cover letter with 2 addresses

• Career Advice

How to Write a Cover Letter to Multiple Recipients?

You can mail your cover letter and resume to multiple managers at an organization if you are not aware of the concerned person’s name. This trick helps your resume reach the right person. You should mention the names of all the recipients if you have been able to find information regarding their names and designations so that everyone knows who has got the copy of your letter.

The general format of this cover letter is the same as the regular one written for one recipient, except for the names of multiple recipients. Don’t forget to mention the position you’re applying for, where you heard about it, and why you think you are eligible for it.

How to identify the key players?

If the job advertisement doesn’t specify the names of the hiring managers, you can use multiple resources to identify the recipients’ names. For instance, you can call the organization to ask for the names of hiring managers. If you still don’t get the names, check professional networking sites like LinkedIn and look for hiring resources in the respective company. You may also get this information from the company’s official website. If you know someone who works there, he can also provide you with the required information.

How to include additional recipients?

Do you know how to cc multiple recipients in a letter ? We will explain how.

You need to give your signature at the end of the letter. Providing two spaces beneath your signature, write “cc:” and mention the names and designations of other letter recipients. For instance, type “cc: Mr. Adams, Human Resources Assistant Manager.” Use a separate line for each additional recipient.

The right way to mail your letter

You might have multiple recipients of the letter but make sure to send a copy of your letter to each recipient. Get an envelope for each recipient and put your resume and cover letter in it. Before placing the letter in the envelope, checkmark the recipient’s name you’re sending it. Do this for the recipients in the “cc” list.

Address a cover letter by email

In this digital world , most cover letters and resumes are shared by email, as it’s the fastest and most convenient method for all. Hiring managers receive many letters each day. Your responsibility is to make it easy for them to scan your mail. You can make the process easy by adding a relevant and clear subject line and your signature and contact details.

Can you address a cover letter to multiple recipients ? Of course, you can. CC other recipients at the end of the letter, mentioning their names and designations. Please write their email addresses in the “CC” tab of your email to copy the email to them.

Skip writing “To whom it may concern” in cover letters. It has become old school now. People usually mention this when they don’t get enough information from the hiring managers. However, it’s always better to write one or two names of the hiring managers. It will demonstrate your interest in the company because you will be looking for the names of hiring managers and other company details. If you don’t get information about the hiring managers, you can write “Dear Hiring Managers” to address the recipients.

How to write the subject line in the email?

Leaving the subject line blank is not a very good idea. There is a high probability of getting your email deleted because when a hiring manager receives an email without a subject line, they don’t bother to open it. And sometimes, such emails go directly to spam boxes. So, you better mention a clear subject line to convey your intentions of writing to them.

While writing the subject line, don’t forget to mention the job title you are applying for. Hiring managers look for multiple resources for different departments. So, writing the job title will make it easy for them to scan your email for the position you’re interested in.

The Salutation should be personalized

Personalization is the key. Even if you send a letter to several people in the organization, only address your letter to a single person. This person might be the most senior in the human resource department. The recipient’s address section includes the person’s name, designation, organization, and address. Address this person in salutation. You can mention the manager’s full name if you don’t know the gender. For example, write “Dear Terry Johns” rather than “Dear Miss Terry.” If there’s a hiring committee responsible for hiring resources in a company, you should write “Dear Hiring Committee.” You may also use this salutation if you don’t know who the recipients are.

The correct format of the cover letter email

Type a colon or comma after writing your selected salutation. Give a space afterward, and then start writing the letter’s first paragraph. Follow these steps to format your cover letter in an email correctly:

• Write Salutation with a comma/colon: Dear Hiring Manager:
• With a space, write the first paragraph of the letter.
• Body of your cover letter.

The body of your cover letter covers all the essential details you want to share with the employer. Mention the position you’re applying for and justify how you are the most suitable candidate to be called for an interview. That’s where you will sell your skills and experience as the right candidate. Check the job requirements properly and put relevant experiences and skills you have that match the ones they are searching for.

Before sending an email cover letter, check if the company has any specific instructions to follow on how to submit your resume and cover letter. Following their instructions is crucial. You must make sure that your cover letter is well-written, covering all the essential and required details.

•     Conclusion

To conclude your email cover letter, mention that you have attached your resume as per the requirement. Thank the employer in anticipation and give details so that they can reach out if you get selected for an interview call.

•     Signature

Your signature should include your full name, contact number, permanent home address, email address, and URL to your LinkedIn profile. This will make it easy for the hiring managers to reach out to you.

Accuracy Check is a must

Proofreading your cover letter is a must. Check that the information you have shared is accurate. Double-check the names and designations of the recipients. It is imperative to add the correct address and recipient details so that your letter reaches the right individuals. Before finalizing your letter, make sure the following information is correctly spelled and accurate:

• Job Position you’re applying for.
• Recipient’s names and designations
• Company name
• Recipient addresses

Examples of letters addressed to multiple people

Here are some examples of formatting your cover letters. We have shared some accurate headers and salutations for addressing multiple recipients.

Here is an example of a cover letter to multiple recipients at the same company address. It’s an official letter with three addresses :

Mrs. Jenny Harrison, Mr. Jonas Ramsey, Ms. Leena Larson

Department of Cyber Crime

Stanford Cyber Crime International

5678 Q Chester Rd, Suite 200

Miami, SL 33388

Dear Mrs. Jenny Harrison, Mr. Jonas Ramsey, and Ms. Leena Larson:

Here is an example of a cover letter to multiple recipients at different addresses:

Dr. Stark Abraham

CC: Dr. Marry Richard, Dr. Mads Jones

Department of Cardiology

Bloomfield General Hospital

6789 Medical Officer, Suite 34

Albany, NY 89989

Dear Dr. Stark Abraham:

CC: Dr. Marry Richard, Dr. Mads Jones:

Here is an example of a cover letter to a large group of people at the same company address:

Members of the Admissions Board

Admissions Department

New York University

7890 Learning Street, Suite 342

Dear Members of the Admissions Board:

Things To Check Before Sending the Letter

• Review sample of cover letter: Writing cover letters from scratch is not an easy task. Review existing cover letters to make your life easier and not forget any formatting guidelines.
• Personalize your cover letter: You better personalize it every time you need to send a cover letter. Because every job has different requirements, even if the job titles are similar, personalizing your cover letter for each position will let you customize your skills and experience according to the job requirements.
• Check for any spelling mistakes: Before sending the cover letter, check if you have correctly written the hiring manager’s name and designation. Making a spelling mistake in a cover letter can cost you a job interview.
• Proofread your letter twice: While sending an email for a job position you want, it is essential to be sure that your email and attached documents are well-written. If possible, take help from a friend in proofreading your email/letter for any grammatical mistakes or typos.

Written by Simon W

Related articles.

Top Resume Trends to Watch Out for in 2023

Resume Writing for Career Changers: Tips and Strategies

How To Create Resume For Sales Executive

• Resume Templates
• How It Works
• Resume Tips

No products in the cart.

Cover letter

Addressing a cover letter to multiple recipients.

In an increasingly collaborative world, it’s not uncommon to find yourself needing to address a cover letter to more than one individual. Whether it’s a team of hiring managers, multiple partners at a firm, or different department heads, ensuring your salutation respects all recipients is crucial. Let’s dive into the intricacies and best practices of addressing multiple individuals in your cover letter.

Understanding the Importance of Proper Addressing

Creating a first impression.

The manner in which you address your cover letter gives the first impression about your attention to detail, cultural fit, and professionalism. It’s not merely about getting names right; it’s about showcasing your respect for each recipient and the role they play.

Demonstrating Your Research

When you’re able to correctly and respectfully address each individual, it indicates that you’ve done your homework. This can differentiate you from other candidates who might not take the same care.

Reflecting Organizational Hierarchies

Being aware of the company hierarchy can be crucial. The order in which you address recipients might be taken as an indication of your understanding of the company’s structure and priorities.

Tips for Addressing Multiple Recipients

Ordering names correctly.

• By Seniority: If you’re addressing a CEO and a department manager, it’s appropriate to list the CEO first. This acknowledges the hierarchy and shows you recognize its importance.
• By Relevance to Position: If you’re unsure about seniority, consider who is most relevant to the position you’re applying for. If it’s a technical role and you’re addressing both the CTO and HR Manager, the CTO might be listed first.

Using Neutral Salutations

If you find that listing individual names becomes too cumbersome or you’re unsure about the order, neutral salutations can be a lifesaver. Phrases like “To the Hiring Committee,” “Dear Selection Panel,” or “To the Recruitment Team” can be broad yet respectful.

Being Gender-Sensitive

Avoid making assumptions about gender, especially if you’re relying on names you’re unfamiliar with. If you can’t ascertain gender from your research, it’s best to default to full names or neutral titles, such as “Dear Taylor Green” instead of “Mr./Ms. Green.”

Additional Points to Consider

Avoiding repetition in the body.

While you might address multiple recipients in the salutation, ensure that the body of your letter doesn’t become repetitive. Tailor your content so it’s relevant to all without feeling like you’re repeating points for each recipient’s benefit.

Using Titles and Credentials

If one of your recipients has a specific title like “Dr.” or a significant credential, it’s important to use it. This is especially relevant in academic or highly specialized fields.

