear Mr. Lee:

I was excited to see your ad for the operations assistant position in your Townville offices.

I have five years of experience as an operations assistant/associate. In my most recent role at ABC Corp., I fulfilled orders, resolved customer issues, ordered supplies, and prepared reports. In previous roles, I’ve done bookkeeping, data entry, and sales support. Basically, anything your department needs to run smoothly, I can do – and most likely, I already have experience doing it.

My other skills include:

• Strong communication skills, in person, in writing, and on the phone
• Excellent attention to detail and organization skills
• Top-notch customer service
• Experience in the industry and passion for the product
• Adept at all the usual professional software, including Microsoft Office Suite

I’ve included my resume for your review. Please contact me if you have questions or would like to schedule an interview. Thank you for your consideration.

Signature (hard copy letter)

Mary Garcia

Review Cover Letter Samples: It’s hard to write cover letters from scratch. To make life easier – and to make sure you don’t forget any of those pesky formatting rules —start by reviewing cover letter samples . Sending an email version instead? Look at a few examples of email cover letters to get started.

Customize Your Cover Letter: Why personalize your cover letter every time you apply for a job? Because even similar job titles have different requirements. The goal of a cover letter is to show the hiring manager that you’re the best candidate for this particular job. Customizing your cover letter will help you emphasize your skills and experience and how they fit with the job requirements .

Spell-Check Names: Before sending your cover letter, make absolutely sure that you have spelled the hiring manager’s name correctly. That is the kind of small error that can cost you a job interview.

Carefully Proofread Your Letter: Whether you're sending an email or uploading or attaching a printable cover letter, it's important to make sure that your cover letter and resume are written as well as any other business correspondence. If you can, have a friend proofread before you hit send, to pick up any typos or grammatical errors.

Saddleback College. " Your Resume is Your 1st Interview ," Page 14. Accessed Feb. 17, 2021.

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5 Tips for a Great Cover Letter (and samples)

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Cover Letter Format & Samples

Cover letters are a fantastic tool to introduce oneself in the job search process and are as significant as the resume. A cover letter provides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate one’s interest in the organization and establish direct connections between the employer’s job description and one’s professional background. A well-crafted cover letter, tailored to the specific job and company of interest, and addressed to the right person, can make a lasting impression on the employer.

To make the cover letter effective, one must consider some universal tips and considerations when writing it. It is crucial to ensure that the cover letter is clear, concise, and free of errors. Using formal language and avoiding contractions can help maintain a professional tone. Choosing appropriate vocabulary and grammar can help maintain the original meaning of the text and convey a sense of expertise and professionalism, which is suitable for a business or academic setting. So, it is essential to take the time to craft a compelling cover letter that showcases one’s qualifications and skills to the employer in the best possible light.

In addition to the suggestions above, see our list of key considerations to crafting effective and valuable cover letters.

Cover Letter Tips

1. ) All margins should be approximately one-inch. Typically, a cover letter consists of three to four paragraphs.

2.) The font size should be easy to read. Times, Palatino or Helvetica are good choices. A font size of 12 pt. is preferable, but in some cases you may need to use 10.5 or 11 pt. font.

3.) Don’t be tempted to send “generic” letters. Each cover letter you write should be different, because each job and company you’re writing to is different. Make it easy for the reader to see the relevance of your qualifications to the job in question.

4.) Be sure to proofread each new cover letter you create so that it is free of errors.

5.) It is important to write to a specific person whenever possible.

In addition to these quick tips, check out our comprehensive  Job Search Letters  guide for more information on structuring cover letters and other job search documents.

• Sample 1:  Application Letter
• Sample 2:  Prospecting Letter

Finally, we know that some people work best when they have a format to follow. Especially when they are writing a document, like a cover letter for the first time. The following example reflects the correct business format to use when writing a cover letter:

Your name Return address City, State, Zip

Name of the contact person Title Company Name Address City, State, Zip

Dear Mr./Ms./First name Last name:

The opening paragraph states your reason for writing the letter. Mention a specific job of interest, or a particular department in which you are seeking work. If possible, mention how and when you learned about the job opening or the company, i.e., through a classified advertisement, a contact person or a career services professional. Be sure to mention the name of the person who suggested this job to you, especially if that person is highly respected within the company.

The middle paragraph is an opportunity to expand on the skills you have developed as they relate to this position. This should not merely repeat your resume. You can discuss your education and particular courses or skills attained while in college. If you’re an experienced person, you may wish to use this paragraph to describe your professional background and highlight any specific job experience that may be of particular interest to the organization and that will differentiate you from other applicants. You may need a second paragraph to fully describe your related abilities.

The next paragraph reflects the research you have done on that particular organization. Use company literature, a web site, or conversation with an employee of the organization as ways to gain knowledge about the organization. Explain why you are interested in the job, and convey your awareness of what the company does to show that you have done careful research.

In closing, reiterate your enthusiasm to be considered and ask for an interview. Either state a specific week you’ll make a follow-up phone call or mention an interest in having the contacted person call to set up an interview date. Specify how you can be contacted. Remember to thank the person for considering your application.