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The Do's and Don'ts of Cover Letter Salutations

3 min read · Updated on October 19, 2021

TopResume Editor

Greet your future employer the proper way with these cover letter do's and don'ts.

When you're applying for a job, the best-case scenario is that you know who is supposed to receive and review your application. If that's the case, you should always address your cover letter to that individual by full name, first and last. You don't need to add in a relevant title if that's the case. "Dear John Doe," is just fine. Indeed, it's better to leave out titles in your cover letter salutations since you don't want to make assumptions about gender. The name "Terry" could refer easily to a man or a woman, for example. What if you don't know the person's name though? How should you address your letter and ensure that it is polite and gets to the right person?

There are several acceptable greetings you can use. The majority of people use "Dear Hiring Manager." This is a good salutation for a couple of reasons. It isn't gender-specific, which eliminates that issue, and it also doesn't sound awkward. It's a simple, clear phrase. It also makes it obvious who you're trying to reach. You're looking to get your letter to the person who can give you a job. It clarifies the letter's purpose right off the top.

Another phrase that is commonly used is "To whom it may concern." There's nothing wrong with this phrase, although it is somewhat inferior to "Dear Hiring Manager." Why is it inferior? It's an awkward greeting. For one thing, while "whom" may be grammatically proper, how many of us actually use the word "whom" in conversation? For another thing, it isn't clear about your purpose. When you write "Dear Hiring Manager," in your cover letter salutations, that shows that you believe the Hiring Manager should be concerned about your letter. If you write "To whom it may concern," you're inviting ambiguity. What if it doesn't concern anybody? You've hardly made a case for anyone bothering with your letter. These are all subtle nuances. Again, you can use this phrase. It's just better to use "Dear Hiring Manager."

One more acceptable phrase to use in your cover letter salutations is "Dear Sir or Madam." This phrase accounts for either gender, which is good, although it does sound awkward since it makes a big affair out of doing so. "Dear Hiring Manager" is a bit less ungainly in this sense. There is also something old fashioned sounding about saying "Dear Sir or Madam." You could look at this as a good thing (it shows you have proper manners and respect) or a bad thing (it could imply you're a bit outmoded). It's again a fine greeting, but you can see how "Dear Hiring Manager" might still be the better choice.

In terms of punctuation, it doesn't really matter what you use in your cover letter salutations. A comma, a semi-colon or a colon is just fine; this bit is pretty irrelevant. With several good greetings to choose from, don't leave your greeting line blank. A blank greeting line communicates nothing, though it may make a hiring manager think that you're lazy, rude, or simply incompetent. If you can't make up your mind, always just default to "Dear Hiring Manager."

Follow these cover letter do's and don'ts and you'll set yourself up for greater success in landing an interview.

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How to Choose the Right Greeting for Your Cover Letter

salutations for resume cover letter

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 the 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, it's important for you 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 personally know well. For example, if you're checking in with a close friend to find out if they've heard of a job opening at their company. "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 making an inquiry  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 web site, 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 needed to work a little to find it.

LinkedIn is also a great tool to find out the name of the hiring manager. You can do a 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 met them more than once and addressed 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 own 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/greeting comes next: “Dear [Contact Person’s name].” If you have a contact person for your letter, include their personal 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

September 1, 2018

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

FirstName LastName Your Email Your Phone Number

Cover Letter Salutation That Entices the Recruiter to Learn More About You

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How to write the best cover letter salutation for maximum impact

  • Cover letter salutation if you know the hiring manager's name

Why you should personalize your cover letter salutation

The absolute no-nos of cover letter salutations, cover letter salutation - takeaways.

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Quick Answer: "To write an outstanding cover letter salutation, keep it formal yet polite. Start with ""Dear (name)"" if you know the name of the HR or hiring manager. Use ""Dear HR Team"" or ""Dear Hiring Manager"" if the recipient is unknown. Always personalize the salutation to establish a connection and avoid vague openings like ""To whom it may concern"" or ""Dear Sir/Madam."" Remember, personalization and a formal tone are key."

Have you ever been slightly annoyed when someone forgot your name at a party 2 minutes after you introduced yourself, even though you also sometimes forget the names of people whom you just met?

Guess what – recruiters feel the same when their name is under the job ad, yet they get another Cover letter starting with “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam”.

In this article, you will learn how to craft impressive Cover letters, which land on “soft” ears, as you know how to address your reader the right way.

Here’s what you will learn from our expert Career advisors:

  • What is a great Cover letter greeting
  • How to create a connection via personalization
  • Ways to find the HR name
  • How to avoid common pitfalls in your Cover letter salutation
  • What opening lines you should stay away from

After nailing that attention-grabbing greeting, you can always get more free Enhancv tips with these Cover letter examples .

You are just a few minutes away from the insider secrets on how to “enter” and shine on the application “stage” with the perfect Cover letter salutation! Ready to dive in?

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You only get 7 seconds to make an outstanding first impression. As the Cover letter is in fact a sales document, the first impression is as crucial as in a meeting. The only difference is that in a Cover letter you can’t rely on the power of your polished, presentable persona, charisma, voice, or non-verbal body language. The only tool you have at your disposal to achieve massive effect is the written words. So you better use it right.

“How can I do that?” - you'd ask. Not to worry, we've got your back, and it is actually easier than it looks. Driving lasting impressions and stirring up interest is going to be entirely in your hands with our blog , which is fully packed with valuable Career advice.

In reality, commanding others ‘attention “from the first read” and sentence boils down to two factors:

  • Your Cover letter design
  • Your Cover letter salutation

These two elements determine for a millisecond the first and sometimes overall impression from your Cover letter.

Attractive design will play totally in your favor, as it is common knowledge that before delving in or reading diagonally any document, we scan it holistically from a bird's eye. Only afterward, our view “falls” on certain “gestalts' – visual details. The main rule here is to make your document pleasant to look at with the right mix of fonts, colors, and overall formatting.

Same with the design, with the introduction, there are several important guidelines one needs to have in mind.

Keep it formal

While you definitely want to come across as a friendly and likable person, when it comes to choosing the opening line, it wouldn’t hurt to be aware that you are not chatting your friends with an offer to go to the movies.

Sticking to the formal, respectful tone that acknowledges the distance between you and your reader (HR and/or Hiring Manager) is your best bet here. Shortening the distance by interjecting informal salutations may actually do you a disservice and create the opposite effect to what you aim for.

