The Art of Addressing an Unknown Hiring Manager

Dear Sir/Madam? Hello? To the Hiring Manager? Dear Recruiter? There must be a proper way to address the recipient of the cover letter when their name is unknown. Particularly in the age of automated applications and processes, it isn't uncommon for job postings to miss the hiring manager's name. This presents the shared struggle of how to address them without sounding generic or impersonal.

There are better ways to approach without the traditional "To Whom It May Concern", but first you need to do diligent research on the company's website, social media, or professional networking sites such as LinkedIn. You might be able to uncover the name of the hiring manager. Addressing someone by their name shows that you've invested time and effort, right from the initial interaction. Generally, you want to avoid assuming and using marital titles (Mrs., Miss., etc.) or educational titles such as doctorates. It could be offensive even if used correctly.

If your efforts to discover the hiring manager’s name yield no results, consider addressing the department head or the position title directly; you could say "Dear Marketing Team Leader" or "Dear Human Resources Manager," depending on the position you are applying for.

In situations where the hiring person isn't a head figure but rather a hiring specialist that is part of a team, you want to use an inclusive approach that is a bit more personalised. For example, instead of simply saying “dear hiring team” you could specify your greeting by saying “dear marketing hiring team”.  This shows that you've attempted to acknowledge their collective position and that you understand the role you are applying for.

The goal remains consistent – forging a connection that sets you apart. Whether or not you know the name, your cover letter should radiate enthusiasm, underscore your unique value, and seamlessly align your capabilities with the company's needs. Strike the right balance between formality and personalization, and you'll craft a cover letter that lingers in the hiring manager's memory.