Considering Cultural Norms

Some cultures have specific norms when it comes to addressing individuals. If you’re applying for a role in a company based in another country or one with a different primary culture than yours, doing a bit of research on naming conventions can prove invaluable.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Not making assumptions.

It’s easy to make assumptions based on common names or roles within an organization. However, these assumptions can lead to addressing errors. For instance, just because you know a few Jordans who are male doesn’t mean every Jordan is.

Cross-checking with Multiple Sources

If you’ve found the names of your recipients from a particular source, cross-reference them with another to ensure accuracy. Company websites, LinkedIn profiles, or even recent press releases can provide clarity.

Staying Updated with Organizational Changes

Organizations are dynamic. Leadership changes, role transitions, and department shifts happen regularly. Just because someone was the Marketing Director last year doesn’t mean they still hold that position. Regularly updating your information can prevent potentially embarrassing oversights.

Reaching Out for Clarification

If you’re truly uncertain about how to address your cover letter, there’s no harm in reaching out to the organization’s HR department for guidance. Not only does this show initiative, but it also demonstrates your commitment to getting things right.

Formatting and Presentation

Consistency in naming.

If you’ve chosen to use first names and surnames for one recipient, ensure you maintain this format for all. Mixing “Mr. Smith” and “John” in the same letter can appear inconsistent.

Using Clear Separation

When addressing multiple individuals, it’s essential to ensure clarity in separation. Using semicolons or listing names on separate lines can help avoid confusion.

Final Thoughts

In the end, the goal is clear communication, demonstrating respect, and ensuring the recipients feel valued. While some might argue that content should take precedence over addressing, remember: the manner in which you initiate your communication can set the tone for how the rest of your message is received.

Moreover, as with all aspects of the job application process, the devil is in the details. This attention to detail will reflect positively on you as a candidate, showcasing your diligence, respect, and eagerness to communicate effectively.

For those committed to ensuring every aspect of their application process shines, it’s not just the cover letter salutation that matters. The resume is equally, if not more, crucial. For those keen on making an impactful impression, don’t hesitate to check out our premium resume templates .

Username or email address  *

Password  *

Remember me Log in

Lost your password?

Email address  *

A password will be sent to your email address.

Your personal data will be used to support your experience throughout this website, to manage access to your account, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy .

How it works

Transform your enterprise with the scalable mindsets, skills, & behavior change that drive performance.

Explore how BetterUp connects to your core business systems.

We pair AI with the latest in human-centered coaching to drive powerful, lasting learning and behavior change.

Build leaders that accelerate team performance and engagement.

Unlock performance potential at scale with AI-powered curated growth journeys.

Build resilience, well-being and agility to drive performance across your entire enterprise.

Transform your business, starting with your sales leaders.

Unlock business impact from the top with executive coaching.

Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Accelerate the performance and potential of your agencies and employees.

See how innovative organizations use BetterUp to build a thriving workforce.

Discover how BetterUp measurably impacts key business outcomes for organizations like yours.

A demo is the first step to transforming your business. Meet with us to develop a plan for attaining your goals.

• What is coaching?

Learn how 1:1 coaching works, who its for, and if it's right for you.

Accelerate your personal and professional growth with the expert guidance of a BetterUp Coach.

Types of Coaching

Navigate career transitions, accelerate your professional growth, and achieve your career goals with expert coaching.

Enhance your communication skills for better personal and professional relationships, with tailored coaching that focuses on your needs.

Find balance, resilience, and well-being in all areas of your life with holistic coaching designed to empower you.

Discover your perfect match : Take our 5-minute assessment and let us pair you with one of our top Coaches tailored just for you.

Research, expert insights, and resources to develop courageous leaders within your organization.

Best practices, research, and tools to fuel individual and business growth.

View on-demand BetterUp events and learn about upcoming live discussions.

The latest insights and ideas for building a high-performing workplace.

• BetterUp Briefing

The online magazine that helps you understand tomorrow's workforce trends, today.

Innovative research featured in peer-reviewed journals, press, and more.

Founded in 2022 to deepen the understanding of the intersection of well-being, purpose, and performance

We're on a mission to help everyone live with clarity, purpose, and passion.

Join us and create impactful change.

Read the buzz about BetterUp.

Meet the leadership that's passionate about empowering your workforce.

For Business

For Individuals

How to write a great cover letter in 2024: tips and structure

A cover letter is a personalized letter that introduces you to a potential employer, highlights your qualifications, and explains why you're a strong fit for a specific job.

Hate or love them, these brief documents allow job seekers to make an impression and stand out from the pile of other applications. Penning a thoughtful cover letter shows the hiring team you care about earning the position.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to write a cover letter — and a great one, at that.

What is a cover letter and why does it matter?

A professional cover letter is a one-page document you submit alongside your CV or resume as part of a job application. Typically, they’re about half a page or around 150–300 words.

An effective cover letter doesn’t just rehash your CV; it’s your chance to highlight your proudest moments, explain why you want the job, and state plainly what you bring to the table.

Show the reviewer you’re likable, talented, and will add to the company’s culture . You can refer to previous jobs and other information from your CV, but only if it helps tell a story about you and your career choices .

What 3 things should you include in a cover letter?

A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out to potential employers. To make your cover letter shine, here are three key elements to include:

1. Personalization

Address the hiring manager or recruiter by name whenever possible. If the job posting doesn't include a name, research to find out who will be reviewing applications. Personalizing your cover letter shows that you've taken the time to tailor your application to the specific company and role.

2. Highlight relevant achievements and skills

Emphasize your most relevant skills , experiences, and accomplishments that directly relate to the job you're applying for. Provide specific examples of how your skills have benefited previous employers and how they can contribute to the prospective employer's success. Use quantifiable achievements , such as improved efficiency, cost savings, or project success, to demonstrate your impact.

3. Show enthusiasm and fit

Express your enthusiasm for the company and the position you're applying for. Explain why you are interested in this role and believe you are a good fit for the organization. Mention how your values, goals, and skills align with the company's mission and culture. Demonstrating that you've done your research can make a significant impression.

What do hiring managers look for in a cover letter?

Employers look for several key elements in a cover letter. These include:

Employers want to see that your cover letter is specifically tailored to the position you are applying for. It should demonstrate how your skills, experiences, and qualifications align with the job requirements.

Clear and concise writing

A well-written cover letter is concise, easy to read, and error-free. Employers appreciate clear and effective communication skills , so make sure your cover letter showcases your ability to express yourself effectively.

Demonstrated knowledge of the company

Employers want to see that you are genuinely interested in their organization. Mention specific details about the company, such as recent achievements or projects, to show that you are enthusiastic about joining their team.

Achievements and accomplishments

Highlight your relevant achievements and accomplishments that demonstrate your qualifications for the position. Use specific examples to showcase your skills and show how they can benefit the employer.

Enthusiasm and motivation

Employers want to hire candidates who are excited about the opportunity and motivated to contribute to the company's success. Express your enthusiasm and passion for the role and explain why you are interested in working for the company.

Professionalism

A cover letter should be professional in tone and presentation. Use formal language, address the hiring manager appropriately, and follow standard business letter formatting.

How do you structure a cover letter?

A well-structured cover letter follows a specific format that makes it easy for the reader to understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position. Here's a typical structure for a cover letter:

Contact information

Include your name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the letter. Place your contact information at the beginning so that it's easy for the employer to reach you.

Employer's contact information

Opening paragraph, middle paragraph(s), closing paragraph, complimentary close, additional contact information.

Repeat your contact information (name, phone number, and email) at the end of the letter, just in case the employer needs it for quick reference.

Remember to keep your cover letter concise and focused. It should typically be no more than one page in length. Proofread your letter carefully to ensure it is free from spelling and grammatical errors. Tailor each cover letter to the specific job application to make it as relevant and impactful as possible.

How to write a good cover letter (with examples)

The best letters are unique, tailored to the job description, and written in your voice — but that doesn’t mean you can’t use a job cover letter template.

Great cover letters contain the same basic elements and flow a certain way. Take a look at this cover letter structure for ref erence while you construct your own.

1. Add a header and contact information

While reading your cover letter, the recruiter shouldn’t have to look far to find who wrote it. Your document should include a basic heading with the following information:

• Pronouns (optional)
• Location (optional)
• Email address
• Phone number (optional)
• Relevant links, such as your LinkedIn profile , portfolio, or personal website (optional)

You can pull this information directly from your CV. Put it together, and it will look something like this:

Christopher Pike

San Francisco, California

[email protected]

Alternatively, if the posting asks you to submit your cover letter in the body of an email, you can include this information in your signature. For example:

Warm regards,

Catherine Janeway

Bloomington, Indiana

[email protected]

(555) 999 - 2222

2. Include a personal greeting

Always begin your cover letter by addressing the hiring manager — preferably by name. You can use the person’s first and last name. Make sure to include a relevant title, like Dr., Mr., or Ms. For example, “Dear Mr. John Doe.”

Avoid generic openings like “To whom it may concern,” “Dear sir or madam,” or “Dear hiring manager.” These introductions sound impersonal — like you’re copy-pasting cover letters — and can work against you in the hiring process.

Be careful, though. When using someone’s name, you don’t want to use the wrong title or accidentally misgender someone. If in doubt, using only their name is enough. You could also opt for a gender-neutral title, like Mx.

Make sure you’re addressing the right person in your letter — ideally, the person who’s making the final hiring decision. This isn’t always specified in the job posting, so you may have to do some research to learn the name of the hiring manager.

