Addressing the Standard Cover Letter
- Write to a specific individual whenever possible.
- If you don’t know, direct the letter to someone with a specific job title, such as “Director of Human Resources” or “Hiring Manager” or to the position that supervises the position that is listed in the job description.
- Don’t forget the article (e.g., Mr. or Ms.) for the salutation (e.g., Dear Ms. ___). If the person’s sex is unknown from the name (e.g., Jamie or Taylor), try to ask someone or even call the company to confirm.
- Avoid using first names in the salutation, unless you have talked or emailed with the person and first names were used.
- NEVER address your letter “Dear Sir/Ma’am” or “To Whom It May Concern.”