Hence, steer clear away from any openings like:

Be polite in your cover letter greeting

Have you heard the expression “Cordiality goes a long way”? Some researchers state that although the salutation “ Dear ” is not too personal and is, in fact, just a formal expression; it typically makes recipients more open to the communication sender.

Whenever you are in doubt about the greeting of your Cover letter, always use “Dear (name)” – this is the golden standard of official business communication. You cannot get that wrong!

Speak like a human to another human

Now let's delve deeper into what can trip you off! Like anyone, HRs are human beings too with their personality and unique individuality. So, they highly value being communicated to like a human, not like being just another part of a depersonalized organization.

This is an important point for you to consider when you turn your Cover letter into a flawless masterpiece. Let's face it, no one really likes generic mails. So when you write your next great Cover letter, write it, with the crystal clear thought that it will be read by humans, not by machines.

Otherwise, you risk “sounding” disinterested, cold, withdrawn, or uninspired for the role in question. Plus, your candidature may be experienced by the receiver like lukewarm water, rather than like the hot stuff that it actually is.

On the contrary, when you address your Cover letter in a way that acknowledges the HRs on a more personal level, you win them at “Hello”! And the good news is that you can do that, no matter if you know the HRs name or not (and you cannot find it).

Let's cover those two scenarios, so you are prepared in all possible cases!

Cover letter salutation if you know the hiring manager's name

Know the name of the responsible recruiter for that job ad you've got your eye on?! Sweet! Lucky you! Then you have an ace, and you definitely have to use it!

Start your Cover letter with a formal, polite, yet personal greeting including the name of the HR or Hiring Manager.

A few things to keep in mind, though!

Make sure to do a preliminary check of the first and last name of the contact person!"!

If you proceed with a semi-formal greeting after your company research and you have identified that the organizational culture allows it (for example in a start-up), you can just address the person by their first name:

  • Dear Antoana,

Those will do just fine!

Pay attention that the comma always comes after the name and not before it!)

However, if you go for the very formal communication style (for example for a Corporate or Governmental organization with a strict hierarchical structure), you d best use this format of salutation with the person s surname:

  • Dear Mr. Salomez,
  • Dear Mrs. Perruci,

When you use Mr., Mrs., and Ms. and the person has a first name from which you cannot identify their gender, do your proper Google research.

If that doesn’t retrieve any clear results either, it may be a good idea to check if you can identify the person on the company's website or on their social network channels (like LinkedIn). In case that also proves fruitless, it might be worth considering using the semi-formal format:

NB! It is not a common practice, but some hiring managers and applicants may use Mx. as a gender-neutral title. So note such versions:

  • Dear Mx. Richardson,

If the contact person is a woman and you are not sure of her marital status, you can use a marital-neutral title Ms.

Dear Ms. Petrova,

Go calmly with the title Mrs. only when you know for sure that the woman you are addressing is married:

Dear Mrs. Todorova,

Cover letter salutation for an unknown recipient

Your first resort should be to at least try to find out the name of the HR.

So what if you've searched in the ad on the job board, on the company website, and on their socials, but in vain?! Take heart! In that case, it is totally acceptable if you get in touch with the company – either by phone or email, express interest in the job role and kindly ask whom from the HR team you should address your application. And voilà! Then you just apply the above rules!

If that also doesn’t work for whatever reason, there's a smart way out, but how you approach it – can make or break your Cover letter!

The best way is to address it to the whole HR department while avoiding generalizations like the plague.

Example of a good greeting :

  • Dear HR Team,
  • Dear Hiring Manager,
  • Dear HR Professional,

Addressing the team still sounds professional and on point, without putting you in the treacherous waters of writing blurry, uncertain, generic Cover letter greetings like:

  • Dear Sir or Madam

Moreover, career experts believe that by using Dear HR Team , your Cover letter is much more likely to be forwarded faster to the right contact in the organization.

Why exactly does personalization in the job application matter so much?

In the times of rapidly developing personal and professional branding industries, generic is no longer a virtue. The more differentiated image a company or a job applicant has, the more he or she will be perceived as a rare find.

If aside from a strong personal and professional persona, the candidate demonstrates a profound ability to connect, well – that makes him or her already an over-the-top Acer.

Here exactly comes the meaning of using wise personalization in your Cover letter to establish a connection with the HRs in two aspects:

  • Personalization by revealing, without oversharing, some details and relevant hobbies you have, that represent you in a more social and friendly manner;
  • Personalization by respecting your recipient’s identity and individuality via addressing them by their name.

On a side note, let us make a disclaimer here – the fact that you personalize your Cover letter and know the individual contact of the HR does not mean you should start spamming them with questions for the position on LinkedIn or via email.

Or else – you risk dimming the good impression you have already created by your eye-catcher Cover letter.

Now that you have aced the game of writing a great connector Cover letter, let's take a look at a shortlist of a NO-NO Salutation of Cover letters that are dead-end for your application:

  • To whom it may concern

In this article, you learned that you need to:

  • Harness both the power of Design and professional Salutation to attract the HR to read further;
  • Keep a formal, polite, yet friendly tone that lets your personality shine, without over sharing;
  • Write genuinely for humans;
  • Always address the HR by their name, if it is mentioned in the job ad;
  • Try to find the right contact person, if you tonight know it;
  • Use “Dear (first name)” or “Dear (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Mx. surname)” - when in doubt about what tone you should keep;
  • Use marital-neutral title Ms., if the HR is a woman and you are not sure if she is married or not; otherwise, you can go with Mrs.;
  • Consider the gender-neutral title (Dear) Mx., in case you are not sure of the recipient's gender;
  • Avoid at all costs the vague and impersonal “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam”.

Did we get you turned on for crafting your very own stunning Cover letter?! Then check how you can do that with ease and class in our Cover letter help section!

Also keep an eye on our blog, as we regularly upload new articles to empower you to manage your career like a PRO.

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Eight Cover Letter Greetings for Every Situation

Caroline Forsey

Published: May 26, 2021

When you’re trying to make a good first impression, a greeting is critical. Saying “Yo, what’s up” to your new employer will evoke a different, likely more negative reaction than, “Hello, it’s nice to meet you.” 

job applicant writing a cover letter and using a personalized greeting

A cover letter greeting is just as important as your first in-person salutation. It’s a chance to demonstrate professionalism and even effort — for instance, addressing your hiring manager by first and last name shows you did your research. 

Here, we'll explore the best cover letter greetings you can use to ensure your cover letter is well-received.