3. Draw them in with an opening story

The opening paragraph of your cover letter should hook the reader. You want it to be memorable, conversational, and extremely relevant to the job you’re pursuing. 

There’s no need for a personal introduction — you’ve already included your name in the heading. But you should make reference to the job you’re applying for. A simple “Thank you for considering my application for the role of [job title] at [company],” will suffice.

Then you can get into the “Why” of your job application. Drive home what makes this specific job and this company so appealing to you. Perhaps you’re a fan of their products, you’re passionate about their mission, or you love their brand voice. Whatever the case, this section is where you share your enthusiasm for the role.

Here’s an example opening paragraph. In this scenario, you’re applying for a digital marketing role at a bicycle company:

“Dear Mr. John Doe,

Thank you for considering my application for the role of Marketing Coordinator at Bits n’ Bikes.

My parents bought my first bike at one of your stores. I’ll never forget the freedom I felt when I learned to ride it. My father removed my training wheels, and my mom sent me barrelling down the street. You provide joy to families across the country — and I want to be part of that.”

4. Emphasize why you’re best for the job

Your next paragraphs should be focused on the role you’re applying to. Highlight your skill set and why you’re a good fit for the needs and expectations associated with the position. Hiring managers want to know what you’ll bring to the job, not just any role.

Start by studying the job description for hints. What problem are they trying to solve with this hire? What skills and qualifications do they mention first or more than once? These are indicators of what’s important to the hiring manager.

Search for details that match your experience and interests. For example, if you’re excited about a fast-paced job in public relations, you might look for these elements in a posting:

• They want someone who can write social media posts and blog content on tight deadlines
• They value collaboration and input from every team member
• They need a planner who can come up with strong PR strategies

Highlight how you fulfill these requirements:

“I’ve always been a strong writer. From blog posts to social media, my content pulls in readers and drives traffic to product pages. For example, when I worked at Bits n’ Bikes, I developed a strategic blog series about bike maintenance that increased our sales of spare parts and tools by 50% — we could see it in our web metrics.

Thanks to the input of all of our team members, including our bike mechanics, my content delivered results.”

5. End with a strong closing paragraph and sign off gracefully

Your closing paragraph is your final chance to hammer home your enthusiasm about the role and your unique ability to fill it. Reiterate the main points you explained in the body paragraphs and remind the reader of what you bring to the table.

You can also use the end of your letter to relay other important details, like whether you’re willing to relocate for the job.

When choosing a sign-off, opt for a phrase that sounds professional and genuine. Reliable options include “Sincerely” and “Kind regards.”

Here’s a strong closing statement for you to consider:

“I believe my enthusiasm, skills, and work experience as a PR professional will serve Bits n’ Bikes very well. I would love to meet to further discuss my value-add as your next Director of Public Relations. Thank you for your consideration. I hope we speak soon.

Tips to write a great cover letter that compliments your resume

When writing your own letter, try not to copy the example excerpts word-for-word. Instead, use this cover letter structure as a baseline to organize your ideas. Then, as you’re writing, use these extra cover letter tips to add your personal touch:

• Keep your cover letter different from your resume : Your cover letter should not duplicate the information on your resume. Instead, it should provide context and explanations for key points in your resume, emphasizing how your qualifications match the specific job you're applying for.
• Customize your cover letter . Tailor your cover letter for each job application. Address the specific needs of the company and the job posting, demonstrating that you've done your homework and understand their requirements.
• Show enthusiasm and fit . Express your enthusiasm for the company and position in the cover letter. Explain why you are interested in working for this company and how your values, goals, and skills align with their mission and culture.
• Use keywords . Incorporate keywords from the job description and industry terms in your cover letter. This can help your application pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and demonstrate that you're well-versed in the field.
• Keep it concise . Your cover letter should be succinct and to the point, typically no more than one page. Focus on the most compelling qualifications and experiences that directly support your application.
• Be professional . Maintain a professional tone and structure in your cover letter. Proofread it carefully to ensure there are no errors.
• Address any gaps or concerns . If there are gaps or concerns in your resume, such as employment gaps or a change in career direction, briefly address them in your cover letter. Explain any relevant circumstances and how they have shaped your qualifications and determination.
• Provide a call to action . Conclude your cover letter with a call to action, inviting the employer to contact you for further discussion. Mention that you've attached your resume for their reference.
• Follow the correct format . Use a standard cover letter format like the one above, including your contact information, a formal salutation, introductory and closing paragraphs, and your signature. Ensure that it complements your resume without redundancy.
• Pick the right voice and tone . Try to write like yourself, but adapt to the tone and voice of the company. Look at the job listing, company website, and social media posts. Do they sound fun and quirky, stoic and professional, or somewhere in-between? This guides your writing style.
• Tell your story . You’re an individual with unique expertise, motivators, and years of experience. Tie the pieces together with a great story. Introduce how you arrived at this point in your career, where you hope to go , and how this prospective company fits in your journey. You can also explain any career changes in your resume.
• Show, don’t tell . Anyone can say they’re a problem solver. Why should a recruiter take their word for it if they don’t back it up with examples? Instead of naming your skills, show them in action. Describe situations where you rose to the task, and quantify your success when you can.
• Be honest . Avoid highlighting skills you don’t have. This will backfire if they ask you about them in an interview. Instead, shift focus to the ways in which you stand out.
• Avoid clichés and bullet points . These are signs of lazy writing. Do your best to be original from the first paragraph to the final one. This highlights your individuality and demonstrates the care you put into the letter.
• Proofread . Always spellcheck your cover letter. Look for typos, grammatical errors, and proper flow. We suggest reading it out loud. If it sounds natural rolling off the tongue, it will read naturally as well.

Common cover letter writing FAQs

How long should a cover letter be.

A cover letter should generally be concise and to the point. It is recommended to keep it to one page or less, focusing on the most relevant information that highlights your qualifications and fits the job requirements.

Should I include personal information in a cover letter?

While it's important to introduce yourself and provide your contact information, avoid including personal details such as your age, marital status, or unrelated hobbies. Instead, focus on presenting your professional qualifications and aligning them with the job requirements.

Can I use the same cover letter for multiple job applications?

While it may be tempting to reuse a cover letter, it is best to tailor each cover letter to the specific job you are applying for. This allows you to highlight why you are a good fit for that particular role and show genuine interest in the company.

Do I need to address my cover letter to a specific person?

Whenever possible, it is advisable to address your cover letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager or recruiter. If the job posting does not provide this information, try to research and find the appropriate contact. If all else fails, you can use a generic salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager."

Should I include references in my cover letter?

It is generally not necessary to include references in your cover letter. Save this information for when the employer explicitly requests it. Instead, focus on showcasing your qualifications and achievements that make you a strong candidate for the position.

It’s time to start writing your stand-out cover letter

The hardest part of writing is getting started. 

Hopefully, our tips gave you some jumping-off points and confidence . But if you’re really stuck, looking at cover letter examples and resume templates will help you decide where to get started. 

There are numerous sample cover letters available online. Just remember that you’re a unique, well-rounded person, and your cover letter should reflect that. Using our structure, you can tell your story while highlighting your passion for the role. 

Doing your research, including strong examples of your skills, and being courteous is how to write a strong cover letter. Take a breath , flex your fingers, and get typing. Before you know it, your job search will lead to a job interview.

If you want more personalized guidance, a specialized career coach can help review, edit, and guide you through creating a great cover letter that sticks.

Ace your job search

Explore effective job search techniques, interview strategies, and ways to overcome job-related challenges. Our coaches specialize in helping you land your dream job.

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

3 cover letter examples to help you catch a hiring manager’s attention

Chatgpt cover letters: how to use this tool the right way, how to write an impactful cover letter for a career change, write thank you letters after interviews to stand out as job applicant, send a thank you email after an internship to boost your career, use professional reference templates to make hiring smoother, character references: 4 tips for a successful recommendation letter, what is a letter of intent examples on how to write one, tips and tricks for writing a letter of interest (with examples), similar articles, how to ask for a letter of recommendation (with examples), 5 tips for reentering the workforce, anxious about meetings learn how to run a meeting with these 10 tips, how to write a letter of recommendation (with examples), stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

3100 E 5th Street, Suite 350 Austin, TX 78702

• Platform Overview
• Integrations
• Powered by AI
• BetterUp Lead
• BetterUp Manage™
• BetterUp Care™
• Sales Performance
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Case Studies
• Why BetterUp?
• About Coaching
• Find your Coach
• Career Coaching
• Communication Coaching
• Life Coaching
• News and Press
• Leadership Team
• Become a BetterUp Coach
• BetterUp Labs
• Center for Purpose & Performance
• Leadership Training
• Business Coaching
• Contact Support
• Contact Sales
• Privacy Policy
• Acceptable Use Policy
• Trust & Security
• Cookie Preferences

How to Address a Cover Letter to Multiple Recipients

Addressing a cover letter to multiple recipients can seem like a daunting task, yet it’s a common scenario in today’s diverse and team-oriented work environments. Whether you’re applying to a small business or a large corporation, knowing how to navigate this aspect of your cover letter is crucial. It not only demonstrates your attention to detail but also your respect for corporate hierarchy and communication protocols. In this guide, we will delve into:

