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Should You Use “To Whom It May Concern” In Your Cover Letter

Recruiter-backed alternatives to 'To Whom It May Concern'. Learn how to personalize your cover letter with tailored greetings, and get tips on researching the hiring manager's name to make a strong, professional first impression.

4 months ago   •   6 min read

One of the hardest parts of writing a cover letter is getting the greeting right. After all, it’s a letter, so you have to address it to someone...

But who do you address it to? You may have heard that it’s not a good idea to use “to whom it may concern” in your cover letter. But if you can’t use that phrase, what should you use instead?

One easy answer is “Dear hiring manager.” It’s to-the-point and respectful without being as impersonal.

However, if you can find the person’s name, that’s even better— and these days, with all the information available on company websites and LinkedIn, people may expect that if you care about getting this job, you’ll do enough research to learn their name.

In this article, we’ll discuss when you might be able to get away with using “to whom it may concern,” why it’s usually a bad idea, alternatives to this phrase, and how to become an expert researcher to find the name of the person who will be hiring you.

Let’s get started!

When it’s ok to use a generic greeting like “to whom it may concern”

Although "To whom it may concern" is seen as as outdated or impersonal in modern job markets, there are specific situations where you may still want to use it:

Formal or traditional industries

In academia, where traditions are respected, using "To Whom It May Concern" demonstrates an understanding of and respect for established protocols.

Research the culture of the industry or organization. If their communication typically uses a formal tone, you’re good to go.

Large organizations with unknown recipients

When you’re applying to a multinational corporation where you’re not exactly sure who will be reviewing your letter, and the company's communication style is generic. In this case, you can also use “Dear Hiring Manager” or one of the other alternatives we suggest later in this article.

With large organizations, you can use “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Hiring Manager” as a safe option when the company structure is complex and you can’t identify a specific person. However, try to at least send your greeting to the department (e.g., "To Whom It May Concern in the Marketing Department").

When personalization is not possible

If the job listing provides no specific contact information and your research yields no results.

It's better to use a generic yet respectful greeting than to guess incorrectly. However, if you can find any information at all, drop the generic greeting like a hot potato.

In cultures where it’s the norm

In certain cultures or regions, formal greetings are still the norm, especially in conservative sectors.

Understand the larger cultural context of the company. In some global markets, "To Whom It May Concern" is still standard practice.

When not to use a generic greeting

Even though there are a few cases where you can get away with it, the majority of the time using "To Whom It May Concern" is not your best option. Here are some situations where you should avoid it at all costs:

In modern, informal industries

In tech startups or creative fields like advertising or design, where more casual and innovative cultures thrive.

Many modern industries value personality and creativity. Using a generic and formal tone in your cover letter can suggest a lack of effort or research in understanding the company's culture.

When information is available

If the job listing includes the name of the hiring manager or if you've found the hiring manager through research.

In these cases, not using the hiring manager’s name can come across as lazy or imply that you don’t pay attention to details.

Small to mid-sized companies

Smaller organizations where teams are closely-knit and the hiring process is personal.

Using a generic salutation in more personal settings can imply a lack of genuine interest in the company and its people— not a great look.

Companies that emphasize personal connection

Organizations that value individuality and personal connection, which is often highlighted in their job postings or company culture pages.

A generic greeting may raise red flags with these companies, who often look for candidates who live out their values of personalization and individuality.

To sum up: if you’re not 100% sure that you can use “To Whom It May Concern,” don’t use it.

The best alternatives for “to whom it may concern”

Even if you need to use a generic phrase, there are way better options for the beginning of your cover letter than “to whom it may concern” in most cases.

Your choice depends on the information you have about the job posting and how comfortable you are with using informal/personal language. Here are some alternatives worth considering:

“Dear Hiring Manager”

This is one of the best ways to address the reader of a cover letter when you don’t know the recipient’s name. It’s professional, maintains respect for their role, respects their privacy, and is widely accepted.

“Dear [Job Title]”

If you're applying for a specific role but don't have a name, addressing the cover letter to the job title (or the job title’s supervisor) can work.

While "Dear Hiring Manager" is a more widely accepted way to start, "Dear [Job Title]" is specific and directly addresses the role you’re applying for.

You can use this alternative when you're aware of the job title for which you're applying and the company’s org chart. For instance, "Dear Marketing Manager" when applying for a marketing position.

“Hello [Department Name]”

This one is a good choice when you know the department you're applying to but not the individual. It demonstrates that you've done some research to identify the relevant department.

Use this when you know the specific department you’re applying to but don’t know the name of the hiring manager. For example, "Hello Marketing Department" when applying for a marketing role.

“Dear [Company Name] [Department Name] Team”

When you want to address a group of people, such as the entire HR team or a department, this option works well. It shows that you recognize the collaborative nature of the workplace and hiring process.

Choose this when you believe your cover letter may be reviewed by a team or multiple individuals within the organization. For example, "Dear ABC Company HR Team."

“Greetings”

This is a versatile and friendly alternative that maintains a polite tone (while avoiding assumptions).

Use "Greetings" when you have very limited information about the hiring manager or when you want to maintain a neutral and respectful tone.

“Hello Hiring Team”

If the company you’re applying for has a very casual company culture, and you know that a team will be reviewing applications, you can acknowledge their collective effort with this casual and friendly greeting.

Make sure that the company truly supports a casual approach. In some industries (like finance or law) or more formal companies, this is too informal and may be seen as disrespectful.

Strategies for finding the hiring manager's name

For many cover letters, your best bet is to find the name of the person who will actually be reviewing your application. You can often find the hiring manager’s name by following these steps:

Start with the job posting

Review the job posting or advertisement carefully. Sometimes, the name or contact information of the hiring manager is provided. Look for any details that indicate who you should address your application to.

Check the company website

Visit the company's official website and navigate to the "About Us" or "Contact Us" section. Look for executive profiles, department heads, or a directory that may list the hiring manager's name.

Social media

Check the company's social media profiles, especially LinkedIn and Twitter, for any mentions or posts by the hiring manager. They may share updates or insights that can help you identify them. On LinkedIn, search for the company's page and explore employee profiles to identify the hiring manager or relevant department head. Sometimes, LinkedIn profiles include details about their roles.

(Pro tip: before you reach out on LinkedIn, make sure you run your profile through LinkedIn Review so you’re ready to impress your potential future boss!)

