dear hiring team cover letter

Quick Tip: Use 'Dear Hiring Team' On Your Cover Letter

You’ve always been told that you shouldn’t write, “To Whom It May Concern,” on your cover letter . But what should you do when you don’t have the name of the hiring manager?

First, Track Down The Name

Obviously, it’s ideal to use the hiring manager’s name in your cover letter . So, the first thing you should do is try to track down the hiring manager’s name online (i.e., the company website, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.).

You can also call up the company directly to ask for the name. Simply call up the company and say, “Hi, my name is ____ and I’m applying for a position at your company. Would it be possible for me to get the name of the hiring manager so I can address him or her in my cover letter?”

If All Fails, Use 'Dear Hiring Team'

If the hiring manager’s name is nowhere to be found and the company is unwilling to give you his or her name, you should use “Dear Hiring Team” in your cover letter salutation. By addressing your cover letter to the hiring team, you increase your chances of getting it in front of the right pair of eyes.

Why Can't You Use Someone Else's Name?

But what if you know the name of someone else (not involved with hiring) who works at the company? Can you just address it to them instead?

Absolutely not!

“That person may not be the person that’s hiring, and they could easily throw [your cover letter] in the trash,” says J.T. O’Donnell, founder and CEO of Work It Daily. “You don’t know if they’re going to forward it to the right person or not. You DO NOT want to risk that.”

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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3 Spooky Secrets Every Job Seeker Should Know

The leaves are changing, the kids are back in school, and that familiar chill is in the air. You think it's the perfect time to look for a job, and it is! But are your job search fears preventing you from making that leap?

It's not uncommon to feel lost when embarking on your job search journey. After all, school teaches us everything except how to get a job. What should you put on your resume ? What questions should you ask in an interview? How can you stand out in the hiring process when there's so much competition?

Are you feeling spooked yet?

Believe it or not, there's no need to be afraid of the job search process! You can land your dream job with the right tools and strategy. You can find a job that won't give you nightmares. Here are three spooky secrets every job seeker should know as they look for a job this fall.

1. An Effective Job Search Starts With An Interview Bucket List

Despite your fears, you've decided to take the plunge and look for a new job . You might be asking yourself, "Where do I start?" The answer is simple: start by creating an interview bucket list.

An interview bucket list is a list of 10-20 companies you'd love to work for. Are you passionate about a company's products or services? Do you feel connected to its mission? Can you relate to its values and beliefs as an organization? If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, that company probably belongs on your interview bucket list.

Once you create an interview bucket list, you'll be able to conduct a targeted job search, one with direction and a foundation upon which everything else will be built. An interview bucket list helps you focus your job search and networking strategies on the right opportunities, making it easier to get your foot in the door at one of your dream companies.

2. Your Job Application Needs To Disrupt Hiring Managers

In order to stand out in the hiring process, you need to disrupt recruiters and hiring managers . You accomplish this by doing two things: optimizing your resume and writing a disruptive cover letter .

A well-optimized resume includes keywords from the job description. This ensures your resume gets past the ATS and into the hands of the hiring manager. Once it's in front of the hiring manager, it needs to grab and keep their attention. Quantifying your work experience —adding numbers to your bullet points—will make you stand out from other applicants. Hiring managers will want to know more about you and your accomplishments, and that's how you land a phone interview .

Before that, though, a hiring manager will read your cover letter . To disrupt them, you need to write a disruptive cover letter (obviously!). A disruptive cover letter gives you the opportunity to tell a story about why you feel connected to the company you're applying for. It's that storytelling aspect that will stand out to hiring managers and compel them to pick up the phone and give you a call.

3. Employers Hire You Based On 3 Things

You can't get hired unless you know what employers are assessing you on in the interview process. While your skills and expertise matter, companies actually hire for three things: personality, aptitude, and experience (in that order).

Most job seekers don't realize how important it is to demonstrate their personality, aptitude, and experience in an interview. You could have the right experience for a job, but if the hiring manager doesn't think your personality is a good fit for the company culture, you probably won't get a job offer .

Make sure you demonstrate your soft skills and learn how to answer behavioral interview questions to prove you're the best candidate for the job you're applying for, not just the most qualified.

Want To Learn More Job Search Secrets?

As you look for a job this fall, it might be helpful to know some more spooky secrets so you can get over your job search fears and finally take control of your career.

We know the job search process can be scary. However, it's important to get clear on what you want to do next and focus on conducting a strategic job search, or what we refer to at Work It DAILY as job shopping. This is the only way to effectively market yourself to employers. If they can't see exactly where and how you add value, then that's going to decrease your chances of landing the job.

The competition is fierce, and there are a lot of factors that are out of your control. But the one factor you can control is your job search strategy, the tools and tactics you use to land a job.

If you want to learn the secrets to conducting a strategic job search, sign up for our Job Search Bootcamp , a two-hour, on-demand video workshop that comes with a free workbook.

In this video workshop, you'll learn:

• How to use backchanneling to get directly to hiring managers.
• The secret to using a connection story to stand out against the competition.
• How social media can be your secret weapon to get job interviews.
• The resume format that is getting job seekers more job interviews.
• And, a lot more hacks for job search success!

Let us show you the secrets to getting a new, better-paying job you actually love. Sign up for our Job Search Bootcamp today.

Are you ready to land the job of your dreams (and leave the job of your nightmares)?

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3 important career lessons learned on and off the field, how ex-nfl player, chris gronkowski, is using social media to change careers.

To Whom It May Concern? How to Address a Cover Letter

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

Customers Interviewed by:

In our modern age of personalization, To Whom It May Concern is both an antiquated and detached way to address a cover letter . It may also imply that you haven’t researched the company or that you assume the letter can be read by anyone. If you’re wondering how to address a cover letter, we’re here to help.