• The nuances of identifying and addressing multiple recipients in a cover letter, ensuring your application is professional and personalized.
• The significance of tailoring your greeting to fit the context of your application, whether you’re addressing a team, department heads, or a hiring committee.
• Strategies for researching recipient names and titles to make your cover letter stand out, emphasizing the importance of direct and accurate addressing.
• 1 How to Address a Cover Letter to Multiple Recipients Step by Step
• 2 Identifying Your Recipients
• 3 Best Practices for Addressing Cover Letters to Multiple Recipients

How to Address a Cover Letter to Multiple Recipients Step by Step

Addressing a cover letter to multiple recipients is a critical step in ensuring your job application is taken seriously. It shows respect and professionalism towards the company’s internal structure and the individuals reviewing your application. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step approach to guide you through this process:

• Begin with thorough research to identify the names and titles of the recipients. Utilize the company’s website, LinkedIn, or even a phone call to the company’s reception to gather accurate information.
• Understanding the hierarchy and roles within the company can help you determine the appropriate recipients for your cover letter.
• If you know the names of all recipients, address them individually in the salutation, using “Mr.,” “Ms.,” “Dr.,” etc., followed by their last names. For example, “Dear Mr. Smith, Ms. Johnson, and Dr. Adams,”.
• In cases where individual names are not available, opt for a generic yet respectful greeting, such as “Dear Hiring Team” or “Dear [Company Name] Team”.
• Your opening paragraph should briefly acknowledge the multiple recipients without dwelling on it. For example, “I am writing to express my interest in [Position Name], and I am pleased to address my application to the team responsible for this role”.
• In the body of your cover letter, maintain a tone and content that speaks to all recipients. Focus on your skills, experiences, and how you can contribute to the company, ensuring the information is relevant to all parties involved.
• End your cover letter with a professional sign-off, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name. This maintains the formal tone of your letter and shows respect to all recipients.

By following these steps, you can effectively address a cover letter to multiple recipients, ensuring your application is professional and considerate. This approach not only demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively in a professional setting but also increases the likelihood of your cover letter making a positive impression on each recipient.

Identifying Your Recipients

Identifying the recipients of your cover letter is a critical first step in personalizing your job application. Start by researching the company to find out who is responsible for hiring. Utilize LinkedIn, the company’s official website, or even call the company directly to inquire. Aim to get the names and titles of key individuals involved in the hiring process, such as the HR manager, department head, or team lead. Accurate identification ensures your cover letter is directed to the right people, increasing its effectiveness and demonstrating your attention to detail and commitment to personal engagement.

Best Practices for Addressing Cover Letters to Multiple Recipients

When addressing cover letters to multiple recipients, adhering to best practices is essential for making a positive impression and ensuring your application is received well. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Conduct Thorough Research : Before drafting your cover letter, invest time in researching the company to identify the appropriate recipients. Utilize resources like the company’s website, LinkedIn, or professional networks to gather accurate names and titles.
• Use Professional Salutations : If you have the names of the recipients, address them directly using professional titles such as “Mr.,” “Ms.,” or “Dr.,” followed by their last names. In cases where names are unknown, opt for a general but respectful greeting like “Dear Hiring Team” or “Dear [Company Name] Team”.
• Prioritize Clarity and Conciseness : Ensure your cover letter is clear and to the point. While addressing multiple recipients, maintain a professional tone and focus on how your skills and experiences align with the role and company values.
• Personalize Your Introduction : Acknowledge the multiple recipients in your opening paragraph to personalize your letter. A brief mention of addressing the relevant team or individuals demonstrates your awareness and respect for the company’s structure.
• Maintain a Universal Appeal : Craft the body of your cover letter in a way that is relevant and engaging to all recipients. Highlight your qualifications and achievements without focusing too narrowly on one area that might only appeal to part of your audience.
• Be Mindful of Formatting : When listing multiple names in the salutation, separate them with commas or semicolons, and consider the visual layout for clarity.
• Close Professionally : Conclude your cover letter with a respectful sign-off, such as “Sincerely” or “Best Regards,” followed by your name, maintaining the formal and respectful tone throughout.

Following these best practices ensures that your cover letter addresses multiple recipients effectively, demonstrating your professionalism and attention to detail. This approach not only respects the recipients’ time and positions but also showcases your ability to communicate effectively in a professional setting, thereby enhancing your candidacy.

Recent Posts

• The Best Skills to List on LinkedIn
• How to Write a New Job Announcement (Example + Tips)
• “Why Are You Suitable For This Job?” Sample Answers
• How to Answer “What are Your Weaknesses?” in an Interview
• Best Soft Skills for Your Resume

• February 2024
• January 2024
• December 2023
• Cover Letter

• Get the Job
• Resumes and CVs
• Applications
• Cover Letters
• Professional References

Professional Licenses and Exams

• Get a Promotion
• Negotiation
• Professional Ethics
• Professionalism
• Dealing with Coworkers
• Dealing with Bosses

Communication Skills

Managing the office, disabilities, harassment and discrimination, unemployment.

• Career Paths
• Compare Careers
• Switching Careers
• Training and Certifications
• Start a Company
• Internships and Apprenticeships
• Entry Level Jobs
• College Degrees

Growth Trends for Related Jobs

How to include two addresses on a cover letter.

The content of a cover letter is not the only thing you should be concerned with when you're applying for a job. On top of what you say, the actual formatting of the cover letter can make or break the entire presentation. You may think it's only an aesthetic thing, but attractive formatting shows that you took extra care and pay attention to detail. If you have to use two addresses on the cover letter, it's often because you have a different address during different parts of the year. Like all other formatting, this should be included in the most attractive way possible, which can mean including it at the bottom of the letter.

Proper formatting key to effective presentation

Format the top of your letter according to standard letter formatting, starting with the date at the top. Then skip a line and type the recipient's name, followed by the recipient's address on the next line, then the email address, and, finally the phone number, with all lines justified either to the left or right. If you're sending the letter to multiple people, change the recipient's contact information so that each letter you send uses that person's individual contact information.

Compose the rest of your letter, with your signature and name typed near the bottom of the letter and justified to the left of the page.

Skip a line and type your phone number.

Skip a line and then type "Current Address," "Summer Address," or specify a date range that you'll be at your current address, such as "Current Address 6/15/13 through 8/15/2103." On the next line, type the current street address, followed by your city and state on the next line, and then your ZIP code on the following line.

Skip a line and type "Permanent Address" or a date range during which you'll be at the second address. Then type the address details in the same way you formatted the first address.

If you are sending the letter to multiple people, type "cc:" when you get to the very bottom of the letter, and then type the name of the other recipient or recipients.

Related Articles

How to write a cover letter to multiple people →.

How to Write a Formal Business Letter →

How to Format a Synopsis →

How to Identify Attachments & Copies in Business Letters →

How to Write a Letter Requesting a Leave of Absence From Teaching →

• If you are sending the letter to multiple people, type "cc:" when you get to the very bottom of the letter, and then type the name of the other recipient or recipients.

Nicole Vulcan has been a journalist since 1997, covering parenting and fitness for The Oregonian, careers for CareerAddict, and travel, gardening and fitness for Black Hills Woman and other publications. Vulcan holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and journalism from the University of Minnesota. She's also a lifelong athlete and is pursuing certification as a personal trainer.

GaudiLab/iStock/GettyImages

• Job Descriptions
• Law Enforcement Job Descriptions
• Administrative Job Descriptions
• Healthcare Job Descriptions
• Sales Job Descriptions
• Fashion Job Descriptions
• Education Job Descriptions
• Salary Insights
• Journalism Salaries
• Healthcare Salaries
• Military Salaries
• Engineering Salaries
• Teaching Salaries
• Accessibility
• Privacy Notice
• Cookie Notice
• Copyright Policy
• Contact Us
• Find a Job
• Manage Preferences
• California Notice of Collection
• Terms of Use

How to Address a Cover Letter in 2024

Yes, how you address your cover letter matters.

After all, this is the first thing the recruiter reads when going through your cover letter, and yes, there is a right and wrong way to do it.

In this article, we’re going to teach you how to address your cover letter in such a way that you leave a positive impression on any recruiter!

• How to address a cover letter to a recruiter? (Casual or formal)
• What title to use when addressing the hiring manager
• How to address a cover letter without a contact person/to a company
• How to address a cover letter without an address
• How to address a cover letter in an email

How to Address a Cover Letter To a Recruiter (Casual or Formal)?

As we already mentioned, the way you address your cover letter is important because it is the very first thing recruiters see upon opening your cover letter. 

A well-formulated cover letter address means that you care enough to research the company (i.e. to find the hiring manager’s name and title) and that you show attention to detail. 

As such, you should always put some research into who you’re addressing your cover letter to and do so in a formal way.  

And yes, the formal part is important too. The recruiter isn’t your best friend - you want to maintain a sense of professionalism.

If this is how you address the recruiter in your cover letter:

• What’s up Hiring Manager
• Hi there Hiring Team

Then you say goodbye to the job.

Now, you’re probably wondering, how can I find out whom to address my cover letter to?

That’s what we’re about to teach you:

Who Am I Addressing My Cover Letter To?

