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How do you appropriately address a cover letter if you cannot find a specific individual?
#cover-letter #writing #resume
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15 answers
Updated
Cheryl’s Answer
To Whom it May Concern. This is usually the proper saltuation.
Updated
David’s Answer
What I find interesting about appropriately address a cover letter if you cannot find or know the specific individual will be to address a cover letter without a name, use some variation of, "Dear "________" 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 and a lot of company start to not accept these term as they want you to try to address to someone or department/company directly instead of being old-fashioned salutation for the cover letter.
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Hi Olivia Y.
Maybe you can start with using a "group name" instead of a singular name. For example, "To the Mathematics Department" or "To the Members of the Local Veterinary Association". These types of call outs may serve to be specific enough to ensure your resume gets to the right group, even if you don't have a specific person's name. Good Luck!
Maybe you can start with using a "group name" instead of a singular name. For example, "To the Mathematics Department" or "To the Members of the Local Veterinary Association". These types of call outs may serve to be specific enough to ensure your resume gets to the right group, even if you don't have a specific person's name. Good Luck!
Updated
Karina’s Answer
Hi,
I believe using 'Dear Hiring Manager,' or 'Dear Recruiting Team,' would be a good idea.
Hope this helps!
I believe using 'Dear Hiring Manager,' or 'Dear Recruiting Team,' would be a good idea.
Hope this helps!
Updated
Christy’s Answer
What is the cover letter for? Though the other answers to this vague question are fine, I know that in the entertainment field, for example, they wouldn't get you very far.
Frankly, I would continue to dig and do research to find a specific name, if going to someone in a particular position is important. You might need to make phone calls and inquiries to narrow down who you need. It's hard to say more without knowing what you're trying to accomplish.
Frankly, I would continue to dig and do research to find a specific name, if going to someone in a particular position is important. You might need to make phone calls and inquiries to narrow down who you need. It's hard to say more without knowing what you're trying to accomplish.
Updated
Douglas’s Answer
This may not be what you want to hear, it can be ineffective to write to a group and
shows lack of initiative to actually finding a person to address. It is an excellent
skill to phone and talk with complete strangers when trying to find answers to
who should I address this letter to, or other ways of finding people you are looking for.
It can also be impressive if you find the right person to write to and/or show
the tenacity (politely of course) to find the person you should address the letter to.
When you phone/chat be sure to both summarize what you ultimately want,
then ask who you should write/talk with. The person you talk with may remember
you when someone in the office mentions they are looking for someone to do
a job. And, as stated below, follow up with a thank you card/note.
What can you do to find a name? Check the web page for people who most likely
could help. Find the office phone number, call it, ask for the name of the person
and their phone number (you can call to follow up on your note). Google
the company name and contacts, for example: IBM contact
The obstacle of finding a name will be like many obstacles, some will find a way
to get around them and others will not. You will choose whether you will
find a way or not.
When you call anyone, ask their name, use their name - names are important
and since you make the effort, the person you are talking to may be willing
to help more. And of course thank them for their time and help.
On a related note, one of my mangers gave me good advice, avoid sending email/letters to
a group or to whom it may concern because organizations will ignore those and
in some cases on accident (be ignored). If there is a group and everyone gets the note it may
be unclear who should actually answer the email or do the task.
Lastly, for anyone you contact, whether they help or not, write a thank you
note/card. One creates a network by meeting and being memorable. A
hand written thank you note is a great way for them.
btw, a good dictionary has a section that lists salutations for nearly
anyone in any position.
Good luck
shows lack of initiative to actually finding a person to address. It is an excellent
skill to phone and talk with complete strangers when trying to find answers to
who should I address this letter to, or other ways of finding people you are looking for.
It can also be impressive if you find the right person to write to and/or show
the tenacity (politely of course) to find the person you should address the letter to.
When you phone/chat be sure to both summarize what you ultimately want,
then ask who you should write/talk with. The person you talk with may remember
you when someone in the office mentions they are looking for someone to do
a job. And, as stated below, follow up with a thank you card/note.