“As a hiring manager, if I were to see ‘To Whom It Might Concern,’ it would frankly concern me,” says Monique Montanino , a former Fortune 500 hiring manager. “If not readily apparent in a job posting who the recruiter or hiring manager is, then search with keywords in LinkedIn for the potential person.”

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

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

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

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

3 key tips for addressing your cover letter

Below, the following tips will guide you through the best practices for addressing your cover letter and help you avoid common pitfalls.

Read more: How to Use ChatGPT to Generate a Cover Letter That Will Actually Get You An Interview

1) Don’t address your cover letter to the recruiter

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

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

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

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

Stand out from the competition and land more job interviews.

2) Search for the hiring manager’s name

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

Search the company website

With a little detective work, you can find the name of the hiring manager.

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

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

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

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

Search LinkedIn

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

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

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

Contact the company directly

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

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

3) Use a more personalized “To Whom it May Concern” alternative

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

The most generic version of this is:

Dear Hiring Manager,

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

Dear Customer Experience Manager, 

Dear Customer Experience Hiring Team Manager, 

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

• Dear Engineering Department,

Dear Engineering Team, 

OR addressing the entire team:

Hi Jobscan Team,

Dear Jobscan Team,

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

10 more cover letter salutation examples

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

• Hi Mr. Smith,
• Hello Jobscan Team,
• Dear Ms. Whittaker and Team,
• Good morning, Mr. Kennedy
• Good afternoon, Louise,
• To the Jobscan hiring manager,
• Dear [Department] Hiring Team,
• Dear [Job Title] Manager,

Common mistakes to avoid when addressing a cover letter

Starting your cover letter is an important step, but it’s important to do it the right way. You want to do everything right at every step. When addressing a cover letter, there are several common mistakes that can undermine your efforts. Here are some errors to watch out for:

Using the wrong name or title: Double-check that you have the correct spelling of the hiring manager’s name and their appropriate title.

Being too generic: Avoid overly generic salutations like “To Whom It May Concern” when you can use more specific alternatives.

Overly informal salutations: Keep the tone professional. Avoid overly casual greetings like “Hey” or “Hi there.”

Why does addressing your cover letter correctly matter?

Writing a cover letter worth writing starts with how you address it.

A correctly addressed cover letter is essential in making a strong first impression. It shows that you’ve done your homework and that you care about getting the details right. In a competitive job market, small details like this can set you apart from other candidates. It also demonstrates your respect for the hiring manager and your understanding of the importance of personalization in the job application process.

One final note on addressing your cover letter

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

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

With our helpful cover letter generator tool, the job description is listed, and your resume will already have been generated or created. Then, you just click “Generate Cover Letter”, it analyzes everything, and in seconds you have a brand new cover letter.

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

Frequently asked questions

When addressing an email cover letter, use the same level of formality as you would in a traditional printed cover letter. Start with a professional salutation such as “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],” and include the job title or department if you don’t know their name. If the hiring manager’s name is unknown, “Dear Hiring Manager,” is an acceptable alternative.

Ideally, you should address your cover letter to the hiring manager responsible for filling the position. If the job posting doesn’t provide a name, do some research by checking the company’s website or LinkedIn, or by calling the company directly to ask for the appropriate contact.

If you cannot find the hiring manager’s name after thorough research, address your cover letter to a specific department or team. Examples include “Dear Hiring Manager,” “Dear [Department] Team,” or “Dear [Job Title] Hiring Team.”

A good way to address a cover letter is by using the hiring manager’s full name, preceded by “Dear” and followed by a colon. For example, “Dear Jane Doe:” If the name isn’t available, use a title like “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Job Title] Team.”

The proper greeting for a cover letter is “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],” followed by a colon. If you don’t have the name, “Dear Hiring Manager,” is a professional and widely accepted alternative.

If you don’t have the hiring manager’s name, here’s a sample salutation: “Dear Hiring Manager,” “Dear Marketing Team,” “Dear [Job Title] Hiring Team,” These options show you’ve put in some effort to personalize your cover letter even without a specific name.

To find the right recipient, start by reviewing the job posting for any clues. Next, visit the company’s website to check the “About Us” or “Team” pages. LinkedIn is also a valuable resource—search for the company and use job titles to narrow down potential hiring managers. If all else fails, consider contacting the company’s HR department directly to ask for the appropriate contact.

A cover letter is a personalized document submitted with your resume as part of a job application. It introduces you to the employer, highlights your qualifications, and explains why you’re a good fit for the role. A well-written cover letter can make a strong first impression and set you apart from other candidates by showing your enthusiasm and professionalism.

When formatting the company’s address on your cover letter, include the following: The recipient’s name (if known) The company’s name The company’s street address City, state, and ZIP code This format is typically placed at the top left of the cover letter, below your contact information.

Content Writer at Jobscan.

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How To Use “Dear Hiring Manager” On Your Cover Letter

• How To Write A Cover Letter
• When Is A Cover Letter Necessary
• Free Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Mistakes To Avoid
• Cover Letter Tips
• How To Sell Yourself In A Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Examples
• Best Cover Letters
• Cover Letter For Internship
• General Cover Letter Templates
• Career Change Cover Letter
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• Entry Level Cover Letter
• Legal Cover Letter
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• Cover Letter For Government Job
• Cover Letter With No Experience
• Short Cover Letter Examples
• How To Send An Email Cover Letter
• How To Write A Cover Letter For A Job With No Experience In That Field
• 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
• Tips For Addressing Cover Letter
• Dear Hiring Manager
• How To Sign A Cover Letter
• Salary Requirements In Cover Letter
• Referral In Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Body
• Use Dear Sir Or Madam?
• Use Mrs. Or Ms.?

