5 ways to address a cover letter besides ‘To whom it may concern’

2012-03-13

Source From: MSN Careers

One of the most common pieces of job-seeker advice we give on The Work Buzz blog is topersonalize application materialsas much as possible. This includes the addressing of your cover letter.There may be cases where it’s impossible to find a contact associated with the position, but that doesn’t mean quotTo whom it may concernquot is the only option. With such easy access to information through social media and sites like LinkedIn, don’t give up on cover-letter customization just because the job description doesn’t list a contact.
quotYou should never use [To whom it may concern] when sending a cover letter,quot says Jodi R. R. Smith,presidentof etiquette consulting firm Mannersmith. quotInstead, with a few key strokes on your computer, you can research who the proper person for the salutation of the letter is. Having a name on the cover letter shows that you really want the job, that you took the extra time to personalize the letter and that you are able to work independently to get a job done.quot
Here, experts weigh in on five alternative ways to address a cover letter:
1.Dear [hiring manager's name]:quotThe best way to begin a cover letter is by addressing it directly to the HR/recruiter or hiring manager and emailing it right to them personally,quot says Megan Pittsley, director of talent atrestaurant technologystart up E la Carte. quotIn today’s quick-apply society, taking the time and effort to respond personally to job openings and doing a bit of research will help to make you stand out. Most people have LinkedIn profiles, so the information is readily available for those who put a bit of effort into it.quotOther ways to track down a hiring manager’s information? Do a search of the company’s website or call the company and ask for the name of the person hiring for the coveted position.
2.Dear [department head's name]:If you’ve tried the tactics listed in No. 1 and still can’t identify the hiring manager, Bettina Seidman, president ofcareer counselingandexecutive coachingcompany Seidbet Associates, suggests looking instead for the department head’s name and addressing the cover letter accordingly. That’s usually easier to find and still shows initiative.
3.Dear [name or title of position's manager]:quotIf the posting says ‘reporting to the senior associate manager,’ query on the organization’s website until you find out who that person is and use his/her name,quot Smith says. If you can’t find the name, then just use the title.
4.To the [name of department]:Callista Gould, certified etiquette instructor at Culture and Manners Institute, recommends using the section or department name, if a direct contact can’t be found (e.g.,quotTo the consumer affairs departmentquot).
5.Dear [hiring manager/personnel manager/human resources director]:If you’ve done your due diligence and still can’t find any specific information to include in the salutation, Sherry Mirshahi Totten, president of careermarketingcompany Roadmap Career Services LLC, says it’s OK to address it generally. But instead of quotTo whom it may concern,quot use quotDear hiring manager,quot quotDear personnel managerquot or quotDear human resources director.quot quotDear recruiterquot or quotDear decision maker for X positionquot works too.

Copyright MSN Careers