→ Click here to access 5 free cover letter templates [Free Download]

Cover Letter Salutation and Greeting Examples

Sometimes job listings let you know who will be in charge of your application process, but sometimes they don’t. Let’s go over how to address your cover letters for either situation. Please note that it’s always important to capitalize the nouns for all of your greetings.

  • Dear Hiring Manager,
  • Dear [name of team or department you’re applying for a position in],
  • Dear [company name] Recruiter,
  • To the [name of team you are applying for a position in] Department,
  • Dear [title of the person you would report to],
  • Dear [position title] Hiring Manager,
  • Dear [hiring manager, recruiter, or name of point of contact],
  • Dear Human Resources Manager.

Below we’ll go over an example of how to start a cover letter greeting when you have the name of the hiring manager, recruiter, or point of contact for your application process.

How To Start a Cover Letter Greeting

1. use "hello," or "dear," followed by their first and last name..

If the job description includes the hiring manager's name, or if you've managed to figure it out through research (which we’ll cover below), an easy greeting uses a full name with a "Dear" or "Hello" before it. Additionally, this helps prevent the possibility of misgendering someone that can come from using “Dear Ms./Mr.”

2. Include their title if possible.

If you're writing to a hiring manager with a title like "Dr." or "Professor,” include it in your greeting. It will demonstrate a level of respect and that you’ve done your research. It’s also non-gender specific, again reducing the likelihood of misgendering. 

For instance, you might start your cover letter like this — "Dear Dr. Grace [Insert Last Name]."

3. If you don't know their name, you can still make it specific.

If you've done your research and can't find a specific person hiring for the role, it's likely because the company has a team assembled to delegate the hiring responsibilities. To address a letter to a team, figure out the department or group in which the role falls. Then, follow this formula — "Dear [Department] Hiring Team.”

For instance, if you're applying for a role within Customer Service, you might say, "Dear Customer Service Hiring Committee," or "Dear Customer Service Hiring Team." 

However, it’s worth putting in the effort to research who the hiring manager may be, as the information can sometimes be easy to find.

How to Address a Cover Letter Without a Name

A customized greeting goes a long way towards helping your cover letter stand out in a sea of "To Whom It May Concern." Let’s go over what you can do to uncover who the hiring manager or person responsible for the application process may be. 

Find Recruiters on Company Website

An easy way to try and find the direct responsible individual is by visiting the company website and looking for an “About Us” tab. Some businesses list names of people who work there, and you can browse through the list to see if you can find the recruiter for your position or relevant department.

Find Recruiters on LinkedIn

Some companies have such big teams that each department has its own recruiter or hiring manager. LinkedIn can come in handy here, as you can use the “People” tab to search for keywords like “hiring manager + department you’re applying to,” or “department you’re applying to + recruiter” to figure out who the direct responsible individual is for different departments. 

Find Recruiters on Twitter

Twitter is also a great social media tool for identifying recruiters or hiring managers. You can search through keywords related to the business you’re hoping to work for and browse through profiles to see what you can find. Most professionals using Twitter have some description of their job position in their bio, so you should be able to identify them when you see them. 

You can also search on Twitter for the position title you’re applying for to see if a recruiter has Tweeted a link on their profile. 

If you’ve done all your research and you can’t find a hiring manager to address your letter to, and you weren’t given a name in the application process, there are still some alternatives:

  • Dear Hiring Manager
  • Dear [name of team or department you’re applying for a position in]
  • Dear [position title] Hiring Manager
  • Dear Human Resources Manager

To Whom It May Concern is an often recommended option, but most would say that you shy away from it as it is considered a more outdated and less personalized greeting than others on this list. It would be safe to consider using it as a last resort option.

At the end of the day, when writing your cover letter , your ultimate goal is to make a good impression. If you’re able to find the name of the recruiter or hiring manager, use their name, but if not, any of the recommended greetings in this post will do.

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Tips and Tricks in Writing Effective Cover Letter Salutations

  • January 15, 2019

Cover letter salutations are brief yet effective, respectful, and professional.

As we all know, an effective resume is vital for you to land your job. Equally important is your cover letter which serves as your pitch for yourself. That said, a cover letter must be striking, formal, and polished with proper openings and closings. Even if they should be brief, cover letter salutations play a vital role in your job application.

Why a Cover Letter Greeting Line is Important

To begin with, the cover letter opening salutation is crucial because this is the first thing that your reader sees. To make your cover letter more professional, you have to meet a perfect level of respect toward the recipient. Since a cover letter is a job application document, casual greetings make your letter inefficient. Further, a generic cover letter makes you dispassionate. Since your cover letter is your pitch that you’re fit for the job, you have to impress the employer right from the beginning.

Figuring Out Which Cover Letter Opening Salutation to Write

The most appropriate cover letter salutation differs from case to case. With that, consider these factors first before you determine what greeting to use in your cover letter.

  • Find the name of the hiring manager, HR professional, or company executive on the job listing.
  • However, if the name is not stated in the job listing, look up the name and title of your contact on their company website.
  • If you still can’t figure the name out, you may either leave out the salutation or opt for a general one (just for this case) like Dear Hiring Manager.

Writing Cover Letter Salutations

Cover letter salutations are professional and respectful.

In most cases, addressing a cover letter should not be tricky if you’re responding to a job listing. Even if you don’t have the contact person’s name or unsure of the hiring manager’s gender, there are appropriate options for you. To find out the best salutation for a cover letter for different cases, read on.

When You Have the Contact Person’s Name

For reference, here are some cover letter greeting examples you can use if you know the name of the contact person:

  • Dear Ms. Smith
  • Dear Professor Doe
  • Dear Jane Greene

Moreover, if you’re certain of their gender and want to use a title, use either Mr. or Ms. At all cases, avoid using Mrs. or Miss to skip concerns about their marital status. However, if you personally know the hiring manager and you know their preference, this is an exception. Follow the title with their last name as in these examples:

  • Dear Mr. Smith
  • Dear Ms. Doe

On another note, there may be cases wherein you have a contact person but you’re unsure of their gender. In that case, you may opt to include their first name and last name without titles revealing gender:

  • Dear Gabriel Smith
  • Dear Alex Doe

When You Don’t Have the Contact Person’s Name

In some cases, job postings don’t include the name of the hiring manager, HR staff, or anyone concerned. However, this is not a valid reason for you to omit cover letter salutations. Further, you can opt for a general yet appropriate greeting for cover letter. Check out these examples of general salutations:

  • Dear Hiring Manager
  • To Whom It May Concern
  • Dear Human Resources Manager (or HR Manager)
  • Dear (Company Name) Recruiter

Writing the Closing Salutation

Great cover letter salutations must be in full circle—both in opening and closing salutations.

