Plan: what is a cover letter How to write a cover letter

2. Address the hiring manager (ideally by their name)

If you can address your cover letter to the reader using their name, do it.

Greetings like “To Whom It May Concern” and “Dear Sir or Madam” are old-fashioned, plus it’s easier than ever to find the right person’s name using LinkedIn, exploring a company’s website, or contacting their human resources department and asking.

Here are some cover letter salutation suggestions if you’re struggling to find the right information:

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  If you’re not certain about the recruiter’s title (like Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr., etc.,) you can leave it out. For instance, “Dear Jane Smith” is acceptable.
  
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  If you can’t figure out who the recruiter is, guess. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing position, address the marketing director by name instead.
  
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  If you can’t find anyone’s name, address your cover letter to the department. For instance, “Dear Marketing Department” is okay.