Find a Job You Really Want In

Summary. Use “Dear Hiring Manager” as an acceptable alternative when you are unable to address your cover letter directly by name, which is always preferable. While writing a cover letter, it can be a little nerve-racking if you don’t know who you are sending it to. We’ll walk you through how to address your cover letter , provide tips to help you decide which greeting to use, and provide examples of the different options for addressing your cover letter. Key Takeaways: Addressing your cover letter professionally is crucial for making a good first impression and catching the eye of hiring managers and recruiters. It’s not always easy to find the person the company wants you to send your resume and cover letter to. While you should do your best to find a person’s name, using “Dear Hiring Manager” might be your best bet in certain scenarios. When addressing a cover letter make sure you start with what you know and don’t assume to much on what you know about the person. In This Article    Skip to section How to Use “Dear Hiring Manager” on Your Cover Letter Why Addressing Your Cover Letter Correctly Is Important Examples of How to Address a Cover Letter How to Find the Hiring Manager Tips for Using “Dear Hiring Manager” Alternatives to “Dear Hiring Manager” “Dear Hiring Manager” FAQs Final Thoughts References Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs Show More How to Use “Dear Hiring Manager” on Your Cover Letter

While saying “Dear Hiring Manager” on a cover letter is entirely professional, it’s also super generic. You should only use it if you can’t find the name of the recipient despite your best efforts.

There’s an order of operations that should be followed every time you go to address a cover letter, and which step of the process you eventually settle on should depend on what kind of information you have available.

Here are the steps you should take any time you go to address a cover letter — your goal is to stop at the earliest step you can manage:

Start with what you know. Do you know their name? How about their gender and preferred pronouns? If so, then address the letter to “Dear Mr.” or “Dear Ms.” followed by just their last name. This is the most preferred method of address — it’s personal and unpretentious.

Don’t assume too much. Don’t know their gender? Still use “Dear” to address the letter, but instead of using just the last name, used your contact’s full name. It’s still personal, perhaps a little less “professional,” but it’s better than being presumptuous.

Last resort. If all else fails, then just writing “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable, but be aware that a name is preferred in almost all cases.

Consider alternatives. “To Whom It May Concern” might be your first instinct, but as salutations go, “Dear” is a warmer and more congenial way to address someone. “To Whom” sounds a little robotic, and is never a good option. We’ll cover other alternatives below.

Why Addressing Your Cover Letter Correctly Is Important

People react to greetings in different ways, depending on the context.

People can often have big reactions to even small nuances in behavior depending on the context — and those reactions are only exacerbated in a situation as stressful as a job application.

This is because the person on the other end of the line — the hiring manager, recruiter , or whoever has to sift through the mountain of other applications to find yours — has no obligation to you whatsoever.

That means that if something about the way that you greet them turns them off to you as a candidate, they can just decide not to contact you.

You’ve got one small chance to prove that you’re worthy of their attention, and you have to go into your application and cover letter with the understanding that a hiring manager could stop reading at any time.

So you have to do everything in your power to make sure that they don’t do that.

Examples of How to Address a Cover Letter

Here’s a good example of following the above process, starting at a place of having full information about your contact and ending up at a place where you don’t even know if the person reading your resume is just a robot .

Full knowledge: “Dear Mrs. Belvedere” Name known, no known gender or gender is non-binary: “Dear Ramona Belvedere” Gender known, no name: “Dear Mrs.” When you know that they’re a doctor: “Dear Dr. Belvedere” When they’re a doctor but not an MD: “Dear Professor Belvedere” When you don’t know who they are at all: “Dear Hiring Manager”

How to Find the Hiring Manager

We’ve got a whole article about how to find the hiring manager , but we’ll cover the steps briefly here:

Check the job advertisement. Sounds like an obvious first step, but we have to start somewhere. If you can’t find a full name, check the email address they want you to send your application to.

If it indicates an individual, use that information in the following steps. (Sometimes it’ll be really obvious though, like [email protected]).

Check the company’s website . Either look at the job application section or the “about us” page . You can sometimes find more information about department heads here. See if any names align with the email address provided in the job opening.

Call the company. Finding the right number to call might be tricky, but once you reach someone in HR or the front desk, they should be able to help you out. Mention the job posting and ask for the hiring manager’s name — easy peasy.

Use LinkedIn . Look for the company’s employees on LinkedIn. You might not be able to definitively determine the hiring manager from your research alone, but you might find somebody you can ask.

For example, an HR head or someone who works in the department you’re interested in.

Use an inside source. If you have a friend in the company, we’re surprised you’ve made it this long without reaching out to them!

People like to help, and if this person is an internal reference for you as well, they surely want you to make the best impression. That means avoiding “Dear Hiring Manager” if you can.

Tips for Using “Dear Hiring Manager”

If you’ve tried everything and still can’t find the hiring manager’s name or a relevant department head, it’s not the worst thing to use “Dear Hiring Manager.” However, you should keep these tips in mind if you do:

Customize your cover letter . “Dear Hiring Manager” is about as generic as it gets as far as salutations go. Don’t let the rest of your cover letter be equally generic. Otherwise, the recipient may think you’ve just copy-pasted this cover letter all around town, which is always a turn off for employers.

Open with a strong first sentence and use the body to express your enthusiasm for the specific job and company. Cover your most significant qualifications and accomplishments. Utilize keywords from the job description when discussing your skills and relevant experience .

Use a clear subject line. Most cover letters are sent via email these days. Since you couldn’t find the hiring manager’s name, it’s likely you’re sending it to a generic, company-wide, job application email address.

Ensure that your subject link provides a clear explanation of why you’re writing. The standard “[Full Name] – _______ Position” is a safe bet.

Send from a professional email address. Your email might look a bit spammy with “Dear Hiring Manager” — don’t compound the recipient’s instinct to immediately delete your email by sending it from [email protected].

