How to Address a Cover Letter in 2023
Yes, how you address your cover letter matters.
After all, this is the first thing the recruiter reads when going through your cover letter, and yes, there is a right and wrong way to do it.
In this article, we’re going to teach you how to address your cover letter in such a way that you leave a positive impression on any recruiter!
- How to address a cover letter to a recruiter? (Casual or formal)
- What title to use when addressing the hiring manager
- How to address a cover letter without a contact person/to a company
- How to address a cover letter without an address
- How to address a cover letter in an email
How to Address a Cover Letter To a Recruiter (Casual or Formal)?
As we already mentioned, the way you address your cover letter is important because it is the very first thing recruiters see upon opening your cover letter.
A well-formulated cover letter address means that you care enough to research the company (i.e. to find the hiring manager’s name and title) and that you show attention to detail.
As such, you should always put some research into who you’re addressing your cover letter to and do so in a formal way.
And yes, the formal part is important too. The recruiter isn’t your best friend - you want to maintain a sense of professionalism.
If this is how you address the recruiter in your cover letter:
- What’s up Hiring Manager
- Hi there Hiring Team
Then you say goodbye to the job.
Now, you’re probably wondering, how can I find out whom to address my cover letter to?
That’s what we’re about to teach you:
Who Am I Addressing My Cover Letter To?
Here are some tricks to find the full name of the hiring manager:
- Check the job listing. The job listing may have information about the recruiter or the department doing the hiring. Make sure to read through the entire job listing, as it might not be at an entirely obvious place.
- Check the company website. Some websites feature the names of the hiring managers or heads of departments that may go through your cover letter. Alternatively, LinkedIn is another place where you can look for this information.
- Check the company’s LinkedIn. You can look up who works in the company you’re applying for on their LinkedIn page.
- Ask around. Do you have friends that work for the company? They could provide you with valuable inside info.
To avoid making a bad impression, head over to our guide on cover letter mistakes to learn about what NOT to do when writing your cover letter.
Addressing a Cover Letter With a Name
By now, you have probably found the hiring manager’s full name and gender. With this information available, it’s best to address the hiring manager formally, as follows:
- Dear Mr. Brown,
- Dear Miss Fitzpatrick,
- Dear Mrs. Lockhart,
- Dear Ms. Walters,
If, for some reason, you are unsure about the person’s title, gender, marital status, or preferred pronouns, just address them using their entire name to avoid any mistakes. For example:
- Dear Alex Brown,
- Dear Blair Fitzpatrick,
- Dear Jesse Lockhart,
- Dear Madison Walters,
Addressing someone with a title
Now, if you found out that the hiring manager has a professional or academic title, then it’s more appropriate to address them using that title. If, for example, the hiring manager has a Ph.D., then it’s more respectful to address them as “Dr. Last Name,” instead of “Mr. Last Name.”
Here are some professional titles and how they’re abbreviated:
- A professor is Prof.
- A reverend is Rev.
- A sergeant is Sgt.
- Honorable is Hon.
If, however, you are uncertain about how a title is abbreviated, then avoid it altogether.
Here are a few examples to give you an idea:
- Dear Prof. Welsch,
- Dear Director Smith,
- Dear Rev. Owen,
Dear Dr. Leonard,
When addressing women and you don’t know their marital status, always go with Ms., because it doesn’t comment on marital status. Some women prefer not to be addressed with Miss or Mrs. even when they’re married, so sticking with Ms. is the best choice.
Want to learn more cover letter tips ? Our guide has all you need to ace your cover letter!
How to Address a Cover Letter Without a Contact Person
It might happen that, no matter how hard you search, you can’t find the name of the hiring manager or department head that will read your cover letter.
In that case, you can address your cover letter to the department, faculty, or the company.
- Dear Software Development Hiring Team,
- Dear Customer Service Department Hiring Team,
- Dear Head of the Literature Faculty,
- Dear Director of Marketing,
- Dear Human Resources Recruitment Team,
Alternatively, if you don’t have enough information either about the department or the team, you can opt for addressing the cover letter directly to the company’s hiring staff, as follows:
Dear [Company Name] Hiring Team
Dear [Company Name] Recruiting Staff
If all else fails (meaning, you don’t know the name of the department head or even the exact department, in addition to the recruiter) then you can use one of the good, old-fashioned:
Dear Hiring Manager,
...but NOT the impersonal and way outdated “To whom it may concern” and “Dear Sir/Madam.”
Starting a cover letter can be challenging. Our guide can show you how to start a cover letter that will get you results from the get-go.
How to Format the Company’s Address
Before you reach the salutation, you have to make sure that the header with the recipient’s contact information is formatted correctly.
It might not be the deciding point of whether you’ll secure an interview or not, but it will cost you points if it’s off.
So, the first thing you want to do is add your name and surname on the upper left side of the cover letter. Underneath, you should write your professional title (if applicable), your email , and your phone number .
Now, after you’ve also added the date, you should leave one more space and add the recipient’s contact information and, most importantly, the company’s address.
It should look something like this on your cover letter:
When You Can’t Find the Company’s Address
Some companies might have several addresses listed (as per their branches, for example), or even none at all.
Since an application that doesn’t have an address line could end up lost or misplaced, make sure you do one of the following before skipping the company’s address completely:
- Check all your resources, (pretty much like when you were looking for the hiring manager’s name) to find the company’s address.
- Use the company’s headquarter address. This is sometimes easier to find, especially if the company has several branches.
- Use the P.O. Box number for the company. This is not as specific as an actual address line, but if all else fails, it’s still something.
Frequently, you’ll be asked to submit your job application (including your cover letter) electronically, or by email. In those cases, you can skip the address line altogether.
Here’s how you’d go about addressing a cover letter in an email.
How to Address an Email Cover Letter
If you’re sending your job application through email, chances are you’ll need to format your cover letter in the body of the email, or as an attachment along with your resume.
First and foremost when you’re addressing a cover letter in an email is the subject line, which should be between 6-10 words long.
Considering that hiring managers receive countless emails daily, you want to make sure that yours is a job application immediately. And the way to do that is straight through the subject line, which should indicate exactly the position you’re applying for and your name so that it’s easier to find through the recruiter’s swarmed mailbox.
Here’ what we mean by that:
- Subject Line: John Doe - Software Development Job Application
- Subject Line: John Doe - Job Application for Marketing Manager Position
- Subject Line: John Doe - Stock Manager Job Application
Afterward, if you’re including your cover letter in the body of the email (as opposed to attaching it as a document), begin by using a salutation, add space, and start your letter.
If someone referred you for the position, make sure to mention that in the subject line of your email as well as in your opening paragraph.
So, let’s see how all the above plays out in practice:
Subject Line: John Doe - Carl Jacob’s Referral for Software Developer
I was very glad that Mr. Jacobs, a long-time partner at your firm who also happens to be my mentor from college, referred me for the Software Developer position.
Do you want your style, personality, and overall personal brand to shine through your application? With Novorésumé, you can match your cover letter with your resume to make a lasting impression!
Key Takeaways
And that’s all there is when it comes to addressing a cover letter! You should feel much more confident in doing so by now.
Either way, let’s go over the main points we covered throughout the article:
- Your cover letter address should be formal and well-researched. Don’t address the hiring manager with “hey,” “what’s up,” “hi there,” or even the old-fashioned “Dear Sir/Madam” and “To Whom It May Concern.”