Here are some tricks to find the full name of the hiring manager: 

• Check the job listing. The job listing may have information about the recruiter or the department doing the hiring. Make sure to read through the entire job listing, as it might not be at an entirely obvious place.
• Check the company website. Some websites feature the names of the hiring managers or heads of departments that may go through your cover letter. Alternatively, LinkedIn is another place where you can look for this information.
• Check the company’s LinkedIn. You can look up who works in the company you’re applying for on their LinkedIn page.
• Ask around. Do you have friends that work for the company? They could provide you with valuable inside info.

To avoid making a bad impression, head over to our guide on cover letter mistakes to learn about what NOT to do when writing your cover letter.  

Addressing a Cover Letter With a Name

By now, you have probably found the hiring manager’s full name and gender. With this information available, it’s best to address the hiring manager formally, as follows: 

• Dear Mr. Brown,
• Dear Miss Fitzpatrick,
• Dear Mrs. Lockhart,
• Dear Ms. Walters,

If, for some reason, you are unsure about the person’s title, gender, marital status, or preferred pronouns, just address them using their entire name to avoid any mistakes. For example:

• Dear Alex Brown, 
• Dear Blair Fitzpatrick,
• Dear Jesse Lockhart,
• Dear Madison Walters,

Addressing someone with a title 

Now, if you found out that the hiring manager has a professional or academic title, then it’s more appropriate to address them using that title. If, for example, the hiring manager has a Ph.D., then it’s more respectful to address them as “Dr. Last Name,” instead of “Mr. Last Name.”  

Here are some professional titles and how they’re abbreviated: 

• A professor is Prof. 
• A reverend is Rev. 
• A sergeant is Sgt. 
• Honorable is Hon. 

If, however, you are uncertain about how a title is abbreviated, then avoid it altogether. 

Here are a few examples to give you an idea: 

• Dear Prof. Welsch,
• Dear Director Smith,
• Dear Rev. Owen,

Dear Dr. Leonard,

When addressing women and you don’t know their marital status, always go with Ms., because it doesn’t comment on marital status. Some women prefer not to be addressed with Miss or Mrs. even when they’re married, so sticking with Ms. is the best choice. 

Want to learn more cover letter tips ? Our guide has all you need to ace your cover letter!  

How to Address a Cover Letter Without a Contact Person

It might happen that, no matter how hard you search, you can’t find the name of the hiring manager or department head that will read your cover letter.

In that case, you can address your cover letter to the department, faculty, or the company.

• Dear Software Development Hiring Team,
• Dear Customer Service Department Hiring Team,
• Dear Head of the Literature Faculty,
• Dear Director of Marketing,
• Dear Human Resources Recruitment Team,

Alternatively, if you don’t have enough information either about the department or the team, you can opt for addressing the cover letter directly to the company’s hiring staff, as follows: 

Dear [Company Name] Hiring Team 

Dear [Company Name] Recruiting Staff

If all else fails (meaning, you don’t know the name of the department head or even the exact department, in addition to the recruiter) then you can use one of the good, old-fashioned:

Dear Hiring Manager,

...but NOT the impersonal and way outdated “To whom it may concern” and “Dear Sir/Madam.” 

Starting a cover letter can be challenging. Our guide can show you how to start a cover letter that will get you results from the get-go. 

How to Format the Company’s Address

Before you reach the salutation, you have to make sure that the header with the recipient’s contact information is formatted correctly. 

It might not be the deciding point of whether you’ll secure an interview or not, but it will cost you points if it’s off. 

So, the first thing you want to do is add your name and surname on the upper left side of the cover letter. Underneath, you should write your professional title (if applicable), your email , and your phone number . 

Now, after you’ve also added the date, you should leave one more space and add the recipient’s contact information and, most importantly, the company’s address. 

It should look something like this on your cover letter: 

When You Can’t Find the Company’s Address 

Some companies might have several addresses listed (as per their branches, for example), or even none at all. 

Since an application that doesn’t have an address line could end up lost or misplaced, make sure you do one of the following before skipping the company’s address completely:

• Check all your resources, (pretty much like when you were looking for the hiring manager’s name) to find the company’s address. 
• Use the company’s headquarter address. This is sometimes easier to find, especially if the company has several branches. 
• Use the P.O. Box number for the company. This is not as specific as an actual address line, but if all else fails, it’s still something. 

Frequently, you’ll be asked to submit your job application (including your cover letter) electronically, or by email. In those cases, you can skip the address line altogether. 

Here’s how you’d go about addressing a cover letter in an email.

How to Address an Email Cover Letter

If you’re sending your job application through email, chances are you’ll need to format your cover letter in the body of the email, or as an attachment along with your resume.

First and foremost when you’re addressing a cover letter in an email is the subject line, which should be between 6-10 words long. 

Considering that hiring managers receive countless emails daily, you want to make sure that yours is a job application immediately. And the way to do that is straight through the subject line, which should indicate exactly the position you’re applying for and your name so that it’s easier to find through the recruiter’s swarmed mailbox. 

Here’ what we mean by that:

• Subject Line:   John Doe - Software Development Job Application 
• Subject Line: John Doe - Job Application for Marketing Manager Position   
• Subject Line: John Doe - Stock Manager Job Application 

Afterward, if you’re including your cover letter in the body of the email (as opposed to attaching it as a document), begin by using a salutation, add space, and start your letter. 

If someone referred you for the position, make sure to mention that in the subject line of your email as well as in your opening paragraph.  

So, let’s see how all the above plays out in practice: 

Subject Line: John Doe - Carl Jacob’s Referral for Software Developer

I was very glad that Mr. Jacobs, a long-time partner at your firm who also happens to be my mentor from college, referred me for the Software Developer position. 

Do you want your style, personality, and overall personal brand to shine through your application? With Novorésumé, you can match your cover letter with your resume to make a lasting impression! 

Key Takeaways 

And that’s all there is when it comes to addressing a cover letter! You should feel much more confident in doing so by now. 

Either way, let’s go over the main points we covered throughout the article: 

• Your cover letter address should be formal and well-researched. Don’t address the hiring manager with “hey,” “what’s up,” “hi there,” or even the old-fashioned “Dear Sir/Madam” and “To Whom It May Concern.”
• Always try to find the hiring manager’s full name and professional title through the company’s website, LinkedIn, by calling, or by asking someone who works there.
• If you know the hiring manager’s name, go with “Dear Mr./Miss Last Name,” but if you’re unsure about their gender, marital status, or preferred pronoun, just address them using their full name.
• If the recruiter has a professional or academic title, it’s more appropriate to address them using their title.
• If you can’t find the contact person’s name, then address the department, faculty, or company (i.e. Dear Microsoft Hiring Team , or Dear Software Development Recruitment Team ).

Related Readings: 

• Do I Need a Cover Letter in 2024
• Entry-Level Cover Letter
• Cover Letter for Internship
• How to Write a Cover Letter in 2024

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

• Knowledge Base
• Free Resume Templates
• Resume Builder
• Resume Examples
• Free Resume Review

How to address a cover letter?

I'm sure that you had to create a cover letter at some point in your job search. And like most other job seekers, you probably came across this problem: "How to address a cover letter?"

Most of the time, you have no idea who is going to read the cover letter.

So, how to address a cover letter without a name?

Hiring managers get roughly 100-200 resumes every day. And, they are already under a lot of pressure to sort the resumes.

On top of that, if they get cover letters that do not have proper formatting and do not address the hiring manager in the cover letter header, mark my words; they will surely throw your resume away.

In a resume cover letter, minute details make or break your chance of being hired.

So, you need to make sure that you know how to address cover letter correctly.

Don't worry!

In this blog, we will tell you everything you need to know about:

• Who to address cover letter to?
• How to address a cover letter without a name?
• How to find out who to address a cover letter to?
• How to address an email cover letter?
• How to address a cover letter for internal position?
• What should you not do when addressing a cover letter?
• Example of Proper Cover letter address format?
• Some common question about how to address cover letter

Who to Address a Cover Letter To?

Ideally, you need to address your cover letter to hiring managers , not the recruiters .

In many job postings, the name or email address of the hiring manager is given.

If you are lucky enough to find such job listings, then you are sorted. You can write a personalized cover letter addressing the hiring manager directly.

Unfortunately, not many job listing sites give the name and email address of the contact person.

Do not quit and send the cover letter without a name.

Go to the company website/about page and see if it has the list of staff.

That way, you can probably get the hiring manager's name or someone from the talent acquisition department to whom you need to address your cover letter.

The critical aspect is to do a lot of research .

Suppose you still don't find any name or contact information of anyone in the hiring department. In that case, you can also address your cover letter to someone in authority in other departments, such as the senior manager or the head of the department you are applying for.

It is a hundred times better to address your cover letter to someone in the organization than not addressing it at all.

At least, this way, they will understand that you are not throwing rocks in the dark. You have done your research and have good ideas about the organization.

Also Read: How to write a stellar cover letter in 2022?

How to Address a Cover letter Without a Name?

There are plenty of generic cover letter salutations you can use in your cover letter. These generic cover letter salutations eliminate the need to know the name of the contact person.

The only drawback is that you have no option to personalize your cover letter.

A survey conducted by Saddleback College has seen that only 8% of hiring managers are ok with a cover letter without name. But 92% of hiring managers prefer to have some address in the cover letter.

• Dear Hiring Manager (40%)
• Dear Sir/Madam (27%)
• To Whom It May Concern (17%)
• Dear Human Resources Director (6%)

However, we don't recommend you to use to whom it may concern in your cover letter address.