Choose a professional email address, but be careful of using one tied to your current place of employment. They may be able to see your activities, and that would be awkward.

Alternatives to “Dear Hiring Manager”

We’re going to start off by reiterating that “To Whom It May Concern” is never an option. That said, “Dear Hiring Manager” isn’t the only choice you have available. In a scenario where you’re reaching out to a recruiter or a recruiting team, it might actually sound odd to address your cover letter to the hiring manager.

Let’s take a look at other appropriate ways to start your cover letter when you don’t know the recipient’s name:

Dear Recruiter

Dear Recruitment Team

Dear Hiring Team

Dear [Department] Manager

Dear [Department]

Dear Recruitment Committee

Dear Hiring Committee

Dear Recruiting Manager

Dear Human Resources

Dear [Title of person you’d report to]

“Dear Hiring Manager” FAQs

Can I put “Dear Hiring Manager” on a cover letter?

Yes, you can put “Dear Hiring Manager” on a cover letter. However, it is better to find a name if possible. Addressing a cover letter directly to a person gives your letter more of an impact. It shows that you either followed directions or put in extra effort to locate a name. If you can’t find a name, then “Dear Hiring Manager” is an acceptable alternative.

What can I say instead of “Dear Hiring Manager”?

Instead of “Dear Hiring Manager”, you can say:

Dear Human Resources Representative

These titles are helpful alternatives, but as you may notice, they also have their limits. Without a name, any choice with sound slightly vague.

How do I find the hiring manager name?

There are several steps you can take to find the hiring manager’s name:

Read over the job description for clues

Look on the company’s website

Search LinkedIn or other social media

Call the company

Ask anyone in your network who may know

Finding the hiring manager’s name can take time and effort. If you succeed, then it shows your commitment to the job and helps your cover letter stand out just a little more above the competition.

Do hiring managers read cover letters?

Hiring managers may or may not read cover letters, but it is always good to assume they will. Hiring managers in general don’t spend a lot of time with cover letters or resumes . They are going to quickly skim your application and look for qualifications that stand out. That is why addressing the cover letter correctly is important, because it can be the first step to convincing the hiring manager to keep reading.

Final Thoughts

That’s the long and short of it. Follow this process and you’ll never go wrong when it comes to addressing your cover letter.

While you should always try your best to find the hiring manager’s name and address your cover letter personally, it’s not always possible.

Just remember the other do’s and dont’s of cover letter formatting and professional letter writing. Keep your cover letter to one page with three to four paragraphs. Show enthusiasm for and knowledge of the role, emphasize your qualifications and accomplishments, and use language from the job description .

Draft a few sample cover letters before hitting “send,” and you’re certain to be called in for a job interview .

Internal Revenue Service – Cover Letter Tips

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Ryan Morris was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog who tried to make the job process a little more entertaining for all those involved. He obtained his BA and Masters from Appalachian State University.

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How to Choose the Right Salutation for Your Cover Letter

When to Use 'Dear' or 'To Whom It May Concern' as Greetings

Cover Letter Greetings to Avoid

When you have a contact person.

• When You Don't Have a Contact Person

Examples of General Salutations

• When to Use 'Dear' in a Cover Letter
• Writing a Cover Letter Salutation

Concluding Your Letter

Cover letter example, sending your letter.

Hilary Allison / The Balance 

A salutation is a greeting at the beginning of a cover letter that is included with a resume when applying for a job. When you're writing a cover letter or sending an email message to apply for a job, it's important to include an appropriate greeting at the beginning to set the tone for your letter, which should be professional and appropriate.

The greeting is the first thing the recipient will see when they read your cover letter. Therefore, you need to convey the appropriate level of familiarity and respect.

Using casual greetings, such as “Hello” and “Hi” can make your letter seem unprofessional. Reserve these casual greetings for personal email and refrain from using them in your cover letter unless you are very familiar with the recipient. Such greetings are simply too informal—not the most professional way to begin the conversation if you’re looking to land a job.

“Hi” is appropriate only in casual email correspondence with people you know well—if you're checking in with a close friend to find out if they've heard of a job opening at their company, for example. "Hello" is appropriate only in email correspondence. It should be used primarily for people you know well but can be used in very casual circumstances.

Beginning your correspondence “To Whom It May Concern,” on the other hand, may seem too impersonal and make the hiring manager believe you do not care enough to find out whom you should be addressing. The only time to use " To Whom It May Concern " as a cover letter greeting is when you simply cannot find out the specific person to whom you are writing.

You should, of course, make every effort to find the name of a contact in the specific department in which you are interested. When inquiring  with a company for unadvertised openings, this greeting may be most appropriate.

The following is a list of letter salutation examples that are appropriate for cover letters and other employment-related correspondence when you have the name of a contact.

• Dear Mr. Jones
• Dear Ms. Brown
• Dear Riley Doe
• Dear Dr. Haven
• Dear Professor Lawrence

When You Don't Have a Contact Person

If this information was not provided in the job announcement and you cannot find it on the company’s website, then you may be able to call the company, ask to be forwarded to their human resources department (if they have one), explain that you will be applying for a job there, and ask for the name of their hiring manager.

Always make every effort to find a contact name to use in your letter. It leaves a good impression on the hiring manager if you have taken the time to use their name, especially if you had to work a little to find it.

LinkedIn is also a great tool to find out the name of the hiring manager. You can search for the company you are applying to with one or two keywords that would describe the person hiring for the position. Scroll down the list until you find the person who fits the criteria. This approach may help you pinpoint the appropriate contact person.

Many companies don't list a contact person when they post jobs because they have a team of hiring staff who sort through cover letters and resumes before passing them to the hiring manager for the appropriate department. They prefer to leave the hiring manager anonymous until he or she contacts you for an interview.