Finally, writing a great cover letter closing salutation sends you off with confidence and adds to your professionalism. That said, follow these tips on how you can end your letter gracefully:

Express your interest and confidence about getting the job.

Express your strong belief that you’re fit and ready for the job. This way, you can convince the hiring manager to move your application forward. Since employers look for enthusiastic candidates who reflect the passion and confidence that the company needs, talk about your accomplishments. Additionally, state how you can contribute to the organization.

Connect your abilities to the role.

Of course, one efficient way to prove that you’re fit for the job is to relate your skills to the duties and responsibilities of the job opening. With this, you’re informing the hiring manager that you can do the job based on your past experiences.

State your expectations and goals.

This is important for the hiring manager because they will assess your qualification for the job. In addition, they also need to know your expectations and how these can affect your contributions to the company.

Choose the right complimentary close.

The complimentary close immediately precedes the writer’s signature. When you write your closing paragraph and complimentary close, make sure that it’s aligned with the topic of your letter. Further, check if it’s appropriate for your personal situation. You may refer to the following table for a comparison of which complimentary closes you should avoid and their best substitute.

Remember: Capitalize the first letter of your closing. However, if your closing salutation has more than one word, capitalize the first letter of the first word then use lowercase letters for the rest of the words.

To conclude, cover letter salutations shouldn’t be overlooked. Since they add credibility to your letter, why leave them out? Through an effective cover letter polished with impressive salutations, you’re more likely to get invited for an interview.

In need of professional help in writing your cover letter and resume? Check more of our resume articles and resume examples. You may also avail of Resume Valley ‘s cover letter writing services and contact us now!

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Salutation Examples: Greeting Correspondents Like a Pro

salutations for resume cover letter

Effective communication is an essential element in building fruitful relationships. Whether it be in personal or professional settings, it is crucial to start any conversation with the right tone. In written communication, salutations are the first point of contact and can make or break a relationship.

Therefore, the importance of salutations in communications cannot be overstated. A well-crafted salutation not only sets the tone of the conversation but also reflects your professionalism, respect, and acknowledgment of the receiver’s importance.

This article aims to provide useful insights into different salutation examples and how to use them like a pro. The goal is to help readers develop an understanding of salutations’ significance and use them appropriately, whether it be in emails, letters, or other forms of written communication.

The article will be divided into several sections, each focusing on a specific aspect of salutations. The first section will delve deeper into the significance of salutations in communications. It will highlight the impact of an appropriate salutation on establishing a positive impression, building relationships, and avoiding misunderstandings.

The next section will provide a comprehensive list of different salutation examples. It will offer tips on how to use the appropriate salutation based on the receiver’s preferences, relationship, and cultural background.

Following that, the article will explore the various types of greetings used in different cultures and the best practices for using them. It will help readers develop a better understanding of cultural context and the role it plays in communication.

salutations for resume cover letter

The article will wrap up with a few case studies, where readers can test their knowledge of salutation examples in real-life situations. Each case study will analyze different scenarios and suggest the best salutation to use based on the context.

This article aims to equip readers with the necessary skills to use salutations effectively, build lasting relationships, and enhance their communication skills.

Basic Salutations

A. definition and purpose.

Basic salutations are the common opening greetings used in communication, particularly in formal settings. These greetings serve as an opportunity to establish a friendly tone, recognize the recipient, and initiate a conversation. The purpose of basic salutations is to create a positive first impression and lay the groundwork for the exchange of dialogue.

B. Examples of Basic Salutations

“Dear [Name],” – This is a commonly used salutation in formal letters, emails, and other written communication. It is appropriate for addressing someone you have not met or do not have a familiar relationship with.

“Hello [Name],” – This is a friendly and professional salutation used in various types of communication. It is a great option for messages that require a less formal tone.

“Good morning/afternoon/evening [Name],” – This salutation is appropriate for email or written communication that is timed or when working in a global team where time differences are significant. It demonstrates a respectful acknowledgment of the recipient’s time zone.

“Hi [Name],” – This informal salutation is suitable for casual communication with someone you have a familiar relationship with, such as friends, family, or colleagues.

“To whom it may concern,” – This salutation is reserved for formal letters when the recipient is unknown. It is a bit impersonal, but it is a common practice and often necessary in certain industries or situations.

Basic salutations are the foundation of any proper greeting. Choosing the right greeting is essential for creating a favorable impression, opening the lines of communication, and ensuring a positive exchange. By using the appropriate greeting that matches the context and relationship with the recipient, one can effectively convey the intended message and demonstrate professionalism in written or verbal communication.

Formal Salutations

Formal salutations are a way of respectfully greeting someone in a written or spoken communication. They are used in a variety of settings, such as business or academic settings, to set a professional tone and show respect to the recipient.

The purpose of formal salutations is to show respect and establish a professional tone in written or spoken communications. Formal salutations typically use honorific titles such as “Mr.,” “Ms.,” or “Dr.,” followed by the person’s last name. They are also often followed by a colon, to indicate that the greeting is formal and respectful.

B. Examples of Formal Salutations

Some examples of formal salutations include:

salutations for resume cover letter

  • Dear Mr. Smith:
  • Good afternoon, Dr. Chang:
  • Madam President:
  • To Whom It May Concern:

The specific salutation used will depend on the recipient’s title and the context of the communication. It is important to research the appropriate salutation before sending a communication, to ensure that it is respectful and appropriate.

C. When to Use Formal Salutations

Formal salutations are typically used in professional or academic settings, such as in business communications, academic papers, or official letters. They are also appropriate to use when addressing individuals in positions of authority, such as government officials or heads of organizations.

It is important to use formal salutations in these settings to show respect and establish a professional tone. Using a formal salutation can also help to create a positive first impression and set the tone for the rest of the communication.

Understanding when and how to use formal salutations is an important skill for anyone who communicates in a professional or academic setting. By using appropriate and respectful salutations, you can show your professionalism and establish a strong and respectful relationship with your correspondents.

Informal Salutations

When it comes to greeting correspondents, there are formal and informal salutations. Informal salutations are those that are less formal and more relaxed compared to formal salutations. These salutations are commonly used when the writer has a good relationship with the correspondent, or if the communication between the parties is casual.