What can you do to find a name? Check the web page for people who most likely
could help. Find the office phone number, call it, ask for the name of the person
and their phone number (you can call to follow up on your note). Google
the company name and contacts, for example: IBM contact
The obstacle of finding a name will be like many obstacles, some will find a way
to get around them and others will not. You will choose whether you will
find a way or not.
When you call anyone, ask their name, use their name - names are important
and since you make the effort, the person you are talking to may be willing
to help more. And of course thank them for their time and help.
On a related note, one of my mangers gave me good advice, avoid sending email/letters to
a group or to whom it may concern because organizations will ignore those and
in some cases on accident (be ignored). If there is a group and everyone gets the note it may
be unclear who should actually answer the email or do the task.
Lastly, for anyone you contact, whether they help or not, write a thank you
note/card. One creates a network by meeting and being memorable. A
hand written thank you note is a great way for them.
btw, a good dictionary has a section that lists salutations for nearly
anyone in any position.
Good luck
Updated
Kiah’s Answer
Hi Olivia,
This is a very thoughtful question. If you don't know who might be reading your letter, it is fine to write "Dear hiring manager,"
Other greetings like "dear sir or madam" or "to whom it may concern" are considered outdated.
Keep in mind, the most important thing about a cover letter is the content, not the greeting. Use it as an opportunity to show your personality and what will make you a good candidate for the job. :)
I'm linking to my favorite source of career advice: Ask A Manager. She has tons of advice from these very specific question about cover letters, resumes, etc. and great examples of each. Her site also has interesting people writing in and asking for advice.
Good luck,
Kiah
Read cover letter advice on the Ask A Manager website (and explore the site for any other questions you may have): https://www.askamanager.org/category/cover-letters
This is a very thoughtful question. If you don't know who might be reading your letter, it is fine to write "Dear hiring manager,"
Other greetings like "dear sir or madam" or "to whom it may concern" are considered outdated.
Keep in mind, the most important thing about a cover letter is the content, not the greeting. Use it as an opportunity to show your personality and what will make you a good candidate for the job. :)
I'm linking to my favorite source of career advice: Ask A Manager. She has tons of advice from these very specific question about cover letters, resumes, etc. and great examples of each. Her site also has interesting people writing in and asking for advice.
Good luck,
Kiah
Kiah recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Charlotte’s Answer
Great question, Olivia! "Dear Hiring Manager" is fine, but most of the time a Human Resources employee or a Recruiter reads all those cover letters and resumes before they ever reach a hiring manager. I'd say "Dear Hiring Team" or as Nicole said above use a generic group name like "To the Biology Research Lab Team".
Good luck!
Good luck!
Updated
Kathy’s Answer
How you are required to submit your Resume/CV and Cover Letter will dictate what is most appropriate. First, make sure you have put time in to try to find out the actual hiring manager's name or department. Many applications are required to be entered on the company's or recruiter's website, so if you don't have an actual connection to someone in the company finding an exact name can be difficult. My company receives hundreds of resumes for each job posting. It is very appropriate to address a cover letter as "Dear Hiring Team" or "Dear Hiring Manager". I would stay away from gender references. I have worked in medical sales and management for several years. Having an applicant address a letter to "Dear Sirs" can be offensive to a female hiring manager. Also keep in mind that the hiring manager is probably not the first one to lay eyes on your application. You will usually be vetting through a Talent Acquisition/Human Resources representative first. They often choose whether or not your application makes it to the hiring manager at all based on your qualification and how professionally you communicate on "paper."
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Dear Olivia,
Wonderful question.
The following Cover Letter introduction is ideal when do not have a specific contact name:
"Dear Hiring Manager,"; in fact, 40% of managers prefer "Dear Hiring Manager" to any other salutation.
Additionally, to be able to address a cover letter with no name, you'll need specifics - for example, in the address block, be sure to use the accurate office street address starting with a first line of "ATTN: Hiring Manager"
Another question I get from my mentees and interns is whether they should address the recipient with "Dear XXXX,". This is the most common and accepted address in every industry; however, if you personally do not like it, it is still appropriate to begin your Cover Letter with "Hiring Manager,".