An organization may also not want to disclose who the hiring manager is to avoid emails and phone calls from applicants, particularly if they anticipate receiving a large number of applications from potential job candidates. So, don't worry if you can't find someone to address your letter to. It will be forwarded to the correct department and recipient.

If you don't have a contact person at the company, either leave off the salutation from your cover letter and start with the first paragraph  of your letter or, better yet, use a general salutation.

When using a general salutation, capitalize the nouns.

• Dear Hiring Manager
• To Whom It May Concern
• Dear Human Resources Manager
• Dear Sir or Madam
• Dear [Company Name] Recruiter

When to Use 'Dear' in a Cover Letter

It is appropriate to use “Dear” in most circumstances, such as when the potential employer is someone you know well, or they are a business acquaintance. Follow these tips on choosing the right greeting:

• For people who you know well on a first-name basis, it's okay to use their first name only. For a business acquaintance or associate, use their first name if you have met them more than once and typically address them by their first name.
• For potential employers, use Mr., Ms., or Dr., unless you have been instructed otherwise. Even if you know a woman is married, it is safer to use “Ms.” as opposed to “Mrs.,” as the latter may be offensive in certain circumstances.
• If you are unsure of the appropriate greeting, play it safe and use Mr./Ms./Dr. [last name] or Mr./Ms./Dr. [first name, last name].

How to Write a Cover Letter Salutation

Standard business correspondence formatting requires that, after providing your contact information and the date of your letter, you then write down your contact person’s name, the company’s name, and the company’s address.

The formal salutation or greeting comes next: “Dear [Contact Person’s name].” If you have a contact person for your letter, include their title and name in the salutation (i.e. "Dear Mr. Franklin"). If you are unsure of the reader's gender, simply state their full name and avoid the personal title (i.e. "Dear Jamie Smith"). Follow the salutation with a colon or comma, leave one line blank, and then start the first paragraph of your letter on the following line.

Your letter greeting has the potential to improve your chances of getting an interview. To enhance your candidacy, make sure your  cover letter  maintains a professional appearance and offers relevant information, including your qualifications for the position. Choose the appropriate closing and always thank the reader for their time and consideration.

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

Cover Letter With Salutation Example (Text Version)

Alex Applicant 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 alex.applicant@email.com

August 1, 2024

Brett Lee Nurse Manager St. Ansgar Hospital 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Mr. Lee:

I am writing to apply for the position of nursing attendant, as advertised on the St. Ansgar Hospital website. As a trained nursing assistant who is fulfilled by working with patients and staff, and by helping people, I would be a great asset to your nursing staff.

I completed my nurse assistant program in June of 20XX, and I also have a nurse attendant certificate from the state of New York. I have been working part-time at Dr. Ellen Mueller’s primary care office in Smithtown, NY, for the past year, so I am experienced in working with patients. In addition, I am diligent about my responsibilities, and I have a flexible schedule, which enables me to work almost any hours that you need.

I’ve attached my resume so that you can review my education and experience. I hope to hear from you soon. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Respectfully,

Signature (hard copy letter)

Alex Applicant

When you are sending your letter via email, include the reason you are writing in the subject line of your message:

Subject: First Name Last Name – Nurse Attendant Position

List your contact information in your signature, rather than in the body of the letter:

FirstName LastName Your Email Your Phone Number

Key Takeaways

• The salutation in a cover letter sets a professional tone and should be appropriate for the job application; avoid casual greetings like "Hello" and "Hi."
• Always try to find and use the name of a specific contact person in your salutation, as it shows effort and can leave a good impression on the hiring manager.
• If a contact person is not available, use general salutations like "Dear Hiring Manager" or "To Whom It May Concern," but ensure the overall letter remains professional and courteous.

How to Write a Cover Letter to a Hiring Manager (With Templates)

Oh, the never-ending confusion and debate over cover letters.

Do I need one? Will anyone read it? How, exactly, can I make sure an actual  hiring manager reads it?

Never mind the whole—and rather crucial— “what should my cover letter say?” piece of this equation. There’s so much to consider, it’s no wonder why people often under-use or forego the cover letter altogether when looking for a job.

I’ve long been in the “heck, yes” camp on cover letters. Let me explain why and share some essential tips on what to incorporate in your next cover letter if you want to grab the attention of a hiring manager and get them to call you for an interview.

Why should you write a cover letter?

I’d like to tell you not to worry about crafting a cover letter for the next role you pursue, but here’s the thing (and you’ve probably noticed it): Competition’s fierce in more than a few career fields right now. Given this, you’ll be wise to do everything you can to stack the odds of landing an interview in your favor.

This includes a cover letter. If a recruiter or hiring manager is on the fence about you as a viable candidate, a thoughtfully written cover letter might just nudge you into the “yes” pile.

So, for this reason alone, I’d make the time for it.

Now here’s the good news—most people squander the opportunity. They either opt out of writing a cover letter entirely or, nearly as bad, they submit bland, cliché-filled, or redundant-to-the-resume clunkers.

Given this, hiring managers and recruiters don’t expect to lay eyes on a cover letter that’s memorable, compelling, and on point. When they do? They take notice.

Essential tips for your next cover letter

So how do you pull off a winning cover letter, one that conveys your passion and talent and makes the recruiter or hiring manager’s day? Follow these steps:

1. Choose the right salutation

We are well past the days when “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam” were considered gold standard business salutations. Unless you’re hoping to look like a nonagenarian on paper, plan to address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager or recruiter involved with the search.

It may seem difficult to sleuth this out, but it’s often easier than you may think. Just mosey over to LinkedIn and do a People search using the company’s name as your search term. Scroll through the people working at that company until you find someone who appears to be the hiring manager. (Hint: the job description may tell you who the position reports to.) If you can’t find a logical manager, try locating an internal recruiter or, in smaller companies, the head of HR.