Informal salutations are greetings that do not adhere to strict formalities. They are warm and friendly, and are often used to establish a casual, familiar tone in written communication. Informal salutations help to build rapport and create a sense of connection between correspondents.

B. Examples of Informal Salutations

There are many informal salutations that you can use in your correspondence. Some examples include:

  • Dear (first name)
  • Good morning/afternoon/evening (followed by first name)

Each of these greetings is less formal than a traditional business greeting, but they are still appropriate for professional communication in most situations.

C. When to Use Informal Salutations

It is important to consider the context of your correspondence when deciding whether to use an informal salutation. If you have an established relationship with the correspondent, or if the communication is of a casual nature, then an informal salutation may be appropriate. However, if you are making a formal request or providing important information, a more formal salutation should be used.

In general, if you are unsure which salutation to use, it is better to err on the side of caution and choose a more formal greeting. Remember, the salutation sets the tone for the entire message, so it is important to choose an appropriate one based on the situation.

Informal salutations are a great way to establish a warm, friendly tone in your correspondence. However, it is important to use them appropriately and within the context of your relationship with the correspondent. By choosing the right salutation, you can build rapport and create a professional image for yourself.

Salutations for Emails

Email has become the primary mode of communication in the world of business. Whether you are communicating with a colleague, a client, or a vendor, the way you start an email matters. A salutation is the first thing a reader sees, and it sets the tone for the entire message. In this section, we will explore the importance of email salutations, examples of email salutations, and when to use different email salutations.

A. Importance of Email Salutations

Email salutations are essential in setting the tone of your email. Starting your email with the right salutation can make the difference between a successful conversation or a missed opportunity. The way you address your recipient can convey your level of respect and make them feel valued. A well-crafted salutation can make your email more professional and polite.

Another essential aspect of email salutations is to establish rapport. An appropriate salutation can create a lasting impression on the recipient’s mind, helping build an ongoing relationship. A salutation can humanize a conversation and create a better working relationship.

B. Examples of Email Salutations

Formal salutations – Formal salutations are ideal for professional emails, where you are addressing a senior executive, a client or a vendor that you’ve not met before. You can use salutations like “Dear”, “Good morning/afternoon/evening”, “Respected”, or “Esteemed”.

Semi-formal salutations – Semi-formal salutations are ideal when you are communicating with a colleague or someone you have met before. Examples include “Hello”, “Hi there”, or “Greetings”.

Informal salutations – Informal salutations are ideal when you are communicating with someone you have a good rapport with, such as a friend or a peer. Examples include “Hey”, “Hi”, or “Yo”.

C. When to Use Different Email Salutations

Your choice of salutation depends on various factors, such as the recipient, the context of the email, and the relationship you have with that person. For example, you should use a formal salutation when you are communicating with someone external or someone senior to you. Similarly, you can use semi-formal salutations when you are contacting someone you work with, for instance, your colleague or manager. Informal salutations are used between friends or people who have a close relationship.

Email salutations are essential in creating a good first impression and establishing a conducive work environment. Choose a salutation that matches the tone of the email and the relationship you have with the recipient. By doing so, you create an email that is diplomatic, engaging, and professional, making your conversations more effective.

Salutations for Cover Letters

As a job seeker, you have to make every effort to ensure your cover letter stands out from the rest. One crucial aspect of a cover letter is the salutation, which often serves as the opening for your letter.

A. Importance of Cover Letter Salutations

The salutation of a cover letter is essential because it immediately shows professionalism and sets the tone for the rest of the letter. It is a way to address the person responsible for hiring while showing respect and demonstrating a strong work ethic right from the start.

If you can get the salutation right, you already have an advantage. However, getting it wrong can quickly put the reader off and reduce your chances of getting hired.

B. Examples of Cover Letter Salutations

The best salutations for your cover letter depend on several factors, including the company culture and the person you are addressing.

Formal Salutations: If you are sending your cover letter to a large corporation, it would be best to stick to a more formal salutation. For example, “Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name” is a good approach.

Informal Salutations: In cases where you are applying for a job at a smaller company or startup, it may be more appropriate to use a more relaxed opening. A simple “Hi” or “Hello” before the recipient’s name may suffice in such cases.

Gender-neutral Salutations: If you are unsure about the gender of the recruiter, go for gender-neutral salutations like “Dear Hiring Manager,” “Dear Recruiting Team” or “Dear Hiring Committee.”

C. When to Use Different Cover Letter Salutations

Knowing when to use different cover letter salutations can prove useful in making your application stand out. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:

Formal salutations are appropriate when addressing someone you have never met or someone in a higher position.

Informal salutations are preferable when you have had previous contact with the recipient or when applying to a less formal organization.

Gender-neutral salutations are the best option when you do not know the gender of the person responsible for hiring.

Taking the time to craft an appropriate salutation for your cover letter can significantly increase your chances of getting hired. Remember to remain professional, respectful, and keep the tone of your letter in mind when addressing the recipient.

Salutations for Business Letters

In today’s digital age, business communication has become easier, quicker, and more informal. However, one aspect that cannot be ignored when it comes to professional correspondence is the salutation. The salutation is the opening line of a business letter that sets the mood and tone of the relationship between the sender and receiver. It is, therefore, essential that adequate thought and consideration be given to the salutation of a business letter.

A. Importance of Business Letter Salutations

The salutation of a business letter is significant because it sets the tone for the rest of the communication. The salutation establishes the sender’s purpose and communicates respect and professionalism to the recipient. A poorly-chosen salutation can cause confusion, create a negative impression, and even jeopardize the business relationship.

A well-crafted salutation not only demonstrates professionalism but also gives an opportunity to show personalization and thoughtfulness. Therefore, it is crucial to choose an appropriate salutation for every business communication.

B. Examples of Business Letter Salutations

The choice of the salutation depends on various factors such as the relationship between the sender and receiver, the formality of the occasion, cultural norms, and the context of the communication. Here are some examples of business letter salutations that you can use and adapt according to your needs:

Dear [Name]: This is a standard salutation and is appropriate for most business letters. Use it when you want to maintain a professional tone.

Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms. [Last Name]: Use this salutation when you know the recipient’s name, and want to be formal. Avoid using “Miss” or “Mrs.” if you do not know the marital status of the recipient.

Dear Sir/Madam: This salutation is appropriate when you do not know the name of the recipient. It is also suitable for communication with a large group.