PLEASE DO NOTE to NEVER use "Hi," "Hello," "How are you?"... or any other informal form of salutation in your Cover Letters. This is an immediate red flag for me when I am hiring.
Good luck.
AHB
Wonderful question.
The following Cover Letter introduction is ideal when do not have a specific contact name:
"Dear Hiring Manager,"; in fact, 40% of managers prefer "Dear Hiring Manager" to any other salutation.
Additionally, to be able to address a cover letter with no name, you'll need specifics - for example, in the address block, be sure to use the accurate office street address starting with a first line of "ATTN: Hiring Manager"
Another question I get from my mentees and interns is whether they should address the recipient with "Dear XXXX,". This is the most common and accepted address in every industry; however, if you personally do not like it, it is still appropriate to begin your Cover Letter with "Hiring Manager,".
PLEASE DO NOTE to NEVER use "Hi," "Hello," "How are you?"... or any other informal form of salutation in your Cover Letters. This is an immediate red flag for me when I am hiring.
Good luck.
AHB
Updated
Sam’s Answer
When I look over resumes and cover letters for candidates to potentially interview, I don't pay attention to how they've addressed the cover letter. Any standard naming convention such as "Dear Human Resources Manager", "Dear Hiring Manager", even "To Whom it May Concern" are fine to me.
I look for a cover letter to enhance the other information (typically a resume and application) submitted by the candidate. First off, make sure your cover letter is free of spelling, grammar, or punctuation mistakes. Then it of course should be well-written, flowing logically and succinctly relaying the intended points.
To ultimately be useful and effective, the cover letter should:
1. Expound on some items in your resume. For example, maybe you list certain special projects you've worked on in your resume. Elaborate on one of those projects in the letter and relate it to the job you're applying for.
2. State why you're the ideal candidate. Expand on the qualities that make you great, with examples.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of, and any connection within or to, the company you're applying to. This is where you can personalize your overall application package toward the job and company you are applying for.
In summary, I don't look at how a cover letter is addressed. I use the letter as a tool to help me positively distinguish you from the other candidates.
I look for a cover letter to enhance the other information (typically a resume and application) submitted by the candidate. First off, make sure your cover letter is free of spelling, grammar, or punctuation mistakes. Then it of course should be well-written, flowing logically and succinctly relaying the intended points.
To ultimately be useful and effective, the cover letter should:
1. Expound on some items in your resume. For example, maybe you list certain special projects you've worked on in your resume. Elaborate on one of those projects in the letter and relate it to the job you're applying for.
2. State why you're the ideal candidate. Expand on the qualities that make you great, with examples.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of, and any connection within or to, the company you're applying to. This is where you can personalize your overall application package toward the job and company you are applying for.
In summary, I don't look at how a cover letter is addressed. I use the letter as a tool to help me positively distinguish you from the other candidates.
Updated
Richard’s Answer
To whom it may concern,
has served me well for many years
has served me well for many years
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Hi Olivia,
One of my favorite resources for job searching, resume/cover letter tips, and interview practice is The Muse, they have a ton of helpful articles on their website. They have this article on addressing your cover letter - https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-3-rules-of-addressing-your-cover-letter
I would also recommend checking out this article on cover letters (I used it for my own cover letters) - https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-write-a-cover-letter-31-tips-you-need-to-know
Good luck with your job search!
One of my favorite resources for job searching, resume/cover letter tips, and interview practice is The Muse, they have a ton of helpful articles on their website. They have this article on addressing your cover letter - https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-3-rules-of-addressing-your-cover-letter
I would also recommend checking out this article on cover letters (I used it for my own cover letters) - https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-write-a-cover-letter-31-tips-you-need-to-know
Good luck with your job search!
Updated
Fiona’s Answer
I would address it to "Dear Sir or Madam"
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
Most cover letters are assumed to be written to a general audience, so a "To Whomever is Concerned" is usually a sufficient opener. Cover letters are supposed to be short and to the point anyways.