If you aren’t able to pinpoint this information, go with something more general  but still personal and appropriate for current times, like “Dear Muse Marketing Team,” or “To the HR Business Partner Hiring Team.”

Read more:  The 3 Rules of Addressing Your Cover Letter in 2023

2. Convey your interest and value 

Decision makers never want to feel like you’re wallpapering the universe with the same cookie-cutter cover letter. They want to know you’re approaching their organization for specific reasons. Maybe you love their mission, their products, or their reputation as a great place to work.

Lead with this then, using the job description (and whatever other information you’ve gathered) as your guide, then outline what, specifically, you can walk through their doors and deliver. Make it clear as quickly as possible that you’ve got the goods.

Here's an example: “As a long-time cyclist, I know a thing or two about chafing. I also know that plenty of chamois creams just don’t do the trick. Yours does, and I’ve been a loyal fan and user for years. You’ve reduced friction for me and now I’d like to do the same for you as your next Customer Service Manager.

I’m [Name], a personable and solution-focused customer service professional who consistently ranks among the top 5% of performers at my current employer. Here’s what I can deliver in this role:”

And then expound on a few of the skills you bring to the table, with particular emphasis on the priority requirements for that role (they’re typically listed first on the job description or mentioned more than once).

3. Finish strong

You certainly don’t want to fizzle out at the finish line. In fact, if I had a dollar for every time I’ve read this exact sentence on a cover letter, I’d have a lot of dollars:

“Thank you for your consideration. I hope to hear from you soon.”

Instead, work to sum up why you’re a great candidate and welcome an opportunity to meet to discuss their needs and your qualifications further.

Here's an example: “I believe my collaborative work style, commitment to customer satisfaction, and strong belief in the value of your products will enable me to make considerable impact, quickly. I would love to learn more about your specific goals and needs and share details on how I may contribute. I hope to meet soon!”

And a last, critical tip when it comes to delivering a great cover letter to a hiring manager: Be you. Honest, genuine writing always goes much, much further than trying to emulate the tone and structure encouraged in outdated career guides and textbooks.

Rules can be bent. In fact, if you’re working to make a lasting impression and land that interview? Oftentimes, they should be.

How to Address a Cover Letter in 2024

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 2024
• Entry-Level Cover Letter
• Cover Letter for Internship
• How to Write a Cover Letter in 2024

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Perfect Cover Letter Salutations: Start Strong

11 min read · Updated on April 24, 2024

Greet your future employer professionally with these cover letter salutations

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

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

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

What is a cover letter salutation?

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

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

Considerations when choosing cover letter salutations

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

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

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

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

Keep it formal and professional

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

Personalize wherever possible

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

Always use a salutation

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

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

Options for cover letter salutations

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

Dear Mr Donnelly 

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

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

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

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

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

Dear Doctor Foster

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

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

Dear HR team

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

Dear hiring manager

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

Dear Sir / Madam

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

How NOT to address a cover letter

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

To whom it may concern

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

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

Hi, hello, hi there!

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

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

Cover letter closing salutations

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

Thank the reader for their time and consideration 

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

Cover letter salutations to close 

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

Yours sincerely, yours truly

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

Best regards, kind regards, regards

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

Respectfully

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

How NOT to sign off a cover letter 

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

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

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

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

Cover letter examples

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

Traditional cover letter example

Dear Ms Searle, 

Re: Sales Manager vacancy 

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

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

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

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

Yours sincerely,

Email cover letter example 

Dear Liz, 

Re: Assistant Security Manager vacancy (ref: 12345)

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

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

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

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

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

Best regards, 

Choose the right cover letter salutations to set the right tone

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

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

Recommended reading: 

Resume vs Cover Letter: How They're Different

What is the perfect cover letter length?

How to Tailor Your Cover Letter for Each Job Application

Related Articles:

How to Maximize Your Resume Action Words to Wow the Employer

Short Cover Letter Samples: Effective Examples for Job Applications

Resume Spelling and Accent Explained

See how your resume stacks up.

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A Simple Guide to Writing an Effective Cover Letter | Remote Jobs in HR

• Cover Letter Writing Guide
• Write an Effective Cover Letter - Remote Jobs In HR
• September 11

A cover letter is a personalized document that accompanies your resume when applying for a job. Unlike a resume, which outlines your skills and experience in a more structured format, a cover letter allows you to speak directly to the hiring manager, giving you the opportunity to highlight why you are the best fit for the position.

Cover letters are still important in today’s job application process because they provide a space for you to explain why you are interested in the role, showcase your personality, and address any specific requirements mentioned in the job listing. While some candidates might overlook the importance of a cover letter, taking the time to craft one can set you apart from other applicants by showing your commitment and enthusiasm for the position.

A well-written cover letter can make a significant difference in how you are perceived by potential employers, making it a crucial element of a successful job application. Whether you are an entry-level candidate or an experienced professional, your cover letter is a chance to make a strong first impression and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Why You Need a Cover Letter

1.     personalization.

One of the main advantages of a cover letter is the ability to tailor your application specifically to the job and company you’re applying to. Unlike a resume, which is often a general summary of your skills and experience, a cover letter allows you to address the unique requirements and culture of the company. By customizing your cover letter to reflect the job description and the company's values, you demonstrate that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the role. This personalized approach can make a strong impression on hiring managers, setting you apart from candidates who submit generic applications.

2.     Showcase Your Personality

A cover letter is your chance to show more of your personality and passion for the role, something that a resume alone may not fully capture. Employers want to hire people who not only have the right skills but who also fit well within the company culture. By expressing your enthusiasm for the position and sharing what excites you about the opportunity, you give the employer a glimpse of who you are beyond your qualifications. This can help create a connection with the hiring manager and increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.