Instead, the best general salutation can be "Dear Hiring Manager."

If you want to personalize the address, you can address your cover letter to the specific department you are applying for. For example, "Dear Digital Marketing Department."

How to Address Cover Letter When You Don't Know Hiring Manager's Gender?

There will be times when you will find the gender-neutral name of the hiring manager. In that case, altogether avoid using gender-specific cover letter addresses. Instead, address with their both name and last name in the salutation like this:

• Dear John Doe,
• Dear Charlie Brown ,
• Dear Taylor Paisley,

Hiration Pro Tip : In this type of gender-neutral name, you can search for the person on Linkedin to find out their gender. Alternatively, you can search on the company page or call the company reception to get more information about the hiring manager.

How to Address Cover Letter When You Know Hiring Manager's Gender?

If you know the hiring manager's gender, things will be much easier for you. For men, you can address the hiring manager with "Mr.," but things get a bit tricky for female hiring managers.

Imagine this,

You have addressed the hiring manager with "Miss.," and if she turns out to be married, it will not look good on your part. You definitely do not want to offend your hiring manager.

Instead of "Miss" or "Mrs.," use " Ms.," which does not focus on their marital status.

• Dear. Ms. Moore,
• Dear Miss Jane,
• Dear Mrs. Black,

Should You Address the Hiring Manager With Only Their First Name?

If you know the hiring manager personally, only then can you use their first name to address the cover letter. Else, address the letter with their full name.

How to Use Professional Titles When Addressing a Cover Letter?

If the hiring manager has a professional or academic title, don't forget to address them by their title. You can write the full title like this:

• "Dear Doctor Taylor,"

Or you can use the abbreviated form like this:

• Dear Dr. Taylor ,
• Dear Sgt. Park,
• Dear Prof. Hoverman,
• Dear Principal Fury,

Also Read: How long should a cover letter be?

How Do You Find Out Who to Address a Cover Letter To?

If you don't find the hiring manager's name and contact information on the job description, don't just leave it like that! Do some research and put some effort into finding the name and email id of the hiring manager.

It may take some extra effort, but it shows that you are interested in this job. This section will tell you everything you need to know about finding the hiring manager's name and to who you address a cover letter.

Call the Company

Calling the company to ask for a hiring manager's details is the best way to accurately determine the hiring manager's name and number.

• Call the company desk
• State who you are and why you are calling
• Tell that you are applying for a job position and confirm who the hiring manager is for addressing in the cover letter.
• Most of the time, the hiring manager will happily give you the information you need.

Tip : When taking their name, ask for the spelling of the hiring manager's name. You do not want to screw up the spelling.

If the company desk refuses to give information for any reason, don't worry; we have four other ways in our arsenal.

Network With People Working With Prospective Employer

The second best way to get the hiring manager's name and contact information is to connect with your prospective employer's employees.

This way, you can ask your connection to refer you to the hiring manager or ask for the hiring manager's contact information when a job becomes available.

It is easier than you think.

Just do a quick Linkedin search and see the employers active on Linkedin.

Now, slowly start engaging with the person you want to connect with.

After a couple of days, send them a personalized connection request and slowly build a rapport.

You do not want to ask right out for reference after introducing yourself. Instead, add some value to the conversation, and show genuine interest in them.

This process takes some time, but the connection you will make with these people will take you a long way in your professional journey.

Read the Job Description Carefully

It is a sad truth that most job seekers do not read the job description carefully. In this way, they miss vital information and potentially the hiring manager's contact name and details.

Most of the job descriptions contain the email address of the hiring manager at the end. And you can easily find the name of the contact person with the email address.

Most professional email ids contain the name of the person and the company name. For example, [email protected] has two parts- Judy.M and hiraiton.com.

And if you search on Google by the first part of the email address "Judy.M" and the company name, there is a high chance that you will find the Linkedin profile of the respective person. And you can get to know other information about them as well.

Find Out Who Will Become Your Superior or Manager

Many job descriptions include the details about the reporting manager. In such cases, you need to address your cover letter to the reporting manager.

You can find more information about the reporting manager by a quick Linkedin search with the reporting manager's job title and the company.

If the company is larger, there may be multiple individuals with the same job title. In that case, you can further narrow down your search by location.

Do an Online Search

Another easy way to search for the hiring manager is by simply doing a Google search. Google will show you the most relevant results for your search query. Example: See in this example how the first result itself answered your question.

Also Read: How to address a cover letter without name?

How to Address a Email Cover Letter?

We live in a digital age now.

Nowadays, most candidates send email cover letters to the hiring managers. And hiring managers get 100s of email cover letters daily.

To stand out from these 100s of email cover letters, you need to make sure your email cover address is perfect.

1. Subject Line of Email Cover Letter

The first thing the hiring manager will see is your email cover letter subject line. So, never leave the subject line blank.

Hiring managers sort the email cover letters by the job title. And if your cover letter does not have a subject line, it will not show in the hiring manager's list.

Here is an example cover letter subject line :

Subject line: Job Application for Video Editor Position, Ref: Hanna Moore

2. Address the Cover Letter in the Correct Way

The rules of a formal cover letter and an email cover letter salutation are similar. You can refer to the previous section of this blog to know more about it. Here is an example of an email cover letter address

• "Dear Mr. Doe,"

Note : Recent trends have seen many job seekers do not include "Dear" in the salutation. You can do that too. There is nothing wrong with it.

Also Read: How to start a cover letter for maximum impact?

How to Address a Cover Letter for Internal Position?

If you address the cover letter to higher management or hiring manager, always use their name to address in the cover letter.

luckily, since it's an internal position, you can easily find the name of the person by asking your colleagues.

What Not to Do When Addressing a Cover Letter

Even if you did everything right on your resume and cover letter, starting it wrong may cost you a chance to get a call for an interview.

Let's see what you should not do when addressing a cover letter.

Do Not Address the Cover Letter to the Recruiter

" Recruiters do not read cover letters. "

Recruiters only sort the resumes by keywords and forward the same to the hiring managers.

This is the golden rule you need to keep in mind when addressing a cover letter. Always address the cover letter to the hiring manager.

Do Not Address the Cover Letter to an Ex. Hiring Manager

Company websites do not get updated regularly. If a hiring manager leaves the company, you may still find their name and contact information on the website or other third-party websites. So, be extra careful when addressing a cover letter.

Spelling the Hiring Manager or Company Name Wrong

Do not sabotage your first impression by making a spelling mistake on the hiring manager's name or the company name. It demonstrates a lack of attention to detail.

Do Not Start With a Bland Greeting

Avoid using to whom it may concern cover letter address. It is very generic and shows utter laziness on your part. It projects that you did not put much effort into writing the cover letter.

Example of a Cover Letter Address Format

Here is an example of a proper cover letter address format:

Frequently Asked Questions

How to address a cover letter to a large company.

If you have to address a cover letter to a large company, and you don't know the hiring manager's name, you can always address the cover letter to the department you are applying job to. For example:

• Dear Finance Department
• Dear Marketing Team
• Dear Customer Service Department

Can I get creative with my cover letter address?

There is no restriction on being creative with addressing a cover letter. It is essential to research and understand who your audience is and if he/she will appreciate your creativity.

For example, if you do something creative with your cover letter salutation to apply in a creative field, it will get the hiring manager's attention.

On the other hand, if you apply for a technical position, you might hold off from showing your creativity on the cover letter address.

Should a cover letter address the company location?

It is a traditional practice to include the company address in the cover letter. Primary because it is a formal document, it would be better to add the company address before starting your cover letter.

Should a cover letter header include the candidate's address?

The candidate's address is an essential part of the cover letter. If not the whole address, at least City, Country should be mentioned in the cover letter. Example:

• "Pine Bluff, AR"

This helps the hiring manager sort the candidates based on location.

Also, the Application Tracking Softwares sort the resumes and cover letters based on their locations. And if your location is not mentioned in the cover letter, it might get unnoticed by the ATS software.

Should a cover letter header, and resume header be the same?

Ideally, your cover letter header should be the name of the role you are applying for. And resume heading should be your current job title. For example, if you are currently working as a data analyst, your Resume headline should be something like:

• "Jr. Data Analyst."

And you are applying for a Data Scientist position, then your cover letter heading should be,

• "Data Scientist"

There is no hard and fast rule, but this is the approach we at Hiration follow, and it has been working for our clients.

You can also write the same heading for the cover letter and resume if you like. It has some added advantages. If the cover letter gets misplaced, it will be a lot easier to trace it back to the resume.

How to write the intro to a cover letter?

If you want to hook the hiring manager to read your cover letter, you need to write a professional intro explaining why you are applying and what role you are applying for.

You need to remember that hiring managers are often dealing with recruitment for more than one position. And it will help them if you specifically mention what role you are applying for.

Key Takeaways

With that, we have come to the end of this blog. By now, you should get all of your questions answered. But still, if you have any questions regarding how to address a cover letter and who to address a cover letter, let's go over the key takeaways of the blog:

• Do not send the cover letter without addressing someone.
• If you do not know who to address, call the company desk or go to LinkedIn to search the hiring manager's name.
• If you do not know the name, you can address the cover letter with "Dear Hiring Manager,"
• Alternatively, you can address the cover letter to the head of the department you are applying for. For example: "Dear Sr. Marketing Manager,"
• Make sure to use accurate professional and academic titles with the name of hiring managers.
• Do not use "To whom it may concern." It is old-fashioned and does not impress the hiring manager nowadays.

