addressing a cover letter reddit

Resume builder

How to Address a Cover Letter. Who to Address?

How you address your cover letter is crucial because it’s the first thing the hiring managers see when they open it.

When your cover letter address is well-formulated, it shows that you’ve done your research and paid attention to detail.

So it’s always important to know:

• How to address a cover letter and
• who to address the cover letter to.

But who do you address a cover letter to when you don’t have the hiring manager’s full name, after long research? Which salutations are appropriate, even when you have a name?

This guide will show you expert tips on how to address a cover letter.

Table of Contents

Why Is It Necessary to Address a Cover Letter?

Primarily, the cover letter address is the first thing the recipient sees when they open the cover letter. So, you’re more likely to get a positive impression from the hiring manager when you address your cover letter professionally and correctly.

This can increase your chances of landing more job interviews. A cover letter address also shows that you’re more detail-oriented and willing to do more research when needed. This holds true when the hiring manager’s name is included in the address.

It’ll also show your dedication to professionalism and help you make a good impression on the recipient. But before you learn how to address a cover letter correctly, you must know how to write a cover letter first.

Who Do You Address a Cover Letter To?

You should address the cover letter to the individual making the final hiring decision. The person can be the company’s owner, especially in a small business.

However, if the company size is from medium to big, you may address the cover letter to the department head or hiring manager. If you need to get in touch with a large, international company, you might want to try the regional or local manager first.

Address your cover letter to a specific person if you can. Your cover letter will have a higher impact on the recipient if you take the time to include this information.

Furthermore, it shows that you cared enough about the company to do some preliminary research. And that can make you seem more driven than other applicants.

How to Address a Cover Letter?

There are several ways to address cover letters, each method depending on the situation. So go through different scenarios in this section to know how and who to address the cover letter to.

When You Know the Recipient’s Name

Always use the recipient’s name instead of a generic address when writing a cover letter. When you do that, it establishes a personal connection with the recipient. It’s also an excellent way to show that you’ve taken the time to learn more about them.

• Do your homework and look up the recipient’s name if you don’t already know it. For example, if you want to work in the sales department, you may find the sales manager’s name on the company website.
• You should use the full name for cover letters where you don’t know the recipient’s gender but do know their full name. For example, a cover letter addressed to “Dear Elizabeth Morgan” is an appropriate and proper example of a professional salutation.
• Use the appropriate title like ‘ Ms .’ or ‘Mr. ‘ if you know the person’s gender and want to include a title in the address. Otherwise, avoid using a title to avoid implying the recipient’s marital status. For example, to address someone as “ Ms. Morgan ” rather than “Mrs. Morgan,” you would use the former form of address.

When You Don’t Know the Recipient’s Name

You’d have to use a more general introduction for your cover letter if you can’t find the recipient’s name after several searches. It’s best to play it safe with a generic salutation in a cover letter since you won’t know the recipient’s gender or name.

It’s also the safest way to make a good impression on the hiring manager. If you don’t have a contact person’s name, you can use one of the following approaches to address your cover letter.

Remember that the list below is based on a survey of over 2,000 companies to find employers’ preferred greetings.

• Dear Hiring Manager (40%)
• To Whom It May Concern (17%)
• Dear Sir/Madam (27%)
• Dear Human Resources Director (6%)

It’s essential to ensure the right person will get your cover letter when you specify a title like “hiring manager” in the address. Use a more general greeting, like “ To whom it may concern ,” if you aren’t sure who will receive your letter.

If the Recipient Has an Academic or Professional Title

If you know the recipient’s name and academic or professional title, it’s ideal to use it. You can use it in place of ‘Mr.’ or ‘Ms.’

For example, it would be more appropriate to address the recipient as “ Dear Prof. Adams ” rather than “Dear Ms. Adams.”

Here are some professional and academic titles and their abbreviations you can use in your cover letter address:

• Professor (Prof.)
• Doctor (Dr.)
• Revered (Rev.)

How to Address an Email Cover Letter?

Hiring managers are flooded with emails daily. So it’s crucial to make it easy for them to scan your email and respond to it. You can do that through a well-written subject line and a signature with your contact information.

If you know the recipient’s name, use it. This will increase the likelihood that your letter will be read.

The Email Subject Line

Never send an email without a topic . Hiring managers are likely to dismiss or delete emails without opening them if they don’t contain a subject line. Instead, use a subject that makes your point immediately evident.

Make sure the recipient or hiring manager sees the job position you’re applying for by specifying it in your email’s subject line.

You should make it simple for them to determine the position you are applying for, especially if they’re hiring for multiple positions.

Addressing A Cover Letter: Some Helpful Tips

Addressing your cover letter correctly can get the recipient’s attention. It can also make your letter stand out, especially if you know the purpose of your cover letter.