3.     Address Gaps or Concerns

If there are any gaps in your employment history or other concerns that might raise questions for the employer, a cover letter is the perfect place to address them. Whether you took time off for personal reasons, switched careers, or had a period of unemployment, you can use the cover letter to provide context and reassure the employer that you are still a strong candidate for the job. By proactively explaining these issues, you can help prevent them from becoming a barrier to getting an interview.

4.     Highlight Key Achievements

While your resume lists your experience, a cover letter allows you to highlight your most relevant accomplishments in a way that directly ties them to the job you’re applying for. You can use this space to draw attention to specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to succeed in the role. By focusing on how your past successes can translate to future contributions at the company, you provide a compelling reason for the employer to consider you for the position.

What to Say in a Cover Letter

1.     introduction.

The introduction of your cover letter is your opportunity to grab the hiring manager’s attention right away. Start by clearly stating the position you are applying for and how you found the job listing. This shows that you are organized and know exactly what role you are interested in. Follow this with a brief expression of your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mentioning specific aspects of the company that appeal to you can help make your introduction stand out and demonstrate that you’ve done your research.

2.     Body

A.     why you’re a good fit.

In this section, you should focus on explaining why you are the best candidate for the job. Discuss your relevant experience, skills, and achievements that directly relate to the position. Be specific and use examples that demonstrate your qualifications. For instance, if the job requires project management skills, mention a project you successfully managed and the results you achieved. Highlighting how your experience aligns with the job requirements will show the employer that you are well-equipped to handle the responsibilities of the role.

B.    Why You Want the Job

Beyond explaining why you’re qualified, it’s also important to convey why you are genuinely interested in the job and the company. Explain what excites you about the role and how it aligns with your career goals. Show that you’ve researched the company by mentioning its values, culture, or recent achievements that resonate with you. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you connect with the employer on a more personal level, making you a more memorable candidate.

3.     Conclusion

The conclusion of your cover letter should reinforce your interest in the position and leave a positive impression. Restate your enthusiasm for the role and briefly summarize why you believe you are a strong candidate. Thank the reader for considering your application, and express your eagerness to discuss the opportunity further. Mention that you look forward to the possibility of interviewing and that you are available at their convenience. A polite and confident closing can encourage the employer to take the next step in the hiring process.

Examples of Effective Cover Letters

Example 1: entry-level position.

When applying for an entry-level position, it's important to focus on your education, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn. Here’s a brief example:

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to apply for the HR Generalist position at XYZ Company, which I found Remote Jobs In HR. As a recent graduate with a degree in Human Resources, I am eager to bring my knowledge of HR practices and employee relations to your team. During my time at university, I completed several internships where I gained hands-on experience in recruitment, onboarding, and benefits administration. I am particularly drawn to XYZ Company because of your commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can contribute to your company.

[Your Name]

This example highlights the candidate's education, relevant internships, and enthusiasm for the company. The focus is on the candidate’s readiness to learn and contribute, which is key for entry-level roles.

Example 2: Experienced Professional

For an experienced professional, it’s essential to emphasize your extensive experience, specific achievements, and how you can bring value to the company. Here’s an example:

I am excited to apply for the Senior HR Manager position at ABC Corporation, which I found on Remote Jobs In HR. With over 10 years of experience in human resources, I have successfully led HR initiatives that support company goals and enhance employee engagement. In my current role at DEF Solutions, I developed and implemented a new talent management strategy that improved employee retention by 15% and streamlined the recruitment process. I am particularly impressed by ABC Corporation's dedication to fostering a positive workplace culture, and I am eager to bring my expertise in employee relations and leadership to your organization. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience aligns with your needs.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your continued success.

In this example, the candidate highlights their extensive experience, specific achievements, and how they align with the company’s goals. The emphasis is on how the candidate’s skills and accomplishments can bring immediate value to the employer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1.      generic cover letters.

One of the most common mistakes job seekers make is submitting a generic cover letter that isn’t tailored to the specific job or company. A generic cover letter can give the impression that you’re not genuinely interested in the role or that you haven’t taken the time to understand the company’s needs. To avoid this mistake, always personalize your cover letter by mentioning the specific job title, the company’s name, and how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements. This shows the employer that you are serious about the opportunity and have put thought into your application.

2.      Repeating Your Resume

Another common mistake is simply repeating the content of your resume in your cover letter. Your cover letter should complement your resume, not duplicate it. Instead of listing your past jobs and responsibilities, use the cover letter to explain how your experiences have prepared you for the specific role you’re applying for. Highlight key achievements and provide examples that aren’t included in your resume to give the employer a fuller picture of your qualifications.

3.      Lack of Enthusiasm

A cover letter that lacks enthusiasm can come across as flat and uninspiring. Employers want to hire candidates who are excited about the role and the company. If your cover letter doesn’t convey enthusiasm, it may cause the hiring manager to question your interest in the position. To avoid this, make sure your writing reflects genuine excitement for the job and the opportunity to contribute to the company. Mention specific aspects of the company or role that you find appealing, and explain why you are passionate about working there.

4.      Typos and Errors

Typos and grammatical errors can quickly undermine an otherwise strong cover letter. These mistakes can make you appear careless and unprofessional, which can hurt your chances of getting an interview. Always proofread your cover letter multiple times before sending it, and consider asking a friend or colleague to review it as well. Taking the time to eliminate typos and errors shows that you are detail-oriented and serious about your job search.

The Importance of a Cover Letter

A well-crafted cover letter is a crucial element in the job application process. It offers you the opportunity to personalize your application, showcase your personality, address any potential concerns, and highlight key achievements. By taking the time to write a thoughtful and tailored cover letter, you can significantly increase your chances of standing out in a competitive job market and securing an interview.

