You’ve found the perfect job and you can’t wait to apply. You fill out an application and upload your resume, and then find yourself in need of a cover letter.
While it might be easy to address the letter “To Whom It May Concern,” with all of the data available on the Internet, it shouldn’t be hard to personalize your cover letter with a specific name.
With the conveniences for the Internet and major job boards, applying for a job can be as easy as a click. Taking the time to find a name and personalize your application shows that you really want the job, and that you’re able to go above and beyond and work independently to get a job done.
Ideally, you’ll be able to find the name of the specific hiring manager or recruiter for the job you’re applying for. If that’s the case, address your cover letter “Dear [hiring manager’s name].”
If you can’t find a specific name, you might consider addressing your cover letter as “Dear [department head’s name];” “Dear [name or title of the position’s manager];” or as a last resort, “Dear Hiring Manager.”