Use these tips while addressing your cover letter:

Check the spelling

Ensure that you have the correct spelling by consulting with the company or looking it up online. Employers always appreciate it when candidates take the time to proofread their work for correct spelling and grammar.

In addition, it shows that you care about the smallest details, which is always a plus.

Verify the Contact Person

When making initial contact, it’s not always easy to tell if the person listed is the actual one. And it’s not always clear whether the contact information for an open position belongs to a recruiter or the hiring manager.

Maybe you saw the contact’s name in a long-forgotten social media post, and you have no idea if they still work for the company. Get in touch with the hiring company if you have any questions.

Check Your Address for Any Mistakes

Each time you apply anywhere, you’ll need to review your cover letter because its address will differ. First, verify that the date, company name, and address are all right. This ensures that your cover letter always looks professional.

Use the Correct Format and Font

Cover letters printed on paper should have 2.5-cm margins. Your address should be written in the same typeface as the remainder of your cover letter. The fonts Arial, Times New Roman, and Calibri are all excellent options.

Also, try using single spacing for your header to save valuable space.

The Best Way to Address the Recipient

You can use several different cover letter salutations to personalize your email. For example, write to Ms. or Mr. [Last Name] at the company if you have a recipient. If you aren’t sure who to email, find out if you can see the email recipient’s name.

If you’re having trouble finding the recipient’s name, you have two options:

• skip the salutation altogether and jump right into the body of the letter
• use a generic greeting.

Formatting the Salutation

If you’re writing an email, after choosing a salutation, place a comma after it. Then press the space button before writing the first paragraph.

How to Write the Body of the Email Letter?

The body of your cover letter should explain to the employer what position you’re applying for and why they should meet with you.

Carefully read the job description and highlight your skills and experience as a perfect fit for the position. Then, follow the employer’s guidelines while submitting your resume and cover letter by email.

Always put the same effort into your email cover letters as you would for other documents you send.

Include a mention of your resume attachment in the final paragraph if you have one. Thank the hiring manager or recipient for their time and consideration at the end of your cover letter.

Specify what steps you’ll take to follow up. For example, put a period at the end of the email and sign it with your name and email address.

To make it simple for hiring managers to get in touch with you, provide the following:

• your full name,
• phone number,
• full address,
• email address, and
• URL to your LinkedIn profile in your email signature.

How to Find the Right Recipient For the Cover Letter Address?

You’ll have to do some research if you don’t know the recipient’s name. Below are some ways to find the contact person’s name:

Check Out the Company’s Websites

Check the company’s website, including its social media pages like LinkedIn , Twitter, or Reddit. You can use Google to fill in the blanks of what you know and see what it brings up.

For example, if you know the department’s name, try searching for “Head of Marketing for [Department]” and see what comes up.

If you know the person’s name but not their email or phone number, search for a term like “Mr. Adams, Marketing Head at [Company].” You’ll find a social media page or an email address if you’re lucky.

Reach Out to the Company

One of the simpler ways to find a recipient’s contact is just to call the company. Explain your reason for calling and ask them about the right person to send your cover letter to.

Check on LinkedIn

LinkedIn’s built-in and powerful search engine makes it an excellent resource for finding people. If you know the person’s name, you can use that. Otherwise, you can expand your search by including the company, location, or both.

You can send a message to the person if you find them by clicking the “Contact info” link.

If you don’t know someone’s name, you can look through the company’s employee directory to find out who works there.

If you can’t find the right person, try contacting someone in a related department. The two of you may share a common connection and may introduce yourself.

Also read : How to Upload Resume to LinkedIn

Final Thoughts

Cover letters should always be addressed to the hiring manager of the company. Always use the hiring manager’s full name to show respect, even if you’re applying to a more informal workplace. Titles like “ Mr. ” and “ Ms. ” are acceptable. Don’t use ‘Mrs.’ or ‘Miss.’

Also, even though you can include many email addresses in your cover letter, there are some you should avoid. For example, you shouldn’t use overly informal greetings like “Hi” or “Hello.”

The hiring manager may form a poor impression of you if you greet them in such a casual manner. It’s okay to use such a welcome in a casual email, but it’s not recommended in a formal setting like a job application.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

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!

Explore Jobs

• Jobs Near Me
• Remote Jobs
• Full Time Jobs
• Part Time Jobs
• Entry Level Jobs
• Work From Home Jobs

Find Specific Jobs

• $15 Per Hour Jobs
• $20 Per Hour Jobs
• Hiring Immediately Jobs
• High School Jobs
• H1b Visa Jobs

Explore Careers

• Business And Financial
• Architecture And Engineering
• Computer And Mathematical

Explore Professions

• What They Do
• Certifications
• Demographics

Best Companies

• Health Care
• Fortune 500

Explore Companies

• CEO And Executies
• Resume Builder
• Career Advice
• Explore Majors
• Questions And Answers
• Interview Questions

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.