Go to Hiration career platform which has 24/7 chat support and get professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries. You can also write to us at [email protected] and we will make sure to reach out to you as soon as possible.

Share this blog

Subscribe to Free Resume Writing Blog by Hiration

Get the latest posts delivered right to your inbox

Stay up to date! Get all the latest & greatest posts delivered straight to your inbox

Is Your Resume ATS Friendly To Get Shortlisted?

Upload your resume for a free expert review.

• Search Search Please fill out this field.
• Career Planning
• Finding a Job
• Cover Letters

How to Address a Cover Letter With Examples

Options for Addressing a Cover Letter

• Letter Without a Contact Person
• Non-Gender-Specific Names

What Title to Use

• Address an Email Cover Letter
• Review a Sample Cover Letter

Before You Send Your Letter

One of the trickiest parts of writing a cover letter comes at the very beginning. Much of the time, you won’t know exactly who will read your letter. How do you address your cover letter when you don’t have the contact person’s name and/or gender ?

First of all, try to find out the name of the contact person. Some employers will think poorly of an applicant who does not take the time to learn the hiring manager’s name. Also, take care not to assume that you know the gender of the recipient based on the name. Many names are gender-neutral, and some hiring managers may identify as a gender other than male or female.

It’s also possible that you’ll do your research and still be unable to figure out to whom you are addressing your letter. In that case, it's better to be safe and use a generic greeting . It's also acceptable to start a letter without a greeting and start with the first paragraph of your letter .

You have a lot of options when addressing your letter. Learn more about the possibilities before you make your choice.

How to Address a Cover Letter Without a Contact Person

There are a variety of general cover letter salutations you can use to address your letter. These general cover letter salutations do not require you to know the name of the hiring manager.

In a survey of more than 2,000 companies, Saddleback College found that employers preferred the following greetings:  

• Dear Sir/Madam (27%)
• To Whom It May Concern  (17%)
• Dear Human Resources Director (6%)
• Leave it blank (8%)

Do keep in mind that terms like "To Whom It May Concern" may seem dated, so the best options may be either to use "Dear Hiring Manager" or not to include a greeting at all. Simply start with the first paragraph of your letter.

How to Address a Cover Letter for a Non-Gender-Specific Name

If you do have a name but aren't sure of the person's gender, one option is to include both the first name and the last name in your salutation, without a title that reveals gender:

• Dear Sydney Doe
• Dear Taylor Smith
• Dear Jamie Brown

With these types of gender-ambiguous names,  LinkedIn  can be a helpful resource. Since many people include a photo with their profile, a simple search of the person's name and company within LinkedIn could potentially turn up the contact's photograph.

Again, you can also check the company website or call the company’s administrative assistant to get more information as well.

Even if you know the name and gender of the person to whom you are writing, think carefully about what title you will use in your salutation.

For example, if the person is a doctor or holds a Ph.D., you might want to address your letter to “Dr. Lastname” rather than “Ms. Lastname” or “Mr. Lastname.” Other titles might be “Prof.,” “Rev.,” or “Sgt.,” among others.

When you address a letter to a female employer, use the title “Ms.” unless you know for certain that she prefers another title (such as “Miss” or “Mrs.”).

“Ms.” is a general title that does not denote marital status, so it works for any female employer.

How to Address an Email Cover Letter

Hiring managers get a lot of emails each day. Make it easy for them to scan your email and follow up by including a clear subject line and a signature with your contact information. It's important to address the email cover letter correctly, including the name of the person hiring for the position if you have a contact, to ensure that your letter gets noticed.

Subject Line of Email Message

Never leave the subject line blank. There is a good chance that if a hiring manager receives an email with no subject line, they’ll delete it without even bothering to open it, or it could end up in their spam mailbox. Instead, write a clear subject indicating your intentions.

List the job you are applying for in the  subject line of your email message , so the employer knows what job you are interested in. They may be hiring for multiple positions, and you will want them to identify the position you’re interested in easily.

How to Address the Contact Person

There are a variety of  cover letter salutations  you can use to address your email message. If you have a contact person at the company, address the letter to Ms. or Mr. Lastname. If you aren’t given a contact person, check to see if you can  determine the email recipient's name .

If you can’t find a contact person at the company, you can either leave off the salutation from your cover letter and  start with the first paragraph  of your letter or use a  general salutation .

How to Format the Salutation

Once you have chosen a salutation, follow it with a colon or comma, a space, and then start the first paragraph of your letter. For example:

Dear Hiring Manager:

First paragraph of the letter.

Body of Email Cover Letter

The body of your cover letter  lets the employer know what position you are applying for, and why the employer should select you for an interview. This is where you'll sell yourself as a candidate. Review the job posting and include examples of your attributes that closely match the ones they are looking for.

When you're sending an  email cover letter , it's important to follow the employer's instructions on how to submit your cover letter and resume.

Make sure that your email cover letters are as well-written as any other documents you send.

If you have attached your resume, mention this as part of your conclusion. Then finish your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow up. Include a closing, then list your name and your  email signature .

Your email signature should include your name, full address, phone number, email address, and  LinkedIn Profile URL  (if you have one) so it is easy for hiring managers to get in touch.

Firstname Lastname  Street Address  (optional) City, State Zip Code  Email  Phone  LinkedIn

Sample Cover Letter

This is a cover letter example. Download the cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Sample Cover Letter (Text Version)

Mary Garcia 12 Rogers Avenue Townville, New Hampshire 03060 555-555-5555 mary.garcia@email.com

February 17, 2021

Franklin Lee

CBI Industries 39 Main Street Townville, New Hampshire 03060

Dear Mr. Lee:

I was excited to see your ad for the operations assistant position in your Townville offices.

I have five years of experience as an operations assistant/associate. In my most recent role at ABC Corp., I fulfilled orders, resolved customer issues, ordered supplies, and prepared reports. In previous roles, I’ve done bookkeeping, data entry, and sales support. Basically, anything your department needs to run smoothly, I can do – and most likely, I already have experience doing it.

My other skills include:

• Strong communication skills, in person, in writing, and on the phone
• Excellent attention to detail and organization skills
• Top-notch customer service
• Experience in the industry and passion for the product
• Adept at all the usual professional software, including Microsoft Office Suite

I’ve included my resume for your review. Please contact me if you have questions or would like to schedule an interview. Thank you for your consideration.

Signature (hard copy letter)

Mary Garcia

Review Cover Letter Samples: It’s hard to write cover letters from scratch. To make life easier – and to make sure you don’t forget any of those pesky formatting rules —start by reviewing cover letter samples . Sending an email version instead? Look at a few examples of email cover letters to get started.

Customize Your Cover Letter: Why personalize your cover letter every time you apply for a job? Because even similar job titles have different requirements. The goal of a cover letter is to show the hiring manager that you’re the best candidate for this particular job. Customizing your cover letter will help you emphasize your skills and experience and how they fit with the job requirements .

Spell-Check Names: Before sending your cover letter, make absolutely sure that you have spelled the hiring manager’s name correctly. That is the kind of small error that can cost you a job interview.

Carefully Proofread Your Letter: Whether you're sending an email or uploading or attaching a printable cover letter, it's important to make sure that your cover letter and resume are written as well as any other business correspondence. If you can, have a friend proofread before you hit send, to pick up any typos or grammatical errors.

Saddleback College. " Your Resume is Your 1st Interview ," Page 14. Accessed Feb. 17, 2021.

• Career Advice
• Cover Letters

How to Address a Cover Letter

The beginning of a cover letter typically includes a salutation to the person who will be reading it—most likely the hiring manager. This important first line, written in the proper format, makes a positive first impression and can help you land an interview with a potential employer.

Try Betterteam

Post your jobs to 100+ job boards

• Reach over 250 million candidates.
• Get candidates in hours, not days.

Cover Letter Address Template

Download a free cover letter address template in MS Word format.

Cover Letter Address Template:

[Full Name]

[Email Address]

[Contact Number]

[LinkedIn Profile/website link]

[Name of the Company or Institution receiving your cover letter]

[Subject Line]

[Cover letter body.]

[Insert name]

A step-by-step guide to addressing a cover letter.

How to address the hiring manager.

Find the name of the hiring manager..

While it's important to address the hiring manager directly in your cover letter, oftentimes a job ad won't mention a contact person, especially if it's advertised through a recruiter. Fortunately, you can often find out who the hiring manager or head of the department is with a quick internet search. If all else fails, use "Dear Hiring Manager."

Address hiring managers by name if possible.

Always address the hiring manager directly by using Mr. or Ms. followed by their last name. Furthermore, using Ms. instead of Miss or Mrs. will avoid offending a female hiring manager, particularly if you don't know her marital status.

For example:

"Dear Mr. Smith"

"Dear Ms. Smith"

If you're unsure about the gender of the hiring manager, use both their first and last names.

"Dear Taylor Smith"

"Dear Jordan Newton"

Use the correct title.

Generally, using a professional title conveys respect and should always be used when the hiring manager has one, such as Doctor, Professor, Sergeant, Reverend, etc. You can shorten the title for brevity.

"Dear Dr. Smith"

"Dear Prof. Einstein"

"Dear Sgt. Newton"

"Dear Rev. Parker"

Address unknown hiring managers by their job title.