Company directory

Some organizations maintain an online company directory with contact information for employees. Search for this directory on the company's website and see if you can find the hiring manager's name and title.

Contact the HR department

If all else fails, you can call or email the company's HR department and politely inquire about the name of the hiring manager or the appropriate contact person for the job application.

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To Whom It May Concern: When And How To Use

What do you do if you need to write an email but don’t know the name of the recipient?

In this case, you may turn to the once-popular “ To Whom It May Concern ”.

Today, we are looking into how and when to use this phrase and even provide a sample cover letter starting with “To Whom It May Concern”.

Plus, we will give you several alternative greetings if you find “To Whom It May Concern” old-fashioned.

Table of Contents

How to write a To Whom It May Concern cover letter – example

An email starting with “To Whom It May Concern” is not particularly different from any other email you write.

The one small difference to note may be a difference in tone — an email that starts with “To Whom It May Concern” will typically be more formal than an email starting with “Hi”.

Moreover, when you start your email with “To Whom It May Concern”, you admit that you don’t know the person you are addressing.

This means that your email will probably include more general information and no personal references.

Here’s a quick example of how to use “To Whom It May Concern” in an email.

A cover letter using “To Whom It May Concern” as a greeting:

To Whom It May Concern: My name is John and I am writing in response to a job listing for Senior Sales Manager posted on your company’s website. As a professional sales manager with over five years of experience and a solid portfolio of big contracts and resultative marketing campaigns, I believe that I could be a suitable candidate for this position. Your job listing mentions that you are looking for someone with experience in IT sales and marketing — and this is the area I specialize in exclusively. Over the past three years, I’ve headed several big digital marketing campaigns for my current employer that have resulted in the rise of online engagement among our clients by over 50%. I have also raised the conversion rate for our promotional listings by 20% over the past six months. I believe that my proven track record of successful marketing projects, professional commitment and work ethic make me a candidate worth considering. I am sure that I can become a valuable asset in your current marketing initiatives and would love to contribute to your company’s success. I am looking forward to your feedback on my application for the Senior Marketing Manager position. Please let me know if you have any further questions or would like to see my marketing portfolio. Please find my resume attached to this email. Thank you for your time and for considering my application, Sincerely, Mark Rivers

Here’s how to write a cover letter .

When to use “To Whom It May Concern”

“To Whom It May Concern” may sound a bit outdated and the phrase is used much less often now than before.

However, according to a 2020 survey of over 1,000 hiring managers , 83% of them say that addressing a cover letter with “To Whom It May Concern” will have no impact on their hiring decision.

Here are some typical instances for when you might want to turn to “To Whom It May Concern”:

Cover letter

A cover letter is typically read by a number of people: from HR managers to heads of departments and even the company director.

As you may not be able to “predict” who will be reading your email, you may want to start your email with “To Whom It May Concern”.

To Whom It May Concern: I know that one of Company X’s current goals is to create a centralized hub for all things medical-related online. So this is an incredible opportunity to build a one-of-a-kind online database for patients and healthcare providers. And it’s an excellent fit for my professional and personal interests. To make an impact, I’d like to apply everything I’ve learned about internet growth marketing and search engine optimization to this effort.

Check out our post on What is the purpose of a cover letter ?

Reaching out to a new client

If you send an email to a new client you may want to start it with “To Whom It May Concern”.

However, make sure to use this opportunity to find out the client’s name for future correspondence.

To Whom It May Concern My name is Martha Stuart, and I’m a sales representative at MailDuck, a company that makes it simple to mail customized postcards from a mobile device. Since you recently showed an interest in finding out more about MailDuck, we thought we’d provide you with further details about what we do and why we’re the best service. Please find attached our products and competitive prices. If you sign up before the end of the month, you can save 40% on your first purchase! I hope to get a response from you soon!

Project or company feedback

If the purpose of your email is to get feedback that might be read by multiple people or departments it makes sense to use a generic phrase like “To Whom It May Concern” to start your email .

To Whom It May Concern Thank you for staying over the weekend to assist customers with the billing issue we faced. Our engineers are working around the clock to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Thank you for standing with us in these times of trouble. Your commitment is duly noted. Company X will never forget your contribution to its growth, and we’ll surely compensate you accordingly.

Filing a complaint

If you are writing an email to complain about a product, service or somebody’s work you may want to use “To Whom It May Concern” to avoid pinpointing a specific person.

To Whom It May Concern This letter is to inform you that on November 5, 2018, I purchased spoiled goods. I was assured that the ordered items would arrive in good condition at the time of my purchase. Unfortunately, they arrived spoiled instead. Please find the attached photo and the confirmation of delivery. Do investigate this and either issue a refund or resend the product. I appreciate your time and consideration on this matter. Sincerely, Matha Stuart

Letter of introduction

If you’re writing a letter of introduction to someone you don’t yet know you may use to address your email.

Once again, make sure to ask for the person’s name so that you can address them by the proper name and your next email.

To Whom It May Concern I’m writing to introduce you to Matha Stuart, who I’ve worked with at Company X. As you may already know, I serve as the organization’s Managing Director and collaborated with Matha on many projects. She has more than ten years of experience in the industry and is a fantastic manager. Matha hopes to relocate to Los Angeles. And she would be grateful for any advice you could give her regarding how to look for a job, as well as any assistance you could offer. Please find her resume attached here, and feel free to reach out to her at [email protected] or (555) 231-6587 with any questions. I appreciate your help in advance. Sincerely, John Brady

Prospecting emails

A lot of businesses send out prospects and emails and letters to get in touch with new clients.

As you don’t know the name of the person you are right into, it’s acceptable to use “To Whom It May Concern” in this case.

However, if it is at all possible, do your best to find out the name of the person who will be reading your email.

This will make a much better impression and increase your chances of landing a contract with this client.

To Whom It May Concern I can see from your website that you’re trying to get more traffic to your website. Without knowing the specifics of your business strategy, I am confident our SEO strategy can be integral to your success. I have been following your company for a while now. But you might not be familiar with Company X. Our services focus on three primary objectives: Benefit 1 Benefit 2 Benefit 3 When would you be available for a quick conversation to discuss the future of MailDuck and how we might help? Best, Signature

Related: How to Write a Professional Email

How to avoid using “To Whom It May Concern”

It’s best to only use the generic “To Whom It May Concern” if you can’t find the name of the person you are writing to.

The best possible way to address the email is by using the name of the person you are writing to.