- Always try to find the hiring manager’s full name and professional title through the company’s website, LinkedIn, by calling, or by asking someone who works there.
- If you know the hiring manager’s name, go with “Dear Mr./Miss Last Name,” but if you’re unsure about their gender, marital status, or preferred pronoun, just address them using their full name.
- If the recruiter has a professional or academic title, it’s more appropriate to address them using their title.
- If you can’t find the contact person’s name, then address the department, faculty, or company (i.e. Dear Microsoft Hiring Team , or Dear Software Development Recruitment Team ).
Related Readings:
- Do I Need a Cover Letter in 2023
- Entry-Level Cover Letter
- Cover Letter for Internship
- How to Write a Cover Letter in 2023
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The 3 Rules of Addressing Your Cover Letter in 2022
Hot jobs on the muse.
You’ve finally sat down to write that cover letter (good for you!), but immediately you run into a roadblock: How do you even start the darn thing? Who do you address it to? Should you use Mr. or Ms.? Do you include a first name? And what if you’ve searched high and low, but can’t find the hiring manager’s name?
Don’t fret! Follow these three rules for cover letter salutation salvation.
Rule #1: Address your cover letter to the hiring manager using a formal, full-name salutation (if possible).
For a cover letter, you should always default to addressing it to the hiring manager for the position you’re applying to. Unless you know for sure that the culture of the company is more casual, use the hiring manager’s first and last name. You can include a title, such as “Mr.” or “Ms.” (never Mrs. or Miss). But if you aren’t crystal clear on whether to use “Mr.” or “Ms.” and can’t find their pronouns with a little Google and social media searching (and you don’t have an easy way out with a “Dr.”), just drop the title. Omitting it is infinitely better than accidentally misgendering someone .
Most letters I see still use the “Dear” greeting, though I’ve seen a growing trend of people dropping it and starting with “Hello” or just the name. Any of these works. The most important part is having the actual name . Never use “ To Whom it May Concern ” or “Dear or Sir or Madam”—nothing could be more generic (not to mention archaic). Your cover letter could be the first opportunity you have to make an impression on the hiring manager, so make sure you show that you did your research .
For example, you can address your cover letter by saying:
- Dear Ms. Jacklyn O’Connell,
- Hello Mr. Kevin Chen,
- Dear Niko Adamos,
- Hello Jean Butler,
- Sam Little,
Rule #2: If you don’t know the hiring manager, guess.
Sometimes, even after hours of online searching ( try these tips ), you still might not be able to definitively figure out who exactly the hiring manager for the position you’re applying for is—and that’s OK.
If you can only find a list of the company’s executive team, use the head of the department for the position you’re applying for. In the end, no one will fault you for addressing the letter higher up than necessary. This approach is definitely better than not using a name in your cover letter, because it still shows the time and effort you took to find out who the department head is.
Rule #3: Be as specific as possible.
So you’ve done your due diligence and after an exhaustive search—nothing. You just can’t find a single name to address your cover letter to. If that’s the case, don’t worry. The company is likely privately held with no reason to share who its employees are—and, more importantly, is aware of this.
If this is the case and you don’t have a name to use, try to still be as specific as possible in your greeting. Consider using “Senior Analyst Hiring Manager” or “Research Manager Search Committee”—something that shows that you’ve written this letter with a particular audience in mind and aren’t just sending the same generic letter for every job opening.
For example:
- Dear Software Developer Search Committee,
- Hello XYZ Co Marketing Team,
- Dear Junior Accountant Hiring Manager,
Ultimately, you want your cover letter to convey your interest in the position. To start off on the right note, make your salutation as specific as possible—ideally with the name of the hiring manager. Of course, that can’t always happen, but as long as the effort is clearly made, you’ll be showing whoever reads your cover letter that you’ve put time into your application and are truly excited about the opportunity.
Regina Borsellino contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.
The employees have spoken. See the Best Places to Work 2023!
Resume & Cover Letter
How to address a cover letter.
Posted by Glassdoor Team
Career Advice Experts
Last Updated June 29, 2021
Guide Overview
Addressing a cover letter.
The beginning of your cover letter, or how and who you address it to, is the first thing the recipient sees when opening your letter. For this reason, understanding how to address a cover letter in a professional and effective manner is essential when making a positive impression on hiring managers. Here we explore why it's important to know how to address a cover letter, steps to take when addressing both physical and emailed cover letters, and several examples of different ways to address your cover letter.
Why is a cover letter address important?
A cover letter address is important primarily because it is often the first thing the recipient sees upon opening the letter. If you address your cover letter professionally and appropriately, you’re more likely to make a positive impression on the hiring manager or recruiter reviewing your letter. This will ultimately support you in your job search endeavors and help you secure more job interviews than if you were not to address your cover letter or do so in an unacceptable manner.
Additionally, a cover letter address is important because it demonstrates your attention to detail and willingness to perform research when necessary. This is especially true when you include the name of the hiring manager in your address. Doing so shows your commitment to professionalism and supports a positive first impression on the reader.
Learn more: How to Write A Cover Letter
How to address a cover letter
The following are methods to follow when addressing a cover letter depending on the situation:
When you know the name of the recipient
It’s always preferable to address your cover letter using the recipient’s name rather than using a generic address. Using the recipient’s name establishes a personal connection and demonstrates your ability to gather information, especially if the recipient’s name is not readily available.
If you don’t know the recipient’s name, do your due diligence by performing a search to find their name. For example, if you’re applying to an organization’s marketing department, look on their website to find the name of the marketing department’s manager.
When you know the recipient’s full name but are unsure of their gender, you can include their full name in your cover letter address. For example, ‘Dear Austen Myers’ is acceptable and considered a professional way to address a cover letter. If you know their gender and wish to use a title in the address, use either ‘Ms.’ or ‘Mr.’ to avoid inaccurately describing the recipient’s marital status. For example, you’d write ‘Dear Ms. Myers’ rather than ‘Dear Mrs. Myers.’
When the recipient has a professional title
If you do know the name of the recipient and they hold a professional or academic title, it’s considered best practice to use that title in your cover letter address. Instead of using ‘Ms.’ or ‘Mr.,’ you’d use their academic or professional title in its place. For example, you’d write, ‘Dear Sgt. Myers’ instead of ‘Dear Ms. Myers.’
Other possible academic and professional title abbreviations you can use in your cover letter address when relevant include:
- Reverend (Rev.)
- Professor (Prof.)
- Doctor (Dr.)
When you don’t know the name of the recipient
If you’ve searched for the recipient’s name and could not find it, you’ll need to use a more general introduction for your cover letter. General cover letter salutations don’t require you to know the recipient’s name or gender and are your safest bet to ensure you make a good impression on the reader.
The most common ways to address a cover letter when you don’t know the name of the hiring manager include:
- Dear Hiring Manager
- Dear Sir/Madam
- Dear Human Resources Director
- To Whom It May Concern
- Dear [company name] Recruiter
When using a title in the address, such as ‘hiring manager,’ you should ensure that the person with that title is the one who will be receiving your cover letter. If you’re unsure of who will be reading your letter, stick with a more generic greeting such as ‘To whom it may concern.’
Learn more: To Whom It May Concern’ Capitalization Guidelines
How to address an email cover letter
Emailing cover letters has become more of the norm than the exception these days, so knowing how to properly address a cover letter being sent by email is essential for your job search success. Use these steps when sending a cover letter via email:
Create a strong subject line
Subject lines are an important component of professional emails and are necessary to include when sending a cover letter via email to a hiring manager. A clear and concise subject line allows the recipient to quickly know what the email is pertaining to and ensures the email isn’t overlooked or sent to the recipient’s spam folder.