To ensure your cover letter is effective, remember these final tips:

• Personalize each cover letter to the specific job and company.
• Show enthusiasm for the role and the company.
• Highlight achievements that demonstrate your qualifications.
• Proofread carefully to avoid typos and errors.

A little extra effort in crafting a strong cover letter can make a big difference in your job search success.

About Remote Jobs In HR :

Remote Jobs In HR is a premier online platform specializing in remote and hybrid Human Resources (HR) job opportunities and Human Resources (HR) talent solutions. With over 25 years of expertise in human resources, we adeptly connect skilled Human Resources (HR) professionals with leading companies seeking remote and hybrid talent. Our comprehensive database features a wide range of remote and hybrid HR roles, catering to diverse career aspirations of job seekers and the varied needs of employers.

Our platform is synonymous with user-friendly design, diversity in Human Resources (HR) roles, and a commitment to innovation, setting us apart in the remote and hybrid work landscape. Remote Jobs In HR is dedicated to enhancing the remote and hybrid job search and recruitment experience, focusing on quality and diversity in Human Resources (HR) opportunities. We empower both professionals seeking remote and hybrid Human Resources (HR) careers and companies in pursuit of top remote and hybrid Human Resources (HR) talent.

Discover your next opportunity or find your ideal candidate at Remote Jobs In HR . For more insights and updates on remote and hybrid Human Resources (HR) careers and recruitment, visit our blog at RemoteJobsInHR.com/blog . Join us as we navigate the dynamic and evolving world of remote and hybrid human resources.

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2 Cover letter mistakes that are killing your application

Cover letter tips.

When it comes to finding a job, cover letters are possibly the most underrated part of the whole application process. Mainly due to the fact that most people think that nobody is actually reading them but you couldn’t be more wrong! A well written cover letter is the perfect way to set yourself apart and help sell your application, not to mention convince a recruiter you’re the right person for the role. To put it simply, your cover letter is the easiest and most effective way to stand out from the crowd. It brings something extra to the table when you apply for a job – the employer will learn more about you, your personality, what you actually want from the job and gain insight as to why you’re applying. And, as your CV is supposed to be short and sweet, your cover letter is the perfect way to elaborate on your achievements. To make sure your cover letter lands you job interview, here are two mistakes you should avoid making in your cover letters. MISTAKE #1 NOT PERSONALISED ENOUGH There are so many people out there who use the same cover letter to apply for hundreds of different job positions. They think that it is enough just to change the name of the company and the name of the job position but this means that your cover letter is ultimately very general and will not convince a company that you want to work for them. Don’t make an employer feel that you have just sent out a cover letter to hundreds of different companies hoping that something will stick. And even if you are doing that, it shouldn’t be obvious! The key to a successful cover letter is to show how you connect on a personal level with the employer and that’s what’s going to get a recruiter to put your cover letter into the “yes” pile. How to make your cover letter more personalised? Well, the first thing you should never do in your cover letter is start it with “To Whom It May Concern” . This is so impersonal, it shows that you couldn’t be bothered to do your homework and find out more about the company to which you are applying. And it’s so old-fashioned! It’s also what people used to write 10 years ago! So you definitely don’t want to do this. Dear Sir/Madam, Dear Hiring Manager, Dear Recruitment Team are also not great choices. Instead, you should try to find the name of the person dealing with the recruitment for the position and use it in your cover letter. You can use LinkedIn, Google or the company’s website to find this information. Even if you have to pick up a phone and call the company, do it! It will only take a few minutes of your time. And if you haven’t managed to find out the name, at least you know that you tried your best. Secondly, a great way to demonstrate that you connect with your potential employer on a personal level is to explain why you chose them. Make the reader feel that they are the only company you want to work for (even if it’s not true), make them feel special and make them special not by saying how great they are, how professional or how exciting it would be for you to work there, that is way too general and everyone can see through those buzz words. You need to be as specific as possible! You need to find an emotional attachment. How do I do this Evelina? I’m glad you asked, here are some ideas on how you can do this: 1. Tell them how you came to learn what the company does is special. Use your personal life experience to describe how you found out what they do is different, better or unique compared with their competitors. Tell them how you connect with their brand 2. Tell them about the time when you used their products or services. What better way is there to demonstrate that you connect with the company than by telling them a personal story about your unique experience with them. 3. Tell them about how your overall life experience made you connect with what the company does. MISTAKE #2 NOT IDENTIFYING THE KEY SKILL REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION   The second mistake I so often see in cover letters is using a cover letter to recap all the information you already mentioned on your CV without identifying the key skills required for the position you are applying for. After you have convinced the company that they are the only company you want to work for, it’s time for you to convince the company that you are the best candidate for the job. This is how you do it. You need to very carefully read the job description identifying the key skills required for the job you are applying for. In job descriptions companies describe the qualities their ideal employee should exemplify. Basically, you want the reader to be convinced that you are that person. A lot of people decide that they are good at a particular task or are skilled in a particular way and keep using this information in every single cover letter, but what if the prospective company has no need of these attributes? This will be the reason your cover letter will be put into the “no” pile. You only need to focus on the skills the job requires, also don’t forget to add a narrative as to how and where you developed these skills. Only after giving this granular detail then you can add additional features of your skill-set, but you should really only add them if the company would actually benefit. And also be sure to explain how these additional skills would add to the company’s success. If you are struggling with writing cover letters, I suggest you to enrol to my online course "GET THAT INTERVIEW" where I will explain step by step how to write a strong and compelling cover letter, in addition to creating a targeted CV and eye-catchy LinkedIn profile. 

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Why a Cover Letter is Important for Job Applications: A Comprehensive Guide

• Career Advice

• Posted On: 2024-09-19
• Posted By: Shacara

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