For instance, if you are sending a job application, do your best to learn the name of the hiring manager. Here are just a few ideas on how to do that:

1. Look through the job listing

Quite often, you will be able to find the name of the hiring manager or employer in the job description or job listing itself.

2. Check the website

If you can’t find the name of the contact in the job description, check the company website.

Often, companies will have a page dedicated to their team where you will easily find the name of the hiring manager.

3. Ask your employer

If you still haven’t found the name of the person you should be addressing, consider calling the company and checking with the reception.

You can try to explain your situation and say you are looking for the name of the hiring manager.

If you’ve tried all of this and you still don’t know who you should be addressing, you may have to turn to “To Whom It May Concern” or a similar generic greeting.

How to use “To Whom It May Concern?”

You can use the phrase “To Whom It May Concern” at the beginning of a letter or email – or other forms of correspondence — when you are not sure about the name of the person you should be addressing.

This might happen at many points in your job search.

• For example, you might be sending a cover letter, letter of recommendation, or other job search materials to someone whose name you do not know.
• Note that when you address a letter or email with “To Whom It May Concern”, the phrase should be capitalized and followed by a colon.
• As we’ve mentioned above, “To Whom It May Concern” is a rather outdated expression.

While you can still use it, there are also more modern alternatives that you may want to consider.

Please find some options below.

To Whom It May Concern Alternatives

Here are just a few ideas of greeting that you can use instead of “To Whom It May Concern”:

Here are some options:

• Dear Hiring Committee
• Dear Hiring Team
• Dear HR manager
• Dear HR representative
• Dear Human Resources Team
• Dear Recruiting Manager
• Dear Recruiting Team
• Dear (name of department) Manager
• Dear (name of department) Team

You can also use a general greeting that is meant for a group of people.

For instance, if you are reaching out to someone in your network for help with the job search, you can start your letter or email with “Dear Friends and Former Colleagues” or “Dear Friends and Family” and so on.

Summing things up

So, here are a few key take-aways about using “To Whom It May Concern” in emails:

• You can address an email with “To Whom It May Concern” when you don’t know the name of the person you are writing to: for instance when applying for a job.
• In most cases, you should do your best to find out the name of the person who will be reading your email. This will let you avoid the more generic and outdated “To Whom It May Concern”. Try checking the website of the company you are emailing, their social media pages or even consider calling the reception.
• There are alternatives to using “To Whom It May Concern”. Start your email with a simple “Hello” or a more specific “Dear Hiring Manager” — and so on.
• You may also want to start an email with “To Whom It May Concern” when you don’t want to address a specific person — for instance, when filing a formal complaint.
• Use “To Whom It May Concern” when writing an email to a group of people instead of a specific individual — for instance, when giving feedback.

How to Use To Whom It May Concern (Alternatives Included)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

Every letter needs a solid salutation. Why? Because it helps the reader figure out who you’re talking to. But what if you don’t know the name of the person you’re addressing? That’s where “to whom it may concern” comes in.

“To whom it may concern” is a generic salutation that can apply to nearly anyone, making it the default approach if you don’t have a contact’s name. But is it a good idea to use “to whom it may concern” in a cover letter ? Well, that depends.

If you’re curious about using “to whom it may concern” in a letter, here’s what you need to know.

Starting a Letter

Before we dig into the nitty-gritty of using “to whom it may concern,” let’s pause for a quick second and talk about starting a letter in general. As a job seeker, there’s at least one kind of letter you’re going to be writing regularly: the cover letter.

Do you actually need a cover letter? Yes, yes, you do. While most hiring managers assert that customizing your resume is the most important thing you can do, nearly half also want to see a cover letter. That’s a big percentage.

Plus, 83 percent of recruiters say that a great cover letter can land you an interview even if your resume isn’t a spot-on match. Holy cow, right? That alone should put cover letters on your must-do list.

Whenever you write any kind of letter, you want to start strong. After all, you need to convince the reader to actually finish the entire thing. If you don’t capture their attention quickly, that may not happen.

In most cases – after you fill in some contact information at the top – the first thing you need in your letter is a salutation. Why? Because it’s polite and directly acknowledges the reader.

Without a greeting, you’re letter just hops into whatever you want to talk about. If you’re writing a cover letter, that means you’d diving into a one-sided discussion about yourself.

The salutation recognizes that there is a person there “listening” to what you’re sharing. It’s a light form of appreciation. Yes, it’s a small gesture, but it’s an important one.

To Whom It May Concern

Alright, let’s take a second to talk about the use of “to whom it may concern” as a letter opening through time. While its exact origin isn’t entirely clear, the phrase does have a long history.

One of the most noteworthy examples is from a document written by President Abraham Lincoln. In a July 18, 1864 letter , he began with “to whom it may concern.” So, the phrase is at least that old.

Generally, the salutation serves as a generic opener when you either aren’t speaking to a particular individual (as a person might do with an open letter to the public) or when you don’t know who the reader is. It’s a polite and incredibly formal way to address an unknown individual. “Dear whoever” just doesn’t have the same ring, does it?

Now, if good old Abe Lincoln used it, does that mean you should too? Well, in most cases, no, you shouldn’t. Really, it should be treated as a greeting of last resort, especially for cover letters. If you have any other reasonable alternative that feels even the slightest bit more personal, that’s probably the better choice.

Plus, it feels really old-school. It doesn’t seem like it fits in modern society. The same goes for “Dear sir or madam,” which equal parts generic and out of place.

Now, does that mean you can’t ever use “to whom it may concern” in your cover letter? No, it doesn’t. Instead, it should simply be the last option you explore after everything else falls through.

So, what should you use instead? Well, we’ll get to that in a minute.

It is important to note that there may be a few exceptions. If you’re writing a letter of recommendation that may be used in more than one way – such as for a job search and for college admissions – then “to whom it may concern” might be a better bet. That keeps the reader audience broad, allowing the letter to serve more than one purpose.

But cover letters only have a single reason for existing. As a result, it’s best to get more specific with your greeting.

Proper Usage of To Whom It May Concern

Alright, let’s say that, for whatever reason, “to whom it may concern” is all you’ve got. If that’s the case, then you need to make sure you use it the proper way.

There’s a pretty good chance that one question has been dancing through your mind: Do you capitalize to whom it may concern?