In your email’s subject line, include the job title you are applying for so the hiring manager knows which job you’re interested in. You should also include your full name and a simple word or phrase that iterates what the email contains. For example, ‘John Yates – Assistant Manager Position – Resume and Cover Letter’ is an acceptable subject line.
Use a professional address in your cover letter
As with cover letters sent in a more traditional manner, the salutation you use in your emailed cover letter should be professional and accurate. If you know the name of the person you’re sending your cover letter to, address the letter to them using either their full name or ‘Mr.’ or ‘Ms.’ followed by their first and last name. If they have a professional or academic title, use that in place of ‘Mr.’ or Ms.’
If you don’t have the recipient’s name, use a general salutation or simply leave off the salutation. Not using a salutation in an emailed cover letter is more acceptable than when doing so in a physical cover letter.
Double-check the recipient’s email address and spelling of their name
When sending a cover letter via email, it’s important to ensure that you have the email address correct. Double-check the email address by comparing it to the address provided in the job listing or by a human resources employee at the organization you’re applying with. If you’re unsure of the email address, call the organization and ask to verify or be provided with it.
You should also double-check that the name you address your cover letter to is accurate. Incorrect spelling of a name can come off as unprofessional and even offensive in some cases. Don’t be afraid to contact the company to confirm the spelling of the recipient’s name.
Looking for a new job? Start here.
Cover letter address template
The following are templates to use when addressing a cover letter:
- [Dear First and Last Name]
- [Dear Mr. First and Last Name]
- [Dear Mr. Last Name]
- [Dear Ms. First and Last Name]
- [Dear Ms. Last Name]
- [To Whom It May Concern]
- [Dear Hiring Manager]
- [Dear (department you are applying with) Department]
- [Dear (company name) Team]
- [Dear (title of department head)]
- [Dear Madam]
Cover letter address examples
The following are examples of cover letter addresses:
- Dear Ms. Jones
- Dear Ms. Cynthia Jones
- Dear Mr. Clay
- Dear Mr. Timothy Clay
- Dear Prof. Reynolds
- Dear Dr. Kay
- Dear Marketing Department
- Dear Head of Marketing
- Dear Amy’s Cookie’s Recruiter
- Dear Customer Service Manager
- Dear Human Resources Manager
- Dear Taylor Jones
- Dear Tim Johnson
- Dear Public Relations Department Manager
- Dear Head of Recruiting
- Dear Marketing Team
- Dear Department of Art Team
- Dear Head of Publishing
- Dear Assistant Director
- Dear Customer Relations Director
Cover letter addresses to avoid
While there are certainly several addresses that are appropriate for use in a cover letter, there are also a few addresses you should avoid using. You should avoid using addresses that are too casual, such as ‘Hi’ or Hello.’ This type of casual greeting can come off as unprofessional to the reader and potentially have a negative impact on how the hiring manager perceives you. While you can certainly use this type of greeting when sending a personal message or email, doing so when applying for a job is typically frowned upon.
Additionally, while mentioned earlier, addressing your cover letter with ‘Whom It May Concern’ should only be reserved for instances in which you do not know the name, professional title, or department in which the recipient works. For example, if you know the person is the head of the human resources department of the company you’re applying with, you should begin your cover letter with ‘Dear Human Resources Department Head’ rather than ‘To Whom It May Concern.’ This is because some people perceive ‘To Whom It May Concern’ to be too impersonal and as if you did not spend time researching the recipient.
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How to Address a Cover Letter With Examples
Alison Doyle is one of the nation’s foremost career experts.
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Options for Addressing a Cover Letter
- Letter Without a Contact Person
- Non-Gender-Specific Names
What Title to Use
- Address an Email Cover Letter
- Review a Sample Cover Letter
Before You Send Your Letter
One of the trickiest parts of writing a cover letter comes at the very beginning. Much of the time, you won’t know exactly who will read your letter. How do you address your cover letter when you don’t have the contact person’s name and/or gender ?
First of all, try to find out the name of the contact person. Some employers will think poorly of an applicant who does not take the time to learn the hiring manager’s name. Also, take care not to assume that you know the gender of the recipient based on the name. Many names are gender-neutral, and some hiring managers may identify as a gender other than male or female.
It’s also possible that you’ll do your research and still be unable to figure out to whom you are addressing your letter. In that case, it's better to be safe and use a generic greeting . It's also acceptable to start a letter without a greeting and start with the first paragraph of your letter .
You have a lot of options when addressing your letter. Learn more about the possibilities before you make your choice.
How to Address a Cover Letter Without a Contact Person
There are a variety of general cover letter salutations you can use to address your letter. These general cover letter salutations do not require you to know the name of the hiring manager.
In a survey of more than 2,000 companies, Saddleback College found that employers preferred the following greetings:
- Dear Sir/Madam (27%)
- To Whom It May Concern (17%)
- Dear Human Resources Director (6%)
- Leave it blank (8%)
Do keep in mind that terms like "To Whom It May Concern" may seem dated, so the best options may be either to use "Dear Hiring Manager" or not to include a greeting at all. Simply start with the first paragraph of your letter.
How to Address a Cover Letter for a Non-Gender-Specific Name
If you do have a name but aren't sure of the person's gender, one option is to include both the first name and the last name in your salutation, without a title that reveals gender:
- Dear Sydney Doe
- Dear Taylor Smith
- Dear Jamie Brown
With these types of gender-ambiguous names, LinkedIn can be a helpful resource. Since many people include a photo with their profile, a simple search of the person's name and company within LinkedIn could potentially turn up the contact's photograph.
Again, you can also check the company website or call the company’s administrative assistant to get more information as well.
Even if you know the name and gender of the person to whom you are writing, think carefully about what title you will use in your salutation.
For example, if the person is a doctor or holds a Ph.D., you might want to address your letter to “Dr. Lastname” rather than “Ms. Lastname” or “Mr. Lastname.” Other titles might be “Prof.,” “Rev.,” or “Sgt.,” among others.
When you address a letter to a female employer, use the title “Ms.” unless you know for certain that she prefers another title (such as “Miss” or “Mrs.”).
“Ms.” is a general title that does not denote marital status, so it works for any female employer.
How to Address an Email Cover Letter
Hiring managers get a lot of emails each day. Make it easy for them to scan your email and follow up by including a clear subject line and a signature with your contact information. It's important to address the email cover letter correctly, including the name of the person hiring for the position if you have a contact, to ensure that your letter gets noticed.
Subject Line of Email Message
Never leave the subject line blank. There is a good chance that if a hiring manager receives an email with no subject line, they’ll delete it without even bothering to open it, or it could end up in their spam mailbox. Instead, write a clear subject indicating your intentions.
List the job you are applying for in the subject line of your email message , so the employer knows what job you are interested in. They may be hiring for multiple positions, and you will want them to identify the position you’re interested in easily.
How to Address the Contact Person
There are a variety of cover letter salutations you can use to address your email message. If you have a contact person at the company, address the letter to Ms. or Mr. Lastname. If you aren’t given a contact person, check to see if you can determine the email recipient's name .
If you can’t find a contact person at the company, you can either leave off the salutation from your cover letter and start with the first paragraph of your letter or use a general salutation .