When you don't know the name of the hiring manager, the most acceptable salutation to use is "Dear Hiring Manager." Although you're not addressing someone directly, it still conveys professionalism and attention to detail. Avoid using the antiquated "To whom it may concern."

"Dear Customer Service Hiring Manager"

"Dear Sales Team Hiring Manager"

Note: Use a comma after your salutation, followed by a space and the body of your cover letter.

How to address an e-mail cover letter.

Include a subject line..

Hiring managers receive tons of emails so it's important to include a clear subject line indicating which job you are applying for.

Subject Line: Job application for sales manager position.

Address the hiring manager.

Start off the body of your email with the hiring manager's name or use a general salutation.

Dear Mr. Smith, OR Mr. Smith,

[Cover letter text...]

Include your name and contact details.

Lastly, sign off your email with your name, email address, phone number, and LinkedIn profile or website link.

Samantha Phillips

[email protected]

+09 012 029 9234

www.samanthaphillips.com

Common cover letter address mistakes:

• Make sure that you've addressed your cover letter to the right person, and that their name is spelled correctly.
• Do not use "Hello," "Hey," or "Hi," as this could come off as too informal.
• Do not use outdated salutations like "Dear Sir," "Dear Madam," or "To Whom it may Concern."

Additional Resources.

• Best Cover Letter Generators .
• Best Cover Letter Tips .
• Common Cover Letter Mistakes .
• Best Resume Builder .
• Skills to Put on a Resume .
• Best Font for Resume .
• How to Prepare for a Job Interview .

Common Cover Letter Mistakes

How do I address a cover letter?

Always address the hiring manager directly by name . If you don't know the hiring manager's name, do some research or use a general salutation.

How do I address a cover letter to a PHD (doctor)?

If the hiring manager has a professional title , always put the title in front of their name, e.g. "Dear Dr. Einstein."

How do I start a cover letter?

It's important to start a cover letter with a greeting or salutation .

What is a good cover letter address format?

Addressing the hiring manager by name shows professionalism and establishes a connection. If you don't know their name even after doing a Google search, use a general salutation like "Dear Hiring Manager."

How do you address a cover letter to an unknown recipient?

It's acceptable to use a general salutation like these:

• "Dear Hiring Manager."
• "Dear Sales Team Hiring Manager."
• "Dear Customer Service Hiring Manager."
• "Dear IT Department Hiring Manager."

Related Articles:

What is a hiring manager, the 12 best cover letter tips for 2024, action verbs for resumes, cv vs. resume, how to write a cv.

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• This Or That Game New
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Education and Communications
• Laying Out a Letter

How to Address a Letter to Multiple Recipients

Last Updated: December 18, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Tami Claytor . Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 674,027 times.

There are many situations where you may find yourself writing a letter to multiple recipients. You may be sending a Christmas letter or wedding invitation to a large family. You may be sending a cover letter for a job where there are multiple hiring managers. Whatever the case, you have a variety of options when it comes to addressing a letter to multiple recipients.

Addressing A Professional Letter

• In the top right corner of the letter, you should write the recipient' names first. Write the names using formal titles if necessary (e.g., Dr. Nora Woods), and separate the names by a comma (e.g., Dr. Nora Woods, Dr. Mark Brook).
• Then, write the name of the company on the next line (i.e., Penbrook Medical Associates), and on the next line write the company's address. On the last line write the city, the state abbreviation, and the zip code.

• A carbon copy is usually marked by the words "cc" or "copies to", usually followed by a colon.
• Multiple recipients are listed using their full names and alphabetically. For example, "cc: Dr. Mark Brook, Dr. Nora Woods." If the recipients are from a different business, it's important to include that business's name in parentheses after the names. For example, "cc: Dr. Mark Brooks (Penbrook Medical Associates), Dr. Nora Woods (Shepherd Medical Hospital).
• Keep in mind, the term "carbon copy" means there will be copies of the letter circulating. You should make sure, if you're using a carbon copy, all parties listed receive their own copy of the letter. You should not use a carbon copy if you're only sending the letter to one person.

When addressing a letter to multiple recipients, be sure to clearly indicate who is receiving a copy by using 'cc' for carbon copy. List each recipient on a separate line in the header with their name, title, and address. This allows all parties to readily see who else is included.

Addressing A Personal Letter

• Whose name comes first is somewhat subjective, but some etiquette rules claim if someone has a high ranking title, like doctor, their name should come first. For example, if you're writing to a husband and wife, and the wife has a PhD, you would write, "Dear Dr. Jacobs and Mr. Jacobs." You could also write, "Dear Dr. and Mr. Jacobs."
• If no one has a formal title beyond "Mr." or "Mrs.", you can simply write "Dear Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs" or "Dear Mr. Jacobs and Mrs. Jacobs." This really depends mostly on your preference. You can also try something like, "Dear Oliver and Marie Jacobs." You can also switch up the order of the names. Formal rules of etiquette usually place the man's name first, but this is a largely outdated practice and some people may even take offense.
• If a couple has different last names, make sure you acknowledge this in your salutation. For example, "Dear Mr. Jacobs and Ms. Elliot" or "Dear Mr. Oliver Jacobs and Ms. Marie Elliot."
• If this is an informal letter, keep things simple. You can just write "Dear Marie and Oliver" or "Dear Oliver and Marie."

• You can also try including a couple of names, but not all the names. If you know a couple with a lot of kids, for example, you can try something like, "Dear Katie, James, and family."
• For smaller families, including the names of everyone can be a nice touch. If it's not too cumbersome, try to include everyone's name. For example, "Dear Katie, James, Harper, and Brayden."

• Keep in mind it's always best to get a name. You should only use this approach as a last resort if you're unable to find a specific name.

Addressing the Envelope

• For example, you could write something like "Mr. Oliver Jacobs and Mrs. Marie Jacobs" as the recipient's name. If you're limited on space, you can try something like, "Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs."
• Make sure you get titles correct. For example, if Oliver Jacobs has his PhD, write something like "Dr. Oliver Jacobs and Mrs. Marie Jacobs." Or "Dr. and Mrs. Jacobs."
• For more informal letters, do not worry as much about titles. If you are writing to close relatives or friends, "Mr." and "Mrs." are no required. Simply write something like, "Oliver and Marie Jacobs" or "Marie and Oliver Jacobs."

• When sending in submissions to a literary magazine, the magazine's website should provide information on how to address your envelope.

Avoiding Pitfalls

• If you cannot find any information on hiring managers, use a specific word to address your cover letter. For example, "Dear Hiring Managers" would work, or something like, "Dear Hiring Staff of the Hilton Hotel."

Community Q&A

• Email etiquette follows similar rules. You can use the same rules as formal letter writing to address a job application or other formal email. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• If the letter is a thank you note or another personal note, consider sending each person a separate letter. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://nmu.edu/writingcenter/parts-business-letter
• ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/handbook/assignments/businessletter/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/effective-e-mail-communication/
• ↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/business-communication/how-to-write-a-formal-business-letter/1/
• ↑ https://www.boston.com/news/jobs/2014/12/11/how-do-you-address-a-letter-to-dr-and-mr-or-mrs/
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-write-a-letter/
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-address-letter-to-multiple-people
• ↑ https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/to-whom-it-may-concern-alternatives-how-to-address-a-letter-when-you-dont-know-who-will-read-it/

About This Article

To address a professional letter to multiple recipients, start with a salutation beginning with “Dear” followed by their full names. For example, write “Dear Dr. Nora Woods and Dr. Mark Brooks,” and end with a colon instead of a comma. If you’re addressing an entire office or company, you can use a less formal salutation such as “Dear Colleagues” or “Dear Associates.” Keep in mind, however, that such salutations are normally used for very large groups, or informal letters like mass e-mails. For more advice, including how to address multiple recipients in a personal letter, keep reading. Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

May 24, 2017

Did this article help you?

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Does A Cover Letter Have Two Addresses? (Let’s Find Out)

If you’re not sure if your cover letter has two addresses, you’ve come to the right place. While some people have personal preferences on whether they use one address or two, it’s generally better to only include one. 

This can be difficult for students and people who are new to their field or city because most companies may not be familiar with them and therefore won’t know how to contact them.

It’s best to use the person who is hiring you as their address; this gives them an idea of how professional your letters look and feel, plus it makes it easier for them when replying later on in interviews/job offers!

Table of Contents

Does A Cover Letter Have Two Spaces After A Period?

The answer to this question is very simple: No.

In the United States, we use one space after a period. If you’re writing a cover letter in the United States, you should use one space after a period.

If you’re writing a cover letter outside of the US, follow their style rules. For example, many countries outside of America will use two spaces after a period othe f colon (examples include Canada and Australia).

Does A Cover Letter Have Your Address On It?

No, you should not include your address on a cover letter. The only time it is appropriate to include your address in an application document is if you are applying for a job that requires the recipient to mail something back to you (i.e., when applying for an internship). 

In those cases, put your full name, street address, and zip code in the top left corner of the page so they can return any materials they want you to sign or send them.

Including a mailing address in cover letters sends the wrong message: It suggests that you’re either too lazy or too arrogant to follow instructions or read carefully enough about what’s needed from applicants. If this awareness were true for just one person out there I doubt it would be worth mentioning here because of its significance!

When it comes to cover letters, including