In most cases, when you’re starting a cover letter, you do want to capitalize the greeting. So, that would mean that the to whom it may concern capitalization should look like this:

Additionally, you’ll usually follow it with a colon instead of a comma. It’s the formal approach, which is the perfect choice in these circumstances. So, that gives you:

To Whom It May Concern:

Just remember that you should only use this approach to opening a cover letter if you really can’t figure out anything better. But if you’re really stuck with it, you now know how to use it right.

What about “to whom this may concern?” How do you use that? Typically, you don’t. “To whom this may concern” isn’t the traditionally accepted approach. If you use that, the hiring manager might just assume that you have no idea how to start a cover letter, and that’s no good.

Alternatives to To Whom It May Concern

Okay, we’ve said it a few times now, and it bears repeating once more; don’t use to whom it may concern in your cover letter unless that’s all you have available. But what should you use instead? Glad you asked.

First, you’re always better off using the hiring manager’s name if you can find it. This makes your cover letter feel more personal. So, whenever possible, go with “Dear [Mr./Mrs./Ms./Dr.] [First Name] [Last Name].” It really is the best choice.

What about “Mx. [First Name] [Last Name]?” Is that okay to use?

“Mx.” is a gender-neutral way of addressing a person, and it’s increasingly popular with people who consider themselves nonbinary. However, it’s best to only use this if you are 100 percent sure it’s the hiring manager’s preferred title.

Why? Because “Mx.” is still a bit rare in the business world. People who aren’t familiar with it may think that it’s a typo, and that won’t reflect well on you. Plus, there’s also a bit of controversy surrounding its use and, if the hiring manager has strong feelings about it, that could hurt your chances of getting the job.

So, unless you know that the hiring manager prefers “Mx.” it is better to go with something else. If the contact has a gender-neutral name and you can’t find out anything else about them, skip the title and use “Dear [First Name] [Last Name]” instead.

But what if you don’t have the name of a contact? Then, it’s time for a different approach.

You can try “Dear [Job Title/Role]” as an alternative. For example, “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear IT Department Manager” could work. It’s at least a bit more personal, as it’s clearly speaking to a particular individual.

Next, you could go with “Dear [Department].” Again, this is a bit less ideal, as it’s opening it up to a group instead of a specific person. Still, “Dear Marketing Department” is still better than “to whom it may concern” for a letter salutation.

If the workplace is more casual, you may even be swing “Greetings” as the entire salutation. It’s less formal and a bit warmer. However, it might not sit well with every hiring manager, so you may only want to use this one if you know the company is pretty darn relaxed.

Tips for Finding a Contact Person

By now, you know that using the contact’s name is the absolute best approach when you’re writing a cover letter. If you want to find it, start by reviewing the job ad.

In some cases, the contact person’s information is right there in black and white. In others, you may be able to figure it out based on other contact details. For example, if you’re told to send your resume to an email address, and that email is clearly based on a person’s name, you may have all you need to know. A lot of companies use employee first and last names to create their email addresses, so this may be all you need.

Other companies use certain details from a person’s name, like first initials and full last names, or partial first and last names. At times, this enough information for you to figure the rest out. You can use resources like the company website or LinkedIn to find a match based on what you do know.

But if any clues about the person’s name aren’t in the job ad, how do you find it?

In this case, a great place to begin is the company website. If you can find staff bios or an overview of the company’s organizational structure, you may be able to suss out who is overseeing the role. This is especially true if the job ad includes the job title of who you would be reporting to, as there may be only one employee with that title in a suitable department.

If that doesn’t work, head on over to LinkedIn. You can head to the company’s page to look for a staff list or may be able to figure out who your contact would be by doing a search.

Contacting members of your network may also be a good idea. If you know someone who works at the company today, they may be able to clue you in by providing you the hiring manager’s name.

Finally, you could try to reach out to the company and simply ask them. Let them know that you are preparing to apply for a job and want to know who you need to address your cover letter to. Now, they may decline to give you that information, but it doesn’t hurt to try.

If none of those approaches work, then it’s time to use one of the “to whom it may concern” alternatives we listed above. If you at least know the job title or department, that could be enough. Plus, you can always go with the classic “Dear Hiring Manager,” as that will usually strike the right chord.

Putting It All Together

Ultimately, there is a time and place for “to whom it may concern” in a letter, just not usually in a cover letter. Try all of the alternatives above before you default to a generic greeting. That way, you’re cover letter is more likely to make a great impression, increasing the odds that you’ll get called in for an interview.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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Cover Letters 101: Should You Address Your Letter ‘To Whom It May Concern’?

W hen applying for jobs, the way you start your cover letter sets the tone for a good first impression. Many applicants wonder if they should stick with the old “To Whom It May Concern.” This phrase has been around for ages, but times have changed, and so have the expectations in the job market. Here’s why “To Whom It May Concern” might not be the best idea anymore and offers some smart alternatives to help your application catch an employer’s eye.

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Key Takeaways

• “To Whom It May Concern” might be considered outdated and overly impersonal in today’s job market.
• Personalizing your cover letter by addressing it to a specific person shows initiative and attention to detail.
• There are several strategies to find the appropriate contact person if the job listing doesn’t provide a name.
• Alternatives to “To Whom It May Concern” can help make a positive impression on your potential employer.
• Tailoring your approach can enhance your career prospects and contribute to long-term wealth by increasing your chances of securing well-suited positions.

How To Make a Good Impression Beyond ‘To Whom It May Concern’

The job application process is your opportunity to demonstrate your professionalism, attention to detail and communication skills. Starting off on the right foot can have a positive impact on your career trajectory and, by extension, your long-term financial success. Here are some tips and alternatives to “To Whom It May Concern” that can help you make a lasting impression:

1. Do Your Homework

Before addressing your cover letter, take the time to research the company and find out who the hiring manager or the head of the department is. LinkedIn and the company’s website are excellent resources for this. Addressing the letter directly to this person shows that you’ve made an effort to understand the company and its team.

2. Use a Specific Job Title

If you cannot find a specific name, addressing the letter to a job title or department can still personalize your approach. For example, “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Human Resources Department” are preferable to the impersonal “To Whom It May Concern.”

3. Opt for a Warm Greeting

In cases where a direct name or title isn’t available, consider starting with a warm, yet professional greeting. “Dear Team at [Company Name]” can convey both respect and a personal touch.

4. When in Doubt, Ask

If the job listing provides a contact number or email for queries, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for the name of the hiring manager. This not only provides you with the correct name but also demonstrates your proactive nature.