How to Format the Salutation
Once you have chosen a salutation, follow it with a colon or comma, a space, and then start the first paragraph of your letter. For example:
Dear Hiring Manager:
First paragraph of the letter.
Body of Email Cover Letter
The body of your cover letter lets the employer know what position you are applying for, and why the employer should select you for an interview. This is where you'll sell yourself as a candidate. Review the job posting and include examples of your attributes that closely match the ones they are looking for.
When you're sending an email cover letter , it's important to follow the employer's instructions on how to submit your cover letter and resume.
Make sure that your email cover letters are as well-written as any other documents you send.
If you have attached your resume, mention this as part of your conclusion. Then finish your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow up. Include a closing, then list your name and your email signature .
Your email signature should include your name, full address, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn Profile URL (if you have one) so it is easy for hiring managers to get in touch.
Firstname Lastname Street Address (optional) City, State Zip Code Email Phone LinkedIn
Sample Cover Letter
This is a cover letter example. Download the cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.
Sample Cover Letter (Text Version)
Mary Garcia 12 Rogers Avenue Townville, New Hampshire 03060 555-555-5555 mary.garcia@email.com
February 17, 2021
Franklin Lee
CBI Industries 39 Main Street Townville, New Hampshire 03060
Dear Mr. Lee:
I was excited to see your ad for the operations assistant position in your Townville offices.
I have five years of experience as an operations assistant/associate. In my most recent role at ABC Corp., I fulfilled orders, resolved customer issues, ordered supplies, and prepared reports. In previous roles, I’ve done bookkeeping, data entry, and sales support. Basically, anything your department needs to run smoothly, I can do – and most likely, I already have experience doing it.
My other skills include:
- Strong communication skills, in person, in writing, and on the phone
- Excellent attention to detail and organization skills
- Top-notch customer service
- Experience in the industry and passion for the product
- Adept at all the usual professional software, including Microsoft Office Suite
I’ve included my resume for your review. Please contact me if you have questions or would like to schedule an interview. Thank you for your consideration.
Signature (hard copy letter)
Mary Garcia
Review Cover Letter Samples: It’s hard to write cover letters from scratch. To make life easier – and to make sure you don’t forget any of those pesky formatting rules —start by reviewing cover letter samples . Sending an email version instead? Look at a few examples of email cover letters to get started.
Customize Your Cover Letter: Why personalize your cover letter every time you apply for a job? Because even similar job titles have different requirements. The goal of a cover letter is to show the hiring manager that you’re the best candidate for this particular job. Customizing your cover letter will help you emphasize your skills and experience and how they fit with the job requirements .
Spell-Check Names: Before sending your cover letter, make absolutely sure that you have spelled the hiring manager’s name correctly. That is the kind of small error that can cost you a job interview.
Carefully Proofread Your Letter: Whether you're sending an email or uploading or attaching a printable cover letter, it's important to make sure that your cover letter and resume are written as well as any other business correspondence. If you can, have a friend proofread before you hit send, to pick up any typos or grammatical errors.
Saddleback College. " Your Resume is Your 1st Interview ," Page 14. Accessed Feb. 17, 2021.
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How to Address a Cover Letter (And Who Should It Be To?)
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Could the address on a cover letter affect your chances to land the interview? You bet it can! Hiring managers have hundreds of cover letters and resumes to read, and a generic “to whom it may concern” instead of an actual name equals an instant no-go.
If you want the recruiter to feel good about you from word #1, you'll need to learn how to address a cover letter.
This guide will show you:
- How to address a cover letter without a name.
- The #1 way to address a cover letter.
- Who to address a cover letter to (with four great tricks to learn their name).
- The top 4 cover letter address mistakes.
Here's an example cover letter made with our fast online cover letter tool. Want to write your introduction letter fast? See 20+ cover letter templates and create your cover letter here .
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Sample cover letter for a resume— See more cover letter examples here .
That example of who to address a cover letter to without a name will start your relationship off right. Now let me show you several ways to do it perfectly.
Learn how to keep it short and on point too. See our guides: Short Cover Letter Examples for a Speedy Job Application and C over Letter Header Examples
How to Address a Cover Letter with No Name
Imagine you're reading emails.
Sounds fun already, right?
One starts, "Dear esteemed gentleman of high regard." To make things worse, your name is Nancy.
Of course you won't do anything that silly in a business letter. But if you don't know how to address a cover letter without a name, you may sound almost as tin-eared.
The first and easiest way to address a cover letter without a contact?
Leave the salutation off and start with the first paragraph.
Addressing a Cover Letter with No Salutation
Agilium's commitment to employee development is well known...
Why does that work for addressing a cover letter to unknown? It avoids the chance to make things worse .
Addressing a Cover Letter with "Dear Hiring Manager"
Dear Hiring Manager,
That's another way to start a cover letter introduction right if you don't know the hiring manager's name. In fact, 40% of managers prefer " Dear Hiring Manager " to any other cover letter salutation .
Is it perfect? No. But it's invisible. It lets the manager get on to the important info in your letter, like why your resume is so amazing.
For the best way to address a cover letter with no name, you'll need specifics.
I'll show you a career-saving way to do that next.
Pro Tip: Should you use "dear" in a cover letter address? It's common and accepted. If you don't like it, leave it off and just say, "Hiring Manager,".
Want to save time and have your professional job application ready in minutes? Here are a sample cover letter and a matching resume made with our resume and cover letter builder. Start by picking the right resume template , then make a matching cover letter.
Resume and a sample cover letter for a job application. See all our resume templates matching your cover letter here .
Ready to move past the "who do you address a cover letter to" question? Need great tips and advice to write the whole thing? See our guides: " How to Write a Cover Letter [Complete Guide With Examples] " and " Are Cover Letters Necessary ?"
The BEST Way to Address a Cover Letter with No Name
"This applicant clearly has a brain."
What if I gave you a button, and by pushing it, you could make the hiring manager say the words above?
If you just want to know how to address your letter without a name, the examples above will work.
To convey high competence from the beginning, use specifics. Like this:
Who to Address a Cover Letter To [The Best Way]
Address your cover letter to the hiring manager, even if the letter will go through a recruiter.
Here are five examples of how to address someone in a cover letter when you don't know their name.
- Dear Project Manager Hiring Team,
- Dear Sales Associate Hiring Manager,
- To the Customer Service Search Committee,
- To the Computer Science Recruitment Team,
- Dear Software Team Hiring Manager,
Pow. There's a switch somewhere in the hiring manager's head, and it just flipped to "Pay Attention."
Why do those examples for how to address a cover letter work?
They show you're not just scattershooting resumes from a potato gun. You actually have some idea what's going on within the company.
Pro Tip: Knowing the hiring manager's name is the best tip for addressing a cover letter. I'll show you six fantastic tricks up next.
Want to move past how to address a cover letter and on to the first paragraph? See this guide: " How to Start a Cover Letter: Sample & Complete Guide [20+ Examples] "
How to Find the Hiring Manager's Name without a Detective
You addressed your cover letter with "Dear Hiring Manager." The manager pictured a mouthbreather. She folded your resume into a little triangle and flicked it at the trash.
Well, that probably won't happen.
Still, if you're looking for how to address a cover letter in the best way possible, it's with a name.
You know that, but you're not Miss Marple. You don't have time to show the manager's picture around a bunch of coffee shops.