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, expert opinion.

• Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

• 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!).

Your browser does not support the video tag.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating / 5. Vote count:

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

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.

Recent Job Searches

• Registered Nurse Jobs Resume Location
• Truck Driver Jobs Resume Location
• Call Center Representative Jobs Resume Location
• Customer Service Representative Jobs Resume
• Delivery Driver Jobs Resume Location
• Warehouse Worker Jobs Resume Location
• Account Executive Jobs Resume Location
• Sales Associate Jobs Resume Location
• Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs Resume Location
• Company Driver Jobs Resume

Related posts

How To Start A Cover Letter (With 30 Examples)

How To Write A Career Change Cover Letter (With Examples)

How To Include Salary Requirements In A Cover Letter (With Examples)

How To Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out In 12 Easy Steps

• Career Advice >
• Cover Letter >

How to Write a Cover Letter Addressing Selection Criteria in 10 Steps

by Nicole Wren | Jan 29, 2024 | Writing Advice

Table of Contents

Some job applications will ask you to provide a response to selection criteria, as well as your resume or CV. These criteria are the specific skills and experience that a job requires. In many cases, the application guidelines request that the selection criteria should be responded to within a cover letter. (Sometimes, they request a response in a different format, like this APS Statement of Claims example ). Many people wonder how to write a cover letter addressing selection criteria, though (as selection criteria writers , we get asked daily!).

While your resume or CV should state that you have the relevant experience, a selection criteria response will require more detail and specific examples. As well as providing more information, selection criteria also provide a structured way to assess candidates.

The job ad might include something like this:

Let’s look at 10 things to keep in mind when addressing selection criteria in a cover letter.

1. Start Your Cover Letter in the Standard Cover Letter Format

Begin your cover letter in the standard format, with a header containing your contact information. Then, include the employer’s contact details, including their name (or a generic salutation like “Dear Hiring Manager”). Use a standard font and font size, like Arial 10-12.

2. (Opening Paragraph): Express Your Enthusiasm

Specifically state the role you are applying for. Convey your eagerness to contribute your skills and experience to the organisation. You might also like to mention the company’s values, and how your own align (tip: be specific and authentic here). If there is something else that attracts you to the organisation (such as a recent company achievement), you might like to mention it here, to show you have a good understanding of them.

3. (Body Paragraphs): List and Highlight Each Selection Criteria

List and highlight each of the selection criteria in the body of the cover letter. This will help you keep on task and ensure each selection criterion is adequately responded to (note: you should remove this at the end – see step 9).

4. (Body Paragraphs): Paraphrase Each Criterion and Your Experience

Write an introductory sentence for each criterion, paraphrasing the language and keywords used in the selection criterion.

5. (Body Paragraphs): Brainstorm Ideas for Each Criterion

Make some notes within your document, then choose your ‘best ideas’. Tip: you’ll need to be as specific as possible. Rather than saying you communicated daily with different customers in a previous role, think of a specific time you communicated with a specific customer, and how you had a positive impact.

6. (Body Paragraphs): Use the STAR Format for Each Example

The STAR format is a well-known way to structure selection criteria. It goes like this:

Situation (S): Briefly set the context by describing the situation or problem you encountered. Keep it concise to provide necessary background information. This section should make up approximately 10% of your response.

Task (T): Describe your specific role or task within the situation. Explain what was expected of you and any challenges or goals you needed to address. This section should make up around 10% of your response.

Action (A): This section should make up around 60% of your response. Describe the actions you took in detail. This is where you showcase your skills, competencies, and problem-solving abilities. Use specific examples, highlight your contributions, and explain your thought process.

Result (R): Approximately 20% of your response. Conclude by outlining the positive outcome or result of your actions. Mention any benefits to the organisation. While this is one of the smaller sections, it is one of the most important. Many candidates forget to include a strong result section.

Note, the STAR method is not necessary for yes/no criteria such as certain qualifications. For these criteria, you can simply state that you have the required qualifications.

7. (Conclusion Paragraph): Sign-off Positively

Conclude your cover letter with a short paragraph thanking the reader for their time, and welcoming the opportunity for an interview. You may like to reiterate your interest in the role.

8. Sign Off as in a Standard Cover Letter

End with a professional sign-off such as ‘Kind regards’ or ‘Yours Sincerely’, along with your full name. There is no need to sign the cover letter.

9. Remove the Highlighted Selection Criteria

Since these headings were included only as a guide for you, you should now remove them. Your introductory sentence within each paragraph will be enough to allow the reader to understand that you have addressed each one.

10. Proof-Read and Submit

Proof-read your document for any errors, including grammar and spelling. You may like to have a friend or family member complete this part for you. Another tip is to save the document as a PDF, and read through it that way (the doucmnet will look slightly different and will allow you to assess it with fresh eyes).