Alternatives to ‘To Whom It May Concern’

If “To Whom It May Concern” isn’t cutting it, try these more personal options. They show you’re paying attention and you care:

• “Dear Hiring Manager,”
• “Dear [Department] Team,”
• “Dear [Company Name] Team,”
• “Greetings,”

Adding a personal touch right from the start can make your cover letter shine. After you’ve picked your opening, don’t forget to personalize the rest of your letter too.

When ‘To Whom It May Concern’ Is the Right Choice

There are few situations in job applications where “To Whom It May Concern” might still fit. This can happen when you’re applying to a large organization where the hiring team is not specified and you’ve exhausted all resources trying to find a certain contact.

It can also be relevant when submitting general inquiries to a company’s career department without applying for a specific role. In these cases, “To Whom It May Concern” can act as a formal and respectful way to address your cover letter, showing that you’ve made an effort to be professional in the absence of those details.

Make Small Changes To See Big Results

Taking the time to personalize your cover letter is more than a mere formality; it’s an investment in your career. By showing that you care about the details and are genuinely interested in the position, you’re more likely to capture the attention of potential employers. This not only increases your chances of landing an interview but also positions you as a strong candidate in a competitive job market.

Choosing a different opening for your cover letter is a simple change that can have big rewards. It can help you stand out and show you’re serious about the job. This can lead to interviews and, eventually, job offers. Landing a job that matches your skills and goals can really boost your happiness at work and your financial security. Choosing to skip “To Whom It May Concern” could be a small step toward a bigger, better career .

Editor's note: This article was produced via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy by a member of GOBankingRates' editorial team.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : Cover Letters 101: Should You Address Your Letter ‘To Whom It May Concern’?

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To Whom It May Concern: How (Not) to Use It in Your Cover Letter

When writing a cover letter or business email, you might be tempted to use the generic "To Whom It May Concern" salutation. However, this outdated greeting can make your message seem impersonal in today's professional world.

While "To Whom It May Concern" is still acceptable in some situations, it often implies you didn't take the time to find the right contact person or are sending a mass email rather than a tailored message.

This article will explain when it's appropriate to use "To Whom It May Concern", provide alternatives for your cover letter or email greeting, and share tips on finding the right person to address to make a stronger first impression.

When Is It Appropriate to Use "To Whom It May Concern"?

There are still some scenarios where using this generic salutation is appropriate when writing business correspondence. One instance is when you are sending a letter of recommendation or reference and you don't know the recipient's name or title. In this case, using "To Whom It May Concern" as the greeting can be used, as the recommendation letter may be passed on to various people

Another situation where "To Whom It May Concern" is acceptable is when you are writing to a company or department and don't have a specific contact person or point of contact. If you are unable to find the name of the person you are addressing, this generic greeting that can be used.

In general, formal documents that you intend to send to an institution or company can start with this greeting if they are not meant to introduce yourself. For example, filling a complaint, a job verification letter, or the recommendation letter mentioned above. If you do not know the recipient, as long as you keep it formal , the greeting is not a huge deal in these types of messages.

However, applying for a job is a much more personal matter, and avoiding being generic can make you stand out. It is not totally wrong to start a cover letter for a job with “To whom it may concern”  if no name is provided in the job posting and you can't find one after carefully reviewing the job posting, but it is certainly not the best move. 

How to Format "To Whom It May Concern" Correctly

Here's how to format "To Whom It May Concern" correctly in your letter or email:

• Capitalize the first letter of each word in the phrase "To Whom It May Concern". While this may not be grammatically necessary since it's not a proper noun or title, it's considered standard practice and helps maintain a formal tone.
• Use a colon, not a comma, after the phrase "To Whom It May Concern". The colon signifies that the salutation is complete and the body of your letter or email is about to begin.
• Double space before beginning the body of your letter, email, or cover letter. This helps visually separate the salutation from the main content and improves readability. In some cases, such as when the body of your letter is very short, it's acceptable to single space for cosmetic reasons.

Why You Should Avoid "To Whom It May Concern" in Your Cover Letter

When applying for a job, your cover letter is often the first impression you make on hiring managers and recruiters. As mentioned before, using a generic greeting like "To Whom It May Concern" may come across as lazy and impersonal, suggesting that you didn't take the time to find the right person to address.

Today, with internet access and professional networking sites like LinkedIn, it's usually possible to find a specific person to address by name in email or letter. Taking a few extra minutes to research the company and find the hiring manager or recruiter responsible for the position can make a significant difference in how your application is perceived.

If you can't find and don't know the name of the person you should address, consider using alternatives like "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Department] Team". These greetings are more engaging and targeted than "To Whom It May Concern" while still maintaining a professional tone suitable for business correspondence.

What to Write Instead of "To Whom It May Concern" in a Cover Letter

Let’s expand on some possible alternatives to replace “To Whom It May Concern”, so that you have an arsenal of less formal options for when you are writing your next cover letter.

• Dear [Hiring Manager's Name]: Take the time to look up the name of the recruiter or hiring manager online. Check the job listing, company website, or LinkedIn to find the right person to address your cover letter to. Using their name shows that you've done your research and are genuinely interested in the position.
• Dear [Department] Team: If you can't find the hiring manager's name, you can address your cover letter generally to the most relevant team, such as "Dear Marketing Team" or "Dear Human Resources Team." This approach still demonstrates that you've tailored your application to the specific department you'd be working with.
• Dear [Job Title] Hiring Manager: Another option is to reference the position you're applying for in your salutation. For example, "Dear Marketing Coordinator Hiring Manager" or "Dear Social Media Intern Hiring Manager." By using the job title or department, you show that you've carefully considered how your skills align with the role

Other Cover Letter Salutation:  FAQs

There are many different ways in which you can start a cover letter, and so, there are many different questions that can arise. Here are some of them.

How do I find the hiring manager's name and email?

To find the hiring manager's name, start by carefully reviewing the job posting for any mention of the person you should address your application to. If no name is provided, search the company website or LinkedIn for the relevant department head or recruiter. You can also try contacting the company, either calling or sending an email, and asking for the name of the person handling the position you're applying for. 

Is it acceptable to use "Dear Sir or Madam" in a cover letter?

While "Dear Sir or Madam" is a traditional generic greeting, it's best to avoid using it in modern business correspondence. This salutation, just like “To Whom It May Concern”, may come across as outdated and impersonal, and it also assumes the recipient's gender. Instead, opt for a more inclusive and targeted greeting like "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Department] Team".