So, do these things:
How to Find Out Who to Address a Cover Letter To
Don't create a generic letter address until you've tried these tips to find a name:
Double check the job posting. Make absolutely sure the name's not in it. If it is and you miss it, you'll have enough egg on your face to make a double omelet.
Examine the email address in the job description. If it's [email protected] , do a Google search for "p fudderman" and "amible.com." Chances are, you'll find your manager's full name.
Check LinkedIn. Job offers on LinkedIn often identify the one who did the posting. Also, look at the company page or do a LinkedIn company search.
Check the Company Website. Try to find the head of the department on the company's staff page.
Ask friends. You can use LinkedIn to check if you've got contacts at the company. A Facebook shout-out may work too. If you're six degrees from Kevin Bacon, you're probably even closer to the hiring manager.
Call. If all else fails, call the receptionist and ask who the contact person is.
Use a Title in Your Address
If the hiring manager has a title like Dr., Professor, Reverend, or Captain, use that in place of a first name. She'll notice the respect and it'll give her a good feeling.
- Dear Dr. Steuben,
- Dear Professor Onion,
Pro Tip: Still can't find the hiring manager's name? Don't panic. Just use one of our excellent tips above for how to address a cover letter without a name.
Finished your cover letter and need to close it? See our guide: " How To End A Cover Letter [Complete Guide With Examples] "
How to Address a Cover Letter with Ms. or Mrs.
Picture a pencil.
It's full of bite marks.
You put them there because you're not sure whether to use "Miss" or "Mrs."
Mmm. Graphite.
Is she married? Isn't she? You don't want to insult her.
Gender rules can make it hard to know who to address a cover letter to.
The good news is, "Ms." works great, and doesn't comment on marital status.
Don't use "Miss" or "Mrs." unless you know the manager prefers them.
You can also use the first name, or the first and last together.
- Dear Karen Passalacqua,
- Dear Karen,
Pro Tip: Don't know the recruiter's gender? Names like Pat and Adrian can be tricky. A glance at a LinkedIn profile photo can clear up the confusion. Or use both names.
Need to know how to address a general cover letter? See this guide: How to Write a Letter of Interest [Complete Guide & 15+ Examples]
What's the Proper Cover Letter Address Format?
Visualize the ultimate success:
You got the job. You're earning a fat paycheck. Your quality of life would make Mark Zuckerberg jealous.
Is it because you used the right cover letter format?
Knowing how to address a cover letter with the proper format is just a way to sidestep looking sloppy.
But doing that will help you get the interview.
Write your name and address in the upper left.
After a line space, write the date.
After one more space, write the hiring manager's address.
Add one more space and then the salutation.
Barrett Miller, IT Professional
3367 Jewell Road
Minneapolis, MN 55415
IT Hiring Manager
Ideonix, Inc.
341 Lodgeville Road
Dear IT Hiring Manager,
I've been interested in Ideonix since...
How to Write a Cover Letter Email Address
Need to know how to address a cover letter when sending an electronic cover letter?
If you're formatting an email, start with a 6-10 word subject line.
Use a salutation, add a line space, then begin your letter.
Subject Line: Job Application for Nursing Position, Referred by Gregory Torres
Dear Dr. Appleton,
When Mr. Torres told me about the opening...
For emails, use that cover letter address format without the address of the company.
Pro Tip: There's a trend for modern job applicants to leave out "Dear." There's nothing wrong with doing that. It all comes down to preference.
Want to know how to format the rest of your cover letter? See this guide: " Cover Letter Formats: A Complete How-To Guide [10+ Examples] "
How NOT to Address a Cover Letter [Mistakes]
Will you sink your chance to land the interview if you don't know how to address a cover letter?
Probably not.
But addressing a letter incorrectly sets the wrong tone. It can make the hiring manager doubt you. And that can hurt your chances.
Avoid these addressing mistakes:
Addressing a cover letter with "Hello" or "Hi" comes off too informal. It sends a message that you don't quite grasp the rules.
The exclamation point is a bonus no-no.
Don't use "Dear Sir or Madam" when you don't know who to address a cover letter to. Not unless you're applying for a position back in 1895.
"To Whom it May Concern" in a cover letter salutation may seem old fashioned or even archaic. Some managers (about 25%) claim they like the "To Whom it May Concern" cover letter address. The trouble is, the other 75% don't.
That last example looks fine at first. But the hiring manager might not be in HR. She might be the head of Accounting, or the company CEO.
If you know the HR director is handling the talent search, you probably know her name. Use that instead.
Pro Tip: Be rigorous with spell-checking. Nothing shows you don't know how to address a cover letter like botching the manager's name.
Writing a cover letter for an internship position? See our guide: " How to Write a Cover Letter For an Internship [+20 Examples] "
Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:
See more cover letter templates and start writing.
Key Takeaway
Knowing how to address a cover letter is the first step to starting off on the right foot.
Keep these points in mind:
- The best tip when you don't know who to address a cover letter to? Learn the name. LinkedIn, Google, and the company receptionist can help.
- To address a cover letter without a name, use some variation of, "Dear Software Team Hiring Manager." You can also use, "Dear Hiring Manager" if the addressee really is unknown.
- Remember that "To Whom It May Concern" is an old-fashioned salutation for cover letters. It also feels very impersonal.
- Use titles like Dr., Professor, Captain, Reverend, Ms., or Mr. when you can.
Want to know more about how to address a cover letter? Maybe you found the best way to address a cover letter? Do you think to whom it may concern cover letters are a thing of the past? Give us a shout in the comments! We love to help!
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How to Address a Cover Letter
The beginning of a cover letter typically includes a salutation to the person who will be reading it—most likely the hiring manager. This important first line, written in the proper format, makes a positive first impression and can help you land an interview with a potential employer.
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Cover Letter Address Template
Download a free cover letter address template in MS Word format.
Cover Letter Address Template:
[Full Name]
[Email Address]
[Contact Number]
[LinkedIn Profile/website link]
[Name of the Company or Institution receiving your cover letter]
[Subject Line]
[Cover letter body.]
[Insert name]
A step-by-step guide to addressing a cover letter.
How to address the hiring manager.
Find the name of the hiring manager..
While it's important to address the hiring manager directly in your cover letter, oftentimes a job ad won't mention a contact person, especially if it's advertised through a recruiter. Fortunately, you can often find out who the hiring manager or head of the department is with a quick internet search. If all else fails, use "Dear Hiring Manager."
Address hiring managers by name if possible.
Always address the hiring manager directly by using Mr. or Ms. followed by their last name. Furthermore, using Ms. instead of Miss or Mrs. will avoid offending a female hiring manager, particularly if you don't know her marital status.
For example:
"Dear Mr. Smith"
"Dear Ms. Smith"
If you're unsure about the gender of the hiring manager, use both their first and last names.
"Dear Taylor Smith"
"Dear Jordan Newton"
Use the correct title.
Generally, using a professional title conveys respect and should always be used when the hiring manager has one, such as Doctor, Professor, Sergeant, Reverend, etc. You can shorten the title for brevity.
"Dear Dr. Smith"
"Dear Prof. Einstein"
"Dear Sgt. Newton"
"Dear Rev. Parker"
Address unknown hiring managers by their job title.
When you don't know the name of the hiring manager, the most acceptable salutation to use is "Dear Hiring Manager." Although you're not addressing someone directly, it still conveys professionalism and attention to detail. Avoid using the antiquated "To whom it may concern."