Hello [First Name]: Use this salutation when writing to someone you know well and have an informal relationship. This salutation is not recommended for formal and professional correspondence.

Hi [Nickname]: Use this salutation when writing to a peer or someone with whom you have a friendly relationship. Avoid this salutation when writing to an authority figure.

C. When to Use Different Business Letter Salutations

It is crucial to choose the appropriate salutation for the occasion. Here are some guidelines to follow when selecting the salutation:

Use a formal salutation when writing to someone in a higher or formal position.

Use a more informal salutation when writing to someone you know well, such as a friend or a colleague.

Consider cultural norms when writing to people from different backgrounds. In some cultures, using a first name in a business setting is considered disrespectful.

Avoid using gendered terms unless you are sure of the recipient’s preferred pronoun.

Use a professional tone, even in email communication.

Salutations for Personal Letters

Personal letters are an essential way to connect and communicate with loved ones, friends, or business associates. One of the critical aspects of any personal letter is the salutation. A salutation is an opening greeting that sets the tone for the entire letter. Therefore, it is vital to understand the importance of personal letter salutations and when to use different salutations effectively.

A. Importance of Personal Letter Salutations

Personal letter salutations help set the mood and tone for the rest of the letter. It is the first impression the recipient has of the letter, and it can either build or break your relationship with them. A poorly selected salutation can make you appear impersonal or indifferent, while a well-chosen one creates a warm and friendly tone.

Additionally, personal letter salutations show respect and politeness. Suppose you’re writing a letter to someone you don’t know well, like a potential employer or a business associate. In that case, it demonstrates professionalism and etiquette in addressing them formally.

B. Examples of Personal Letter Salutations

There are different types of personal letter salutations, including formal and informal ones. Here are some examples of personal letter salutations that you can use:

  • Dear Mr. Smith
  • Dear Dr. Johnson
  • Dear Professor Lee
  • To whom it may concern
  • Dear Sir/Madam
  • Dearest Sarah

C. When to Use Different Personal Letter Salutations

Different personal letter salutations are appropriate depending on the context and the relationship with the recipient. For instance, formal salutations are appropriate when writing to someone you don’t know well, such as a potential employer or a business associate. They can also be used when writing to government officials or other respected members of society.

On the other hand, informal salutations are suitable for personal letters to close friends, family members, or loved ones. They create a warm and friendly tone and demonstrate intimacy and closeness.

Selecting an effective personal letter salutation can be the difference between making a positive or negative impression on the recipient. Therefore, it is vital to understand the importance of personal letter salutations and when to use different salutations effectively. By using the examples listed above, you can master the art of greeting your correspondents like a pro!

Salutations for Job Titles

Greetings play an essential role in establishing a courteous tone when communicating with colleagues, clients, and business associates via email or other written correspondence. Knowing the appropriate salutations for different job titles is a must when you want to show respect and professionalism, build relationships and avoid coming across as impolite or informal.

A salutation is a word or phrase that you use to begin a letter or email, showing your respect and acknowledging the recipient. The purpose of using a salutation is to set the right tone for the conversation and start things off on the right foot. The right salutation can help you establish an excellent first impression and convey the right tone that matches the purpose of your communication.

B. Examples of Salutations for Different Job Titles

When communicating with professionals on various positions, customizing your greeting according to their job title is a sign of respect and a way to make a good impression. Below are some examples of salutations that are appropriate for different job titles:

  • Dear Dr. (Doctor’s Name) is used when addressing someone with a doctoral degree in a particular field, typically in medicine, psychology, or education.
  • Dear Ms./Mrs./Mr. (Last Name) is a general salutation for various professionals in business, government, and education, regardless of the rank. Use Ms. or Mrs. for women and Mr. for men.
  • Dear Professor (Last Name) is used when addressing a professor at a university or other academic institution.
  • Dear Reverend (Last Name) applies to an ordained Christian minister, pastor, or priest.
  • Dear Judge (Last Name) is used when writing to a judge in a legal context.
  • Dear Mayor (Last Name) is appropriate when addressing a city’s mayor.
  • Dear Editor (Last Name) applies to someone with writing or editorial responsibility over a publication, such as a newspaper, magazine, or website.

C. When to Use Different Salutations for Job Titles

Using the right salutation is crucial in business communication as it reflects your professionalism and your respect for the other person. When in doubt, it is always better to err on the side of formality, especially when communicating with someone you don’t know well. However, keep in mind that some people may prefer more informal greetings, so make sure to pay attention to the tone and style of their communication.

In general, use the person’s formal title when addressing them in emails or written correspondence, especially in more formal settings or when contacting someone for the first time. If you have a close relationship or if the person specifically requests that you use their first name, then you can switch to a more informal greeting.

Knowing how to address someone correctly is essential to building good relationships and showing respect in business communication.

Salutations for Different Occasions

Salutations are the opening phrases or greetings used in written or spoken communication. They are used to address or introduce the person or people you are communicating with. Salutations are an important part of communication as they set the tone for the conversation and help establish a level of formality or informality.

The purpose of salutations is to show respect, politeness and establish a connection with the person or people you are communicating with. They also help to create a positive first impression and can make the reader or listener feel valued.

B. Examples of Salutations for Different Occasions

The type of salutation used depends on the occasion and the relationship between the sender and receiver. Some common examples of salutations for different occasions include:

  • Formal Business Correspondence: Dear Sir or Madam, To Whom It May Concern, Dear [Recipient’s Name]
  • Personal Business Correspondence: Dear [Recipient’s Name], Hello [Recipient’s Name]
  • Social Correspondence: Dear [Recipient’s Name], Hi [Recipient’s Name], Hey [Recipient’s Name], Greetings [Recipient’s Name],
  • Informal Correspondence to Friends and Family: Dear [Recipient’s Name], Hi [Recipient’s Name], Hey [Recipient’s Name]

C. When to Use Different Salutations for Different Occasions

It is important to use the appropriate salutation for the occasion and the relationship with the recipient. For formal business correspondence, it is best to use a proper salutation like “Dear Sir or Madam,” “To Whom It May Concern,” or “Dear [Recipient’s Name].” In the case of personal business correspondence, it is acceptable to use the recipient’s first name in the salutation.

For social correspondence, the salutation can be more flexible depending on the level of familiarity with the recipient. In general, it is best to use the recipient’s name in the salutation, but it can be followed by any friendly greeting like “Hi,” “Hey,” or “Greetings.”

