The Outdated Salutation
Starting your cover letter with "To Whom It May Concern" or "Dear Sir or Madam" is an immediate sign that you haven't done your research. In today's competitive job market, personalization is key. A generic salutation suggests a lack of effort and can be the first step toward the rejection pile. Taking a few extra minutes to find the right person to address can make a significant difference.
Finding the Hiring Manager's Name
Your goal is to address the letter to the specific person who will be reading it. Here’s how to find them:
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Check the Job Posting: Sometimes, the hiring manager's name or title is listed directly in the job description. This is the easiest win.
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Use LinkedIn: This is your most powerful tool. Search for the company on LinkedIn and look for employees with titles like "Hiring Manager," "Recruiter," or the head of the department you're applying to (e.g., "Director of Marketing," "Engineering Manager").
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Company Website: Check the company's "About Us" or "Team" page. You might find the name of the department head there.
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Professional Network: Do you know anyone who works at the company? A quick message to a mutual connection can often get you the name you need.
Formatting the Salutation
Once you have a name, use a professional and respectful salutation:
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name],Dear [First Name Last Name],
If you're unsure of their gender or preferred pronouns, using their full name is a safe and modern option. For example, Dear Jordan Smith,.
What If You Absolutely Can't Find a Name?
If after thorough research you still can't find a name, you have a few options that are still better than "To Whom It May Concern":
Dear [Department Name] Hiring Team,(e.g., "Dear Marketing Hiring Team,")Dear Hiring Manager,
These options are more specific and show that you've at least considered who your audience is. But always treat finding a specific name as your primary objective. It shows initiative and a genuine interest in the role.