"Dear Customer Service Hiring Manager"
"Dear Sales Team Hiring Manager"
Note: Use a comma after your salutation, followed by a space and the body of your cover letter.
How to address an e-mail cover letter.
Include a subject line..
Hiring managers receive tons of emails so it's important to include a clear subject line indicating which job you are applying for.
Subject Line: Job application for sales manager position.
Address the hiring manager.
Start off the body of your email with the hiring manager's name or use a general salutation.
Dear Mr. Smith, OR Mr. Smith,
[Cover letter text...]
Include your name and contact details.
Lastly, sign off your email with your name, email address, phone number, and LinkedIn profile or website link.
Samantha Phillips
[email protected]
+09 012 029 9234
www.samanthaphillips.com
Common cover letter address mistakes:
- Make sure that you've addressed your cover letter to the right person, and that their name is spelled correctly.
- Do not use "Hello," "Hey," or "Hi," as this could come off as too informal.
- Do not use outdated salutations like "Dear Sir," "Dear Madam," or "To Whom it may Concern."
Additional Resources.
- Best Cover Letter Generators .
- 10 Best Cover Letter Tips for 2020 .
- Common Cover Letter Mistakes .
- Best Resume Builder .
- Skills to Put on a Resume .
- Best Font for Resume .
- How to Prepare for a Job Interview .
Common Cover Letter Mistakes
How do I address a cover letter?
Always address the hiring manager directly by name . If you don't know the hiring manager's name, do some research or use a general salutation.
How do I address a cover letter to a PHD (doctor)?
If the hiring manager has a professional title , always put the title in front of their name, e.g. "Dear Dr. Einstein."
How do I start a cover letter?
It's important to start a cover letter with a greeting or salutation .
What is a good cover letter address format?
Addressing the hiring manager by name shows professionalism and establishes a connection. If you don't know their name even after doing a Google search, use a general salutation like "Dear Hiring Manager."
How do you address a cover letter to an unknown recipient?
It's acceptable to use a general salutation like these:
- "Dear Hiring Manager."
- "Dear Sales Team Hiring Manager."
- "Dear Customer Service Hiring Manager."
- "Dear IT Department Hiring Manager."
Related Articles:
Hiring managers: how to contact them and make an impression, 10 best cover letter tips for 2023, action verbs for resumes, cv vs. resume, how to write a cv.
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Home Cover Letter Help How to Address a Cover Letter
How to Address a Cover Letter (and Who to Address)
Addressing your cover letter directly to the hiring manager is the best way to start it. No matter how you format your cover letter , begin it with a personalized greeting so the hiring manager sees you’ve researched the company.
Knowing how to address a cover letter properly is the first step toward starting your cover letter . Not only that, but finding out the right person to address shows initiative and that you’ve researched the position thoroughly. Taking the time to find out who to address a cover letter to and how to address them appropriately will make a positive impression on the hiring manager.
Who to address a cover letter to
You should address a cover letter to the hiring manager of the job you’re applying for, or the HR manager of the company. A basic cover letter salutation (or greeting) uses the hiring manager’s first and last name and includes a “Mr.”, “Ms.”, or other relevant professional title before their name.
But you’ll often find yourself in situations where there’s no personal contact information in the job post or if you’re cold emailing for a job, you’re unsure of who to contact. Either way, you’ll need to address your letter the right way, and addressing the hiring manager is the safest way to do so.
How to find out who to address a cover letter to
In many cases, the hiring manager’s name will be mentioned in the job description. If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name in the job description, make the effort to find their name elsewhere. It’s worth the extra work, so use the following sources to help you find the hiring manager’s name:
- The company website : See if you can locate the hiring manager on the “About Us” or “Company Directory” page of the company’s website.
- LinkedIn : Browse the company’s LinkedIn page and use filters such as position title, location, and personal names to find out who heads the hiring team.
- Google search : A targeted Google search can help you uncover the name of the hiring manager. Simply insert the company website and relevant title into Google in the following format: site:resumegenius.com “position title”
- Contact the company : If you’re still unable to find the hiring manager’s name, call or email the company and ask for the contact person’s name (and direct email address if you don’t have it already). Explain that you’re applying for a position and you’d like to address your cover letter to someone responsible for filling that position.
Addressing your cover letter to the hiring manager directly allows you to quickly establish a personal connection and shows you’ve done your research. A cover letter addressed to the right person and tailored to the company you’re applying for is more likely to get noticed than a generic cover letter sent to multiple companies.
This is why it’s so crucial to address a cover letter the right way.
How to address a cover letter without a name
If you’ve exhausted all your options and still can’t find the hiring manager’s name, or you’re not positive it’s the right name and don’t want to risk addressing the wrong person, it’s better to be on the safe side.
So don’t worry, there are plenty of options you can try if the hiring manager’s name is unknown. Here are the most common ways to address a cover letter without a name:
- To Whom It May Concern
- Dear Human Resources Director
- Dear Hiring Manager
- Dear Recruitment Manager
Additionally, if you want to add a personal touch, address your cover letter to your prospective department or manager. For example, “Dear Customer Service Department,”.
How to address a cover letter with a name
Even when you have the hiring manager’s name, there are still a few different ways to address your cover letter.
Use the right salutation
First thing’s first: you need to use the proper salutation. Usually, “Dear” followed by the hiring manager’s name is perfect because it’s traditional and professional.
However, “Hello” is also acceptable if you’re applying to a job with a casual office culture or you know the hiring manager personally.
Use their academic, professional, or gendered title
In some cases, it might be unclear what title to use when addressing the hiring manager.
If the hiring manager has a gender-neutral name, it’s best not to assume their gender and risk making a mistake. In this situation, simply avoid gender-specific titles such as “Mr.” and “Ms.” in your greeting.
Instead, do either of the following to make your cover letter salutation gender-neutral:
- Write out their first and last names in full (e.g. Jordan Reeves)
- Use the gender-neutral pronoun “ Mx. “, in the case that the hiring manager explicitly wants to be addressed this way
When you address a cover letter to a hiring manager with a professional or academic title (like Doctor or Professor), include their title in your salutation. You can write out the full title or use an abbreviation. For example, “Reverend” and “Rev.” are both fine.
Here are some examples of a few different ways to address your cover letter:
- Dear Sam Jones,
- Dear Mx. Lopez,
- Dear Ms. Patel,
- Dear Prof. Tsai,
The only time it’s acceptable to address the hiring manager with only their first name (for example, “Dear Mollie,”) is if you’re writing a cover letter for an internal position or promotion in the same company, and you already know the hiring manager.
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Written by Dominique Vatin
Dominique is a Content Writer at Resume Genius, where she enjoys crafting content to better equip job seekers. She graduated from Yonsei GSIS in Korea with a Master's... more
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How to open and close your cover letter
In a tight job market flooded with resumes and cover letters, it’s a given that your documents and messages need to be error-free. So how else can you distinguish your communications? Appropriate openings and closings that convey professionalism and polish.
Use our tips below on how to start your cover letter with a proper greeting and sign off with a polished signature.
Cover letter openings
Write a formal greeting, such as Dear Ms. Alvis or Dear Mr. Yang. If you're unsure of the person’s gender and can’t find out, write the full name, as in Dear Chu Li or Dear Chris Beltran.
While it is increasingly common to see greetings without the "Dear" in business, it is less formal. When applying for a job, sometimes you want to start off formally, even though you may take a less formal tone in subsequent written exchanges.