With informal correspondence with friends and family, the salutation can be more casual and can include more informal greetings like “Hi,” “Hey,” or “Dear.” However, it is important to ensure that the greeting reflects your relationship with the recipient.

Appropriate salutations are important to establish a positive first impression, respect and establish a level of formality or informality in written and spoken communication. The salutations used can differ depending on the occasion and your relationship with the recipient, but they should always be relevant, respectful and help establish good communication.

Salutation Etiquette and Mistakes to Avoid

As an expert in copywriting, it’s essential to have a thorough understanding of proper salutation etiquette. A poorly written salutation can leave a negative impression with the reader and damage the overall tone of the message. In this section, we will discuss common salutation mistakes and provide tips on how to avoid them.

A. Common Salutation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Using “To Whom It May Concern” – This salutation is outdated and impersonal. It’s best to research the recipient’s name and title or use a more personalized salutation.

Misspelling the recipient’s name – Double-checking the spelling of the recipient’s name is crucial. Misspelling someone’s name can come across as unprofessional and careless.

Using an inappropriate title – Ensure that the title you use is accurate and appropriate for the recipient’s position. For example, using “Dr.” for someone who is not a medical professional can be disrespectful.

Being too informal – A salutation that’s too casual can be inappropriate, especially in professional settings, causing the reader to perceive the message as unprofessional or rude.

B. Tips for Proper Salutation Etiquette

Choose a specific recipient – Avoid using generic salutations, such as “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam.” Instead, address your message to a specific person.

Use the appropriate title – When addressing someone, ensure that you use their correct title or honorific.

Check for spelling errors – Double-check the spelling of the recipient’s name before sending the message to avoid coming across as careless or unprofessional.

Tailor your salutation to the situation – The tone, formality, and length of your salutation should align with the context of the message and the relationship you have with the recipient.

Be respectful and courteous – Use polite language and show gratitude when appropriate to convey a positive tone.

A well-written salutation is crucial for setting the tone of your message and leaving a positive impression with the reader. Avoid common salutation mistakes and follow proper salutation etiquette to ensure a professional and courteous message.

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  • The Do's and Don'ts of Cover...

The Do's and Don'ts of Cover Letter Salutations

3 min read · Updated on October 19, 2021

TopResume Editor

Greet your future employer the proper way with these cover letter do's and don'ts.

When you're applying for a job, the best-case scenario is that you know who is supposed to receive and review your application. If that's the case, you should always address your cover letter to that individual by full name, first and last. You don't need to add in a relevant title if that's the case. "Dear John Doe," is just fine. Indeed, it's better to leave out titles in your cover letter salutations since you don't want to make assumptions about gender. The name "Terry" could refer easily to a man or a woman, for example. What if you don't know the person's name though? How should you address your letter and ensure that it is polite and gets to the right person?

There are several acceptable greetings you can use. The majority of people use "Dear Hiring Manager." This is a good salutation for a couple of reasons. It isn't gender-specific, which eliminates that issue, and it also doesn't sound awkward. It's a simple, clear phrase. It also makes it obvious who you're trying to reach. You're looking to get your letter to the person who can give you a job. It clarifies the letter's purpose right off the top.

Another phrase that is commonly used is "To whom it may concern." There's nothing wrong with this phrase, although it is somewhat inferior to "Dear Hiring Manager." Why is it inferior? It's an awkward greeting. For one thing, while "whom" may be grammatically proper, how many of us actually use the word "whom" in conversation? For another thing, it isn't clear about your purpose. When you write "Dear Hiring Manager," in your cover letter salutations, that shows that you believe the Hiring Manager should be concerned about your letter. If you write "To whom it may concern," you're inviting ambiguity. What if it doesn't concern anybody? You've hardly made a case for anyone bothering with your letter. These are all subtle nuances. Again, you can use this phrase. It's just better to use "Dear Hiring Manager."

One more acceptable phrase to use in your cover letter salutations is "Dear Sir or Madam." This phrase accounts for either gender, which is good, although it does sound awkward since it makes a big affair out of doing so. "Dear Hiring Manager" is a bit less ungainly in this sense. There is also something old fashioned sounding about saying "Dear Sir or Madam." You could look at this as a good thing (it shows you have proper manners and respect) or a bad thing (it could imply you're a bit outmoded). It's again a fine greeting, but you can see how "Dear Hiring Manager" might still be the better choice.

In terms of punctuation, it doesn't really matter what you use in your cover letter salutations. A comma, a semi-colon or a colon is just fine; this bit is pretty irrelevant. With several good greetings to choose from, don't leave your greeting line blank. A blank greeting line communicates nothing, though it may make a hiring manager think that you're lazy, rude, or simply incompetent. If you can't make up your mind, always just default to "Dear Hiring Manager."

Follow these cover letter do's and don'ts and you'll set yourself up for greater success in landing an interview.

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  4. FREE 8+ Sample Cover Letter Salutations in MS Word

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COMMENTS

  1. Cover Letter Salutation: 15+ Examples of Greetings

    2. Choose the best salutation for your cover letter. The most professional salutation for a cover letter is "Dear." Even an email cover letter should start with "Dear," followed by the hiring manager's name and a colon or comma. Here's an example of how to format your salutation: "Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx.] [Hiring Manager's Last Name],"

  2. Cover Letter Salutation: Tips and Examples

    A cover letter salutation is the greeting that you use at the start of a cover letter. When you are writing a professional cover letter to include with your resume for a job application, the salutation you use should be a formal one. Since it is the first thing the recipient sees when they read the cover letter, it should be appropriately respectful and use the correct title and name.

  3. Cover Letter Salutations

    One more acceptable phrase to use in your cover letter salutations is "Dear Sir or Madam." This phrase accounts for either gender, which is good, although it does sound awkward since it makes a big affair out of doing so. "Dear Hiring Manager" is a bit less ungainly in this sense. There is also something old fashioned sounding about saying ...

  4. How to Choose the Right Greeting for Your Cover Letter

    The formal salutation/greeting comes next: "Dear [Contact Person's name].". If you have a contact person for your letter, include their personal 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.

  5. How to Address a Cover Letter (With Examples)

    The headline on the image says, "Cover letter format" A woman sits at a table writing on a piece of paper. There's a simple cover letter represented by lines. On one side of the cover letter, there are labels for the sections of the cover letter. The labels are: 1. Date and contact information 2. Salutation/greeting 3. First, introduce yourself 4.