Cover Letter Addressing Selection Criteria Example

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you address selection criteria in a cover letter.

There are a few different formats for responding to selection criteria. Sometimes, you may be asked to respond to specific online questions related to the criteria. Sometimes, you may be asked to provide a ‘separate document’ style selection criteria response. Sometimes, you can address selection criteria in a cover letter. It is important that you thoroughly read the application guidelines to determine what is required.

How long should a cover letter addressing selection criteria be?

A cover letter addressing selection criteria should typically be between one to two pages. If the application guidelines specify a length, you should always adhere to that.

How to address selection criteria you don’t meet?

Selection criteria are sometimes deemed either essential or desirable. You should provide a response to both essential and desirable criteria, even if you don’t meet them. You should provide a summary of your most transferrable skills and experience.

Our selection criteria writers specialise in addressing selection criteria, both in cover letter and other formats.

Contact us if you need more assistance with your application.

Read our latest resume tips .

Nicole Wren

Senior Writer

Nicole is the principal resume writer at Resumes to Impress. Nicole loves writing and sharing her knowledge about all things job hunting and career guidance.

Recommended Services:

Selection Criteria Writing

• Adelaide Resume Writers
• Resume Writers Bendigo
• Resume Writing Service Brisbane
• Resume Writing Services Cairns
• Resume Writing Services Canberra
• Resume Writers Darwin
• Resume Writers Diamond Creek
• Resume Writing Services Geelong
• Resume Writing Services Gold Coast
• Hobart Resume Writers
• Resume Writers Launceston
• Resume Writers Mackay
• Melbourne Resume Writers
• Resume Writing Services Newcastle
• Resume Writers Parramatta
• Resume Writers Perth
• Resume Writers Sunshine Coast
• Resume Writers Toowoomba
• Resume Writing Services Townsville
• Resume Writers Wollongong
• Interview Coach
• LinkedIn Profile Writer
• Resume Writing Services For Veterans
• Mining Resume Writing Services
• Nurse Resume Service
• Professional IT Resume Writing Services

How To Address A Cover Letter To An Unknown Person

Cover letter personalization shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position and the company.

However, lacking a name doesn’t mean your cover letter can’t shine. Here’s how to adapt and address a cover letter when you don’t have a name.

Navigating the task of addressing a cover letter when the recipient’s name isn’t provided can be challenging. Here are some reliable strategies to consider:

Research Is Key

Start by putting on your detective hat and doing some digging. Research the company website, LinkedIn, or even call the company directly to find out the hiring manager’s name. This level of initiative can impress potential employers.

General Salutations

Opt for a general yet professional salutation if your research hits a dead end. Some safe bets include:

• “Dear Hiring Manager,”
• “Dear [Department] Team,”
• “To Whom It May Concern,”
• Avoid overly generic and impersonal salutations like “Dear Sir/Madam.”

Specific Job Titles

Another effective strategy is to use a specific job title. For example, if you’re applying for a content editor role, you could write, “Dear Content Editor Selection Team,”

Crafting the Rest of Your Cover Letter

Remember, the salutation is just the first step. The content that follows is what will truly set you apart from the crowd.

Make it Engaging

Capture the reader’s attention from the get-go. Instead of a bland introduction, aim for an engaging opener highlighting why you’re excited about the role and what makes you a good fit.

Tailor Your Content

Avoid generic praise for the company. Instead, talk about specific projects, values, or aspects of the company culture that resonate with you. This shows that you have a genuine interest in the company.

Show Your Value

Instead of focusing on what the company can do for you, focus on what you can bring to the table. Talk about your achievements and how your unique skills could benefit the company.

Close It Out Professionally

End your cover letter on a professional note. “Sincerely,” “Best Regards,” or “Kind Regards,” followed by your name and contact details, is a safe and professional sign-off.

Wrapping Up

Addressing a cover letter to an unknown person can feel daunting, but with the right strategies, you can still create a powerful, personalized cover letter that leaves a lasting impression.

Your goal is to stand out from the crowd, and a well-crafted cover letter is your ticket to doing just that. So, get out there, and start making an impression!

Best of luck with your job search!

Title: how to address a cover letter to an unknown person

Category: Job Search

Author : Becky  is a contributor for  theJub . She’s a writing and talent acquisition specialist who loves to apply her skills through creative writing and editing.

Similar Posts

11 High-Paying Remote Jobs for 2023

7 Online Jobs that Require Little or No Experience for 2023

30 Recession Proof Jobs for 2023 (with Safe Industries)

How to Find a Job After College in 2023 (7 Tips to Boost Your Odds)

Is ZipRecruiter Better Than Indeed?

The 5 Best Job Search Apps for 2023