If you’re unfamiliar with someone’s name, be sure you don’t confuse the first name with the family name, which can easily happen in today’s global business environment, depending in part on the languages you know. For example, the CEO of Lenovo is Yang Yuanqing. His surname is Yang and his first name is Yuanqing (in Mandarin, the family name is written first), so if you are addressing him, you would write Dear Mr. Yang and not Dear Mr. Yuanqing.
A final comment on people’s names: Be sure to spell them correctly. That is one typo no recipient will miss.
What if you cannot track down a contact name for your cover email? Use a generic salutation, such as Dear Hiring Manager, Dear Recruiting Manager or Dear Human Resources Professional. (Avoid To Whom It May Concern; it is antiquated.) Another option is to write Greetings, which is somewhat informal but polite. You could also dispense with the opening greeting altogether and start with your first sentence, although some recipients might find that approach to be abrupt.
In all openings, be sure to capitalize the first letter of every noun and follow your greeting with punctuation. Use either a colon (Dear Mr. Yang:) or a comma (Dear Recruiting Manager,).
Cover letter closings
End your message with a formal closing, such as Sincerely, Regards or Best regards. If your closing contains more than one word, capitalize only the first word, as in Best regards or Sincerely yours. And be sure to put a comma after your closing. A common error in business communications is the omission of that comma.
Your full name goes on the next line. No need for the extra space that used to go on letters for the signature. Write your telephone number and email address on separate lines after your name. Although this contact information is on your resume (and your email address is on your email), including it with your cover message makes life easier for the recipient.
Now, about that resume
Believe it or not, hiring managers are not sadistic gatekeepers; they actually want you to be the solution to their problem. But a cover letter alone won't do it; you also need a resume that clearly demonstrates what you're skilled at and how you can make their company awesome. Could you use some help? Get a free resume evaluation today from the experts at Monster's Resume Writing Service . You'll get detailed feedback in two business days, including a review of your resume's appearance and content, and a prediction of a recruiter's first impression. Getting a new job is hardly an open-and-close proposition, but this is definitely one way you can make the process work better for you.
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Click here to directly go to the complete cover letter without name sample
How to address a cover letter without name?
According to a study, every corporate job opening gets roughly 250 resumes , out of which only 3-4 applicants land an interview.
That means if your cover letter feels generic and lacks personal touch, it may end up in the trash.
However, what if there is a circumstance for addressing cover letter with no name?
Read on to get an insight into the following FAQs:
- How do you write a cover letter if you don't know the hiring manager?
- How to format the cover letter address correctly?
- Who to write a cover letter to without a contact
- Which method of delivering a cover letter is not appropriate?
- What are the practical ways to find the hiring manager’s name?
- Additional tips to write a cover letter without name
Whom to Address a Cover Letter To?
Who do you address a cover letter to when there is no name?
To understand how to address a cover letter, you need to know to whom to address it.
A cover letter should be addressed in the following ways:
- If the hiring manager’s name is given in the job description, you should always address the cover letter to them.
- If the hiring manager’s email address is not there in the job description, you can address the cover letter to the department manager.
There is no point in sending the cover letter to the CEO or founders because they are not the ones who usually handle the recruitment process.
Also Read: How to address a cover letter?
How to Address a Cover Letter Without a Name?
A cover letter for a job is not similar to a letter to a friend.
The purpose of a cover is to impress the hiring manager with your professional expertise to score an interview.
But addressing cover letters with no name may get rejected by the recruiters.
According to a survey, 92% of managers prefer some kind of address in the cover letter as opposed to only 8% of hiring managers who are okay with no address at all.
We understand how important it is to know how to write a cover letter without a name as per these statistics.
Also Read: How to write a cover letter?
Here are some steps on how to address a cover letter without a name:
1. Address the Cover Letter with “Dear Hiring Manager”
It is the most common way to address a hiring manager with no name and 40% of hiring managers prefer this salutation over no salutation at all.
This salutation allows the hiring manager to quickly focus on the main body of the cover letter, instead of rejecting the cover letter right away.
However, the best way to address a cover letter is by personalizing it.
2. Address the Cover Letter to the Team
When in doubt, you can address the whole team so that anyone from the team can receive your cover letter and respond accordingly.
It can be the hiring manager, assistant, or anyone from the department who may interview you during the job application process.
You can phrase it as:
- Dear Recruiting Team
- Dear Project Manager Hiring Team
3. Maintain Professional Approach
Maintain a professional approach and avoid informal phrases or words such as "Hello!", "Good Evening/Morning", or "Hi!"
Keep it simple and professional by using the term, "Dear" followed by the designation.
For Example:
- Dear Hiring Head
- Dear Recruitment Supervisor
4. Do Not Assume Gender or Marital Status
You often know the hiring manager’s name but do not know their gender or marital status.
Assuming someone's gender may seem disrespectful and unprofessional hence you should avoid making such mistakes by keeping it gender-neutral. Avoid the term "Sir" or "Madam" and simply address the recipient as "Dear (Profile)".
The best way to find the hiring manager’s gender is by doing a quick LinkedIn search.
The LinkedIn profile may contain a profile picture wherein you can determine the hiring manager’s gender.
If the hiring manager’s gender is Male, address the hiring manager with “Mr.”.
- “Mr. Xavier,”
If the hiring manager is female, it can be confusing.
As you don’t know the marital status, avoid using Miss. or Mrs. to address the hiring manager. Instead, use a generic “Ms..”
- Dear Ms. Moore
- Dear Ms. Kyle
- Dear Mrs. Lane
- Dear Miss Maximoff
Also Read: How to reach out to recruiters on LinkedIn?
5. Include Job Profile and Professional Titles
Are you asking yourself continuously, “How to address a cover letter without a contact name?”
Here is the answer for you.
Instead of using only “ Dear Hiring Manager ,” include the department name or the title of the person who will be reading the cover letter to make it more specific.
- Dear Marketing Department,
- Dear Head of the Sales Department,
- Dear VP of Marketing
By personalizing the addresses in this way, you can grab the hiring manager’s attention to read your resume.
This shows that you are not throwing a rock blindly. You have done your research and have some idea about the company.
Don’t forget to include the hiring manager’s academic title or professional title in the cover letter address.
These types of hyper-personalization can grab the hiring manager’s attention even more and entice them to read your cover letter.
How to Write the Academic Title in the Cover Letter Address?
You can write the academic title in full form.
- Dear Doctor Green,
- Dear Professor Geller,
Alternatively, you can use the abbreviation of the titles as well.
- Dear Dr. Murphy,
- Dear Prof. Goodwin,
- Dear Sgt. Moore,
- Dear Principle Alan,
Where to Place the Cover Letter Address?
Not just the proper format, but the placement of the cover letter address also plays an important role.
- The cover letter heading will go at the top.
- Write the date below the heading.
- Leave one line space and write the hiring manager’s name.
- Write the address of the company.
- Leave one space and then write the position you are applying for.
- Leave one space and then write the salutation.
Best Way to Address a Cover Letter with No Name or Email
Writing an email cover letter address is fundamentally similar but with some tweaks.
If you are sending a digital cover letter, you need to start with a professional subject line.
John Doe: Application for Video Editor Position, Reff: Anthony Moore
Then add your cover letter salutation based on the same rule.
Add a line space and then start your cover letter by adding the necessary information that gives an insight into your professional experience and skills.