What's the best generic greeting to use if I don't have a name?

If you can't find the hiring manager's name or email, the best generic greeting to use in your cover letter is "Dear Hiring Manager." This salutation is professional, concise, and targeted to the person responsible for reviewing your application. Other acceptable options, as discussed above,  include  "Dear [Department] Team" or "Dear [Job Title] Hiring Manager".

To Whom It May Concern: Conclusion

To sum up, while "To Whom It May Concern" has been a standard salutation for business correspondence when you don't know the recipient's name, it's important to understand when it's appropriate to use and when it's better to opt for an alternative.

When it comes to your cover letter, it's crucial to make every effort to find the full name of the specific person you want to address. Tailoring your salutation to the hiring manager, recruiter, or relevant department head shows that you've taken the time to research the company and are genuinely interested in the position. If you can't find a name, opt for a more targeted greeting like "Dear Hiring Manager" rather than the generic "To Whom It May Concern."

Remember, your cover letter is your chance to make a strong first impression and demonstrate your fit for the role. By avoiding generic salutations and instead tailoring each cover letter to the specific job and company, you'll set yourself apart from other applicants and increase your chances of having a successful process. So, even if you don't have a name, take the extra step to personalize your greeting and show your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

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To Whom It May Concern Alternatives – How to Address a Letter When You Don't Know Who Will Read It

If you need to reach out to someone but don't know their name, what do you do? Well, the answer used to be, "To Whom It May Concern."

Why did this stuffy-sounding phrase become the go-to form of address for unknown recipients? Well, back in the day (before Google, basically), it was a lot harder to find basic information about people you didn't know.

But since people still had to apply for jobs and get in touch with companies, a standard solution seemed helpful. Thus, "To Whom..." started being used.

But the times they are a-changin'.

So how do you address a cover letter or email to someone you've never met, or whose name you just can't find, in the 21st century?

Don't worry - there are many alternatives to the stodgy, old-fashioned "To Whom It May Concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam".

In this article, we'll look at:

• how to address a letter in the first place (taking into account tone, formality, titles, and gender neutrality)
• all the most common ways to address someone without knowing their name, and when/why you might use each
• how you can discover someone's name if you really want to personalize your letter
• when it actually is acceptable to use "To Whom It May Concern"

Alright - let's do this.

How to Address a Letter in the First Place

First of all, it helps to know how exactly to start your letter in the first place. This may seem obvious, but there are a few things to consider.

Tone and Formality

When you're communicating with someone you don't know, you should put some thought into how you address them. Even if you know their name, it's not like you're buddies - yet. So you probably wouldn't start a letter with "Hey babe, what's up?"

So what do you say? Well, you can usually count on "Dear [name]" (or any of the other options below if you don't know their name) - it's formal but not stuffy, and it's a pretty widely-accepted way of starting a written communication (at least in the States).

You should probably avoid any language that's too familiar or where your meaning could be misconstrued (see the "Hey babe" above). Until you've established a bit of a rapport with this person, keep it polite and basic.

Titles and Gender Neutrality

If you know the person's name, you have a couple options when addressing them.

You might want to address them as Ms. X or Mr. Y. Just make sure you know how that person identifies so you can use the proper title. If you're not sure, you can try to find out more information (see methods below) or choose some other form of address.

For women/femmes, be aware of whether you use Miss, Mrs, or Ms. The safest bet is to use "Ms.", as it doesn't imply a married or single status. If you know that the person prefers one over the others (you see "Please contact Miss Jennifer Morgan for more information" or something similar), use that.

If you want to discover how someone identifies, you can try to find them on social media (Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram are probably your best bets). Sometimes people will list their pronouns in their profiles, like "Jennifer Morgan, she/her" or "AJ DePew, they/them". Not everyone does this, but it's becoming more common.

Lastly, if someone has a Doctorate or other official title/honorific, you should address them that way. For example, "Dear Dr. Morgan" or "Dear Professor DePew".

Not all of this applies if you don't know the person's name. But it's still good to keep in mind when communicating with someone you don't know.

Now let's get into those alternative forms of address.

Alternatives to "To Whom It May Concern"

If you don't know the name of the person to whom you're writing, that's ok. There are still some decent options that will let them know that you did your research and you care.

Dear (Position/Job Title), like "Dear Director of Sales"

If you're applying for a job in, say, the Sales department, chances are someone with the title "Director of Sales" will be your boss (or your boss's boss...).

And while you most likely aren't applying directly to that person (that is, they won't be the first to see your application/cover letter), they're still a relevant person/position to whom to address your communication.

Using this form of address shows that you've at least done your homework regarding the position for which you're applying, how the departments are structured, and so on.

Dear (Team/Department), like "Dear Social Media Department" or "Dear Social Media Team"

If you're not sure how the company is structured, or what positions you might interact with if you get the job, you can take it step back.

Starting off with "Dear Social Media Department" isn't quite as direct as singling out one person, but it's still relevant and thoughtful.

Using this type of address works well if you're applying to a larger company/team and it's really hard to single out one position or person who will definitely see your application.

Keeping it Casual with "Greetings", "Hello", "Good afternoon" and so on

We've all probably gotten emails that start with "Hi there!" or just "Hello". These forms of address are certainly more casual than "Dear X", but they might be the right choice in certain situations.

If you can't find out any specific information about where your application might be going, something like "Hello there" or "Hi there" is a good neutral option. If you're sending your email first thing in the morning, "Good morning" also works well.

It will be fairly obvious that you have no idea to whom you're speaking, but at least you're being polite and neutral.

Before using this option, however, it might be a good idea to do some research into the company's culture. If it seems like they're fairly relaxed and casual, these greetings are probably ok.

Dear (Name of person who'd be your boss/to whom you'd report)

Now, perhaps you don't know exactly to whom you're applying or sending that cover letter. But you might be able to figure out who your boss would be (if you got the job).

Dig into that company website. Read the bios, figure out who's on what team, and who's in charge of what. If you can learn to whom you'd report, you can address your letter to them.

Sure it sounds ambitious (and maybe a tad presumptuous?) but it does show that you know how to do your research. And that you care about the job, the company, and putting your most knowledgeable foot forward.

Dear (Name of the head of the department to which you're applying)

If you're not sure who would be your boss if you got the job, but you still want to use someone's name, zoom out a bit. You can likely figure out who's the head of whatever department you'd join if you got the position.