  6. Cover Letter Salutations: Examples & Tips

    This allows you to showcase other aspects of who you are as a candidate, so you'll want to capture the appropriate tone while remaining professional. Below, you'll find some examples of cover letter salutations to enhance your next job application: Example #1. Example #2. Example #3.

  7. Cover Letter Salutation & Best Greeting Examples

    Learn to write the best cover letter salutation. Expert advice and tips to write the best cover letter greeting. Tools. Resume Builder Create a resume in 5 minutes. Get the job you want. ... Zety is an excellent resume and cover letter generator with excellent customer service. I love it! Take a look at these handy articles about cover letters:

  8. How to Write The Best Cover Letter Salutations [+Examples]

    2. Add the title and name of the recruiter to the greeting. Then, follow it up with the title and the name of the recruiter. It is very important for you to find out the names of the recruiter to show your respect. 3. Write the cover letter salutation in the correct place. Just like normal letters, include the cover letter salutation right ...

  9. How to Write a Memorable Cover Letter Salutation

    Sep 8, 2022 • 9 min read. Quick Answer: "To write an outstanding cover letter salutation, keep it formal yet polite. Start with ""Dear (name)"" if you know the name of the HR or hiring manager. Use ""Dear HR Team"" or ""Dear Hiring Manager"" if the recipient is unknown. Always personalize the salutation to establish a connection and avoid ...

  10. Finding the right cover letter salutation. With examples and do's and

    Addressing your cover letter to the HR department could catch their eye. While it may lack personalization, it is still a polite, appropriate way to address the company. Dear [Position Title]. This is a salutation to use when you know the position of the hiring manager but are unable to find their full name.

  11. Eight Cover Letter Greetings for Every Situation

    How To Start a Cover Letter Greeting. 1. Use "Hello," or "Dear," followed by their first and last name. If the job description includes the hiring manager's name, or if you've managed to figure it out through research (which we'll cover below), an easy greeting uses a full name with a "Dear" or "Hello" before it.

  12. How To Write a Cover Letter (With Examples and Tips)

    Middle paragraph (s) Closing paragraph. Letter ending and signature. Your cover letter should be one page long and use a simple, professional font, such as Arial or Helvetica, 10 to 12 points in size. Your letter should be left-aligned with single spacing and one-inch margins. Show Transcript.

  13. Writing a Great Cover Letter Salutation

    Cover Letter Salutation Examples. So, what should you write for your cover letter salutation? The best possible option is to use the name of the hiring manager. That would be "Dear Ms. Smith" or "Dear Mr. Smith.". Remember that "Mrs." is based on marital status, which you don't know, so "Ms." is a safer option if the hiring ...

  14. How To Address A Cover Letter (With Examples)

    In some cases, you might encounter a line like, 'Send your resume and cover letter to [email protected].'. You're likely safe to address Raheem Mosen in your cover letter in this instance. 3. Call the company. If you can't find the name of the person on the company website or on the job posting, call the organization.

  15. Which Cover Letter Salutation is Best?

    Cover Letter Salutation. A good cover letter makes all the difference to a job application, and while the salutation is one of the smallest parts of it, it's also one of the most important. Your salutation sets the tone for the whole cover letter and can impact how the hiring manager views your application as a whole.

  16. How to Write a Cover Letter For Any Job + Expert Tips

    Place your name, city, state, ZIP code, phone number and email address in your cover letter heading. Your email address should be professional like "[email protected]," and not personal like "[email protected]." Include links to your LinkedIn profile or professional online portfolio if you have one.

  17. Tips and Tricks in Writing Effective Cover Letter Salutations

    Love. Thank you for. your consideration. Remember: Capitalize the first letter of your closing. However, if your closing salutation has more than one word, capitalize the first letter of the first word then use lowercase letters for the rest of the words. To conclude, cover letter salutations shouldn't be overlooked.

  18. Salutation Examples: Greeting Correspondents Like a Pro

    B. Examples of Cover Letter Salutations. The best salutations for your cover letter depend on several factors, including the company culture and the person you are addressing. Formal Salutations: If you are sending your cover letter to a large corporation, it would be best to stick to a more formal salutation. For example, "Dear Mr./Ms.

  19. How To Format a Cover Letter (With Outline and Examples)

    If you're providing a hard copy of your cover letter, handwrite your signature and also include your full typed name. Download Cover Letter Outline Template. To upload the template into Google Docs, go to File > Open > and select the correct downloaded file. Related: Creating the Perfect Cover Letter (With Template and Example)

  20. 200+ Professional Cover Letter Examples for Job Seekers

    Finally, it's clear the writer of this cover letter is committed to the new job. They even worked on their skills to prepare for this change in profession. Taking a 150-hour course and volunteering are both great signs our candidate is dedicated to switching industries. 6. Cover letter for promotion example.

  21. cover letter salutations Resources & Tutorials

    cover letter.A good salutation will always give a good impression of you before you even see the recruiter in person, meaning that using an appropriate salutation is a very important inclusion in your cover letter. 5 examples of good cover letter salutations you can include in your cover letter: Dear Hiring Manager, Dear Mr./Ms.[Last name] , Dear [Full name of Hiring Manager] , Dear ...

  22. Cover Letter Salutations

    One more acceptable phrase to use in your cover letter salutations is "Dear Sir or Madam." This phrase accounts for either gender, which is good, although it does sound awkward since it makes a big affair out of doing so. "Dear Hiring Manager" is a bit less ungainly in this sense. There is also something old fashioned sounding about saying ...

  23. How to Write an Effective Application Letter [with Example & Tips]

    An application letter is a document similar to a cover letter or a resume that job seekers submit when they are interested in a role.. The document is similar to a cover letter, and it should follow business letter formatting.. Before writing an application letter, you should research the company and read the job ad to find out which skills and qualifications are needed.

  24. How To Address a Cover Letter Without a Name in 5 Steps

    3. Use the "Hiring Manager" salutation. One common way to address the cover letter without a name is by using "Hiring Manager." This is a universal title that can represent anyone who hires people, even if hiring manager isn't their official title.

  25. PDF TIP SHEET: Cover Letters The purpose of a cover letter

    Include a specific name can get your leter and resume to the hiring manager more quickly and can be an effec ve personal touch. If you are applying for an adver sed posi on that does not give a name to contact, call the company and ask for the department manager's name. Salutation. Choose the appropriate way to address the contact person.