Subject Line: John Doe: Application for Project Manager Position, Reff: Charles Moore
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am a 5+ years experienced project management professional…
Appropriate Method of Delivering a Cover Letter
- Dear Hiring Manager
- Dear Hiring Committee
- Dear (department name) Hiring Committee
- Dear Hiring Team
- To the (department name) Hiring Manager
- Dear Team (For smaller companies)
- To the Recruiting Team
Inappropriate Method of Delivering a Cover Letter
- Dear Sir or Madam — Ancient salutation does not work anymore
- To Whom It May Concern — It is not personalized
- Hello, Hi, or Greetings — Informal salutation
- Happy Sunday! — Casual salutation
- Good Morning — Not practical as you have no idea when they will read the letter
Also Read: How to draft a professional message to hiring manager?
How to Find the Hiring Manager's Name?
How do you write a cover letter if you don't know the name?
Well, you can simply address your cover letter as, "Dear Hiring Manager". But if you feel the need to add the name of the hiring manager then there are ways to do so.
Finding the hiring manager’s name is the best way to address a cover letter.
So, before calling it quits, let us look at some ways to find the hiring manager’s name.
Read the Job Description Thoroughly
Always read the job description carefully!
Usually, the hiring manager’s name or the title of the reporting manager is given in the job description or under the job description.
For instance, “ The digital marketer will report to the Marketing Manager. ”
You can use the title to then find their name on the company website or LinkedIn.
Sometimes the job description includes the hiring manager’s email address.
For Example: “ Send your cover letter and resume to [email protected][dot]com" .
You can find the hiring manager’s name in the email address.
Visit the Profile of the Job Publisher
Sites like LinkedIn or AngelList have this unique feature to show you the name of the one who posts the job.
You can go to their profile to see if they are the hiring manager and include their name in the cover letter.
Call the Company Front Desk
Calling the company is the easiest way to find the hiring manager's name. But, job candidates reserve it as the last option.
- Call the company desk
- Tell them that you are applying for a “vacant position” in their company and would like to know the hiring manager’s name.
Here’s an example of the script:
“ Hi, my name is Alex, and I’m currently applying for the video editor position in your company. Would it be possible for you to provide me the name and email id of the hiring manager so that I can address the cover letter properly?”
Do a Quick LinkedIn Search
According to a study, 87% of recruiters use LinkedIn regularly . That means, if you search for the hiring manager of a certain company on LinkedIn, there is a high chance for you to find their name.
Many job descriptions specifically tell the reporting manager’s title in the job description. Then you need to address the cover letter to the reporting manager.
The process of finding the reporting manager’s name is similar.
- Go to LinkedIn
- Search the job title and company name
- In the search result, you can find the profile of the designated person
- Sometimes, there might be more than one similar position for a big company so you need to narrow your search by location to find the reporting manager
Also Read : How to Make the Best Use of LinkedIn Search Feature?
Network with People
LinkedIn is the best way to find and connect with people who have connections in the company you are applying for. If you can create a good rapport with these professionals, you can ask for a reference.
It is an easy but time-consuming process.
- Search the company name and see the professionals active on LinkedIn
- Start engaging with their content and leave thoughtful comments
- Send them a personalized connection invite after engaging with their content for a couple of days
- Do not ask for a reference abruptly; instead, start building a rapport with them by sharing helpful industry information, blog, article links, videos, etc.
- If possible, move the connection offline and meet in person
- After you develop a good rapport with the professionals, you can ask for a reference or introduce yourself to the hiring manager
Also Read : How to Connect with People on LinkedIn?
Tips for Addressing a Cover Letter with No Name
Always use formal address in the cover letter.
Whether you know the hiring manager’s name or not, always keep the address formal in the cover letter. Even if the company has an informal culture, do not use any casual address unless you are a part of the organization.
- Dear Ms. Lane,
- Dear Prof. Luther,
- Dear Ms. Ann,
- Hello Maya,
- Greetings Max,
Avoid Using “To Whom It May Concern”
This salutation is too generic and does not address anyone at all; however, according to a survey, 17% of hiring managers prefer this salutation over others .
But the problem is 83% of hiring managers don’t prefer it.
So we suggest that you avoid it altogether.
Avoid Addressing the Cover Letter to the Recruiters
A recruiter’s job is to sort the resumes based on skills and experience and pass them to the hiring managers. They don’t generally read the cover letter.
So, it’s a waste of opportunity if you address the cover letter to the recruiter.
Instead, always address the cover letter to the hiring manager.
Ensure That You Are Addressing the Cover Letter to the Right Person
Online information is not updated regularly. Often, the concerned persons leave the job, but their email id is still there on the website.
That’s why to be careful when researching the hiring manager’s name and crosscheck if you have any doubts by calling the company directly.
Do Not Mess up the Hiring Manager’s Name
There is a saying that “The first impression is the last impression.”
Try to make an excellent first impression by writing the hiring manager’s name using the correct spelling.
Don’t Stress Too Much
If you have the relevant skills and experience for a job, addressing a cover letter to the wrong person might not be a big deal. So, if you can’t find the hiring manager’s name and wondering how to address cover letter without name, just write “Dear Hiring Manager.”
Make Sure the Cover Letter is Short and Easy to Read
You should not make the cover letter more than 400-500 words long. It will make it difficult to read.
A short and crisp cover letter will intrigue the hiring managers as compared to a long one.
Also Read: How long should a cover letter be?
Cover Letter Without Name Sample
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Key Takeaways
With that, we have answered all of your questions on “how to address cover letter without a name?”. Addressing a cover letter without a name should not be difficult if you can keep some points in mind. Here are the key takeaways from the blog:
- Never send a cover letter to the hiring manager with no salutation. If you don’t find the hiring manager’s name, just start with a good old “Dear Hiring Manager.”
- Do some online research, or call the company directly to ask for the hiring manager’s name.
- Try to make the cover letter address without a name as personalized as possible.
- Ensure to use a formal salutation for a cover letter with or without a name.
With that said, if you want to create a cover letter for yourself without a name, go to Hiration Cover Letter Builder , and choose from 20+ designs to create a professional-grade cover letter for yourself.
It has 24x7 chat support to provide you with professional assistance for all your job & career-related queries. You can also write to us at [email protected] .
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Make a positive first impression by addressing your cover letter to the right person. An appropriate salutation is specific and sets the
Your cover letter address should be formal and well-researched. Don't address the hiring manager with “hey,” “what's up,” “hi there,” or even the old-fashioned
For a cover letter, you should always default to addressing it to the hiring manager for the position you're applying to. Unless you know for sure that the
If you know the name of the person you're sending your cover letter to, address the letter to them using either their full name or 'Mr.' or
Even if you know the name and gender of the person to whom you are writing, think carefully about what title you will use in your salutation.
To address a cover letter without a name, use some variation of, "Dear Software Team Hiring Manager." You can also use, "Dear Hiring Manager" if
When you don't know the name of the hiring manager, the most acceptable salutation to use is "Dear Hiring Manager." Although you're not addressing someone
You should address a cover letter to the hiring manager of the job you're applying for, or the HR manager of the company. A basic cover letter
What if you cannot track down a contact name for your cover email? Use a generic salutation, such as Dear Hiring Manager, Dear Recruiting Manager or Dear Human
1. Address the Cover Letter with “Dear Hiring Manager” ... It is the most common way to address a hiring manager with no name and 40% of hiring