Once you've found that person, write your letter to them. Again, it's not the most direct (and they likely won't even seen your application, at least not in the beginning), but it's better than "To Whom It May Concern", that's for sure.

And again, similar to the previous option, it shows that you're trying to learn as much about the company as possible.

Dear (Name of recruiter)

If you know the name of the recruiter who'll be reviewing your application, you can certainly address your cover letter to them. It might take a little effort to figure that out, but it does make your cover letter/application stand out.

If you're working with a recruiter, you can ask them. You can also get in touch with the company and see if they'll tell you who that person is. But if you can't figure that out...

Dear (Recruiting Manager or Hiring Manager)

Sometimes those names really are elusive. But it's a pretty good guess to assume that a recruitment or hiring manager will be involved in the process. So addressing your letter to the position might get their attention.

Dear (Position for which you're applying) Hiring Manager, like "Dear Network Engineering Hiring Manager"

When you want to be as specific as you can, but don't know a name, you can always address your communication to the team or committee that's actually hiring you.

To do that, just list the roll you're applying for (like Network Engineer, Social Media Manager, or Database Analyst) followed by "Search Committee", "Hiring Manager", or "Hiring Team" – for example, "Dear Network Engineer Hiring Team".

This way you show that you're aware of the department you'd be part of if you get the job and you're directing your inquiry to them.

Dear (Department) Head, or Dear Head of (Department)

If you want to target the head of your (hopefully) future team, you can address your letter to the head of that department.

It's ok if you don't know their name – just say something like "Dear Network Engineering Department Head".

Dear (Name of referral)

Lastly, if you know someone who works at the company, and they've given you a referral, you can always address your letter to them.

This is particularly effective because it shows that you have a relationship with someone who already works there, and you can be fairly sure that your letter/application will make it past the "first look".

Your friend or acquaintance can check out your letter and then decide who the best person would be to review it.

Bonus: Dear (Full name)

If you find the name of someone on the hiring committee or in the department to which you're applying, that's great. But what if you're not familiar with the origins of that name, and how people are addressed in that part of the world?

In this case, it can be a good idea to use the person's full name. In some places, like Hungary, Taiwan, or Japan, for example, people list their last names first. So by using their full name, you're not presuming to call them by only their first (or last) name.

How to find the right contact person

If you're determined to find a name to which to address your letter, there are a number of ways you can go about it. You can:

• Ask your recruiter or HR rep - they can often help you get that info
• Look on the company website - the "About Us" page often has tons of helpful info and details about the team
• Look in the job application/description - sometimes there are instructions there
• Look on LinkedIn - this is often the go-to resource for job seekers, as many people are on LinkedIn and have publicly visible profiles
• If you know someone at the company/in the department, ask them
• Call and ask the office manager/administrative assistant (and be honest about why you're calling - say you want to personalize your cover letter and you were hoping they could help point you in the right direction)

When it's ok to use "To Whom It May Concern"

There are a few situations where it's appropriate to use "To Whom It May Concern". Mostly they occur when you don't need or want to know the name of the person you're addressing.

So you can use that phrase when:

• You're providing a recommendation or a reference check for someone else (the company doesn't expect you to research them and find the exact right person to address the letter to).
• You're submitting a complaint to a company (if you received a defective product, weren't satisfied with their customer service, and so on).
• You're introducing yourself to someone you've never met and you don't know much about (like if someone requested a quote from you for a service, and so on).

Now you know how to address your correspondence when you don't know your reader's name. See, it's not as scary (or as outdated) as it seems.

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Perfect Cover Letter Salutations: Start Strong

11 min read · Updated on April 24, 2024

Greet your future employer professionally with these cover letter salutations

Cover letters – some recruiters love them; some recruiters hate them. Unfortunately, you'll rarely know which type of recruiter you're contacting, so the safest bet is always to send one, just in case. 

The aim of a cover letter is to make the reader want to find out more about you, so in this article, we're looking at starting strong. 

Which are the best cover letter salutations to make a great first impression?

What is a cover letter salutation?

When we say “salutation,” we mean the opening line of the letter where you greet the person you're writing to. For example, when you write to thank your aunt for the jumper she knitted for Christmas, you might use “Dear Aunt Betty” as your salutation. These days, the salutation may refer to the opening of an email as much as to the opening of a handwritten or printed letter. 

While cover letter salutations generally refer to the opening line of your epistle, some people also refer to the sign-off as a salutation as well, so we'll look at that at the end of the article. 

Considerations when choosing cover letter salutations

A cover letter is a formal business document that you use to try to make yourself more memorable. Remember, though, you want to be remembered for the right reasons and not the wrong ones! 

Starting your letter “Yo!” or “Hey” doesn't convey the impression of a competent professional who knows the unspoken rules of office writing etiquette. 

While not everyone is a natural writer, relying instead on personality, speech, and body language, cover letters depend very much on the written word. In fact, a cover letter, along with your resume, is part of your personal sales brochure. You need to choose the right words to sell yourself effectively. 

Stick to these guidelines, and you can't go far wrong.

Keep it formal and professional

Your tone should be aligned with the tone you'd use when speaking to a teacher, religious leader, or grandma, not the tone you'd use with your mates or kid brother. This is the first impression you'll make on your potential employer, so it's important to show that you can communicate professionally , with respect, and in line with workplace norms. 

Personalize wherever possible

Bonus points if you know, or can find out, the name of the person who will be reading the letter. If you can address them by name, you're instantly showing that you've made the effort, done your research, and have taken the time to write a personalized letter rather than firing the same one off to multiple vacancies. 

Always use a salutation

Even if you can't find out the recipient's name, never leave the greeting line blank. It conveys the impression of someone who lacks attention to detail or is just plain lazy. Not a great impression to create on someone you need to impress! 

This doesn't just apply to the cover letter salutation but to the entire document. Punctuation is important as it enables your reader to accurately interpret your meaning. Use capital letters for names and add a comma after the salutation. Get a trusted friend or family member to check over your letter when it's written to help you give it the polish it needs. 

Options for cover letter salutations

Let's take a look at some different salutations you could use on your cover letter. 

Dear Mr Donnelly 

Addressing the hiring manager by name is the ideal option. If it's not given in the job posting or provided by the person connecting you, it's fine to resort to good old Google. You may find their name on the company website or be able to track them down on LinkedIn. It's also perfectly acceptable to contact the company directly and ask them who you should address your application to.

If you're lucky enough to know the name of the hiring manager, you should always use it in the cover letter salutation. Bear these considerations in mind, though: 

Double and triple check the spelling – even the most common names sometimes have unconventional spellings 

Default to “Mr,” “Mrs,” or “Miss” plus their surname and use the generic “Ms” if you're not sure whether “Mrs” or “Miss” would be most appropriate

Reflect the gender-neutral title “Mx” if that's what you find online or on the job advert

Dear Doctor Foster

If the recipient has a professional title, it's recommended you use that instead of “Mr,” “Mrs,” or “Miss.” Examples could include “Dear Professor Dumbledore,” “Dear General Eisenhower,” or “Dear Doctor House.” 

While the formal “Dear Ms Farrell” is the preferred and most formal option, if you only have the hiring manager's first name, it's perfectly acceptable to use it to open the letter. Again, check the spelling. A slightly less formal salutation here isn't a reason to take a less formal tone throughout the rest of the letter, however. This is a suitable salutation for a job application email, as you can get away with a slightly more relaxed approach in an email.

Dear HR team

If you need a greeting for a cover letter to an unknown recipient, this is a popular option. It's not ideal, but your letter is likely to be forwarded to the right department at least. If you can't find the name of the hiring manager, this is a viable Plan B. 

Dear hiring manager

This is an alternative cover letter greeting when you have no name available. It's better than leaving a blank space, but it's far from warm and personal. Additionally, your letter may not find its way to the right person if the company has different teams hiring for different roles. Try to avoid this unless you've run out of other options.

Dear Sir / Madam

This cover letter salutation is falling out of favor. It's not just impersonal; it doesn't even address a specific team or department. Still, it's better than an overly casual greeting or a blank space. 

How NOT to address a cover letter

As we've already said, there are some greetings that are just too informal to use as cover letter salutations. There are others, however, that tread a very fine line. We'd advise avoiding these openings, as they're either too colloquial or too stuffy. 

To whom it may concern

We're not in the 19th century anymore. Trim your whiskers and relegate this stuffy greeting to history, it's too impersonal even for the most uptight offices. 

Using “dear” on its own, with no name or further greeting attached, gives the wrong vibe. It sounds like a combination of your old aunt, someone unfamiliar with the English language, and someone who's forgotten to fill in a blank on their template. Literally, anything is better than nothing after the word “dear.”

Hi, hello, hi there!

While these cover letter salutations certainly aren't stuffy or over-formal, they fall too far in the other direction. They're friendly and casual but too much for an initial introduction. Save these for the interview. 

Expert tip: Read this article to find out more about cover letter mistakes to avoid: 10 of the Worst Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid  

Cover letter closing salutations

How you end is just as important as how you begin. After all, you want to end on a high! Before you come to an abrupt end, you'll want to do both of these things: 

Thank the reader for their time and consideration 

Add a call to action, for example, directing them to look at your resume or give you a call

Cover letter salutations to close 

You've started strong and used the body of the email to convince the hiring manager that you're the ideal candidate for the role. Now, it's time to choose your sign-off. 

Yours sincerely, yours truly

These two phrases should be your go-to sign-offs for a formal business letter. If you've started your letter with the recipient's name, choose sincerely; otherwise, choose truly. 

Best regards, kind regards, regards

These are all acceptable closing phrases but better suited to an email than a full letter. They veer towards the casual and aren't generally considered the best letter-writing etiquette. 

Respectfully

This is a polite way of signing off a letter, although not especially conventional or formal. While it's better than no closing at all, it would be wiser to choose a more formal option. 

How NOT to sign off a cover letter 

Just as there are ways not to start a cover letter, there are ways not to sign off. 

Well, it's polite but way too informal. “Thank you” would be better, but a line within the body of the letter saying that you appreciate the time they take to consider your application would be best. 

Just no. You're not taking leave of a friend you've just dropped in on; you're addressing your potential future employer. A more formal and respectful tone is needed. 

However you choose to end your cover letter, remember to finish with your name – and leave space above to sign it if you intend to print it out.

Cover letter examples

Below you'll find two cover letter examples with strong salutations, one a traditional letter and one an email, that you can use for inspiration. 

Traditional cover letter example

Dear Ms Searle, 

Re: Sales Manager vacancy 

Having seen your advertisement for a Sales Manager on LinkedIn, I would like to outline my professional experience and strong track record. I believe I can make a very significant contribution to Acme Corp.

In addition to extensive experience in a sales environment, I also have a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and a proven ability to meet targets. As you will see from my enclosed resume, I am a natural people person, communicating effectively with a diverse range of people and demonstrating excellent negotiation and influencing skills. My leadership abilities mean that I am able to successfully engage and motivate teams – my current team has surpassed its Q1 targets by 23%. 

I am driven, ambitious, and keen to progress my career in a growing and innovative business such as Acme Corp. I am confident that my strong work ethic, combined with my sales results and integrity, will enable me to play a key role in your success. 

Please do not hesitate to call me at 555-555-5555 so we can arrange an interview to discuss my application in greater depth. I appreciate your consideration. 

Yours sincerely,

Email cover letter example 

Dear Liz, 

Re: Assistant Security Manager vacancy (ref: 12345)

Having read your advertisement for an Assistant Security Manager with interest, I am writing to outline my extensive professional experience. I believe that I possess the talents necessary to make a positive contribution to your hotel.    

I have a comprehensive understanding of security and a commitment to exceptional service. As a Police Officer, I led teams of up to 6 personnel, overseeing security patrols and managing performance. Colleagues would recommend me for my ability to build and motivate teams to achieve exceptionally high standards and positive outcomes. 

As a manager, I take pride in providing training and development opportunities across the team to improve individual skill levels and ensure the achievement of organizational objectives.

The position at Acme Hotel is particularly appealing to me as I believe it will make the best possible use of my security and leadership skills whilst providing opportunities for further development. 

Please do not hesitate to call me at 555-555-5555 so we can arrange an interview to discuss my application in greater depth. I appreciate your consideration of my application and look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards, 

Choose the right cover letter salutations to set the right tone

As you can see, there are several options for opening and closing a cover letter. Make sure you choose one that is professional, has the right amount of formality, and shows you understand corporate communication. 

At TopResume, we create impactful resumes that land jobs. If you need help with your cover letter, we can do that, too! Why not contact us for a strong start on your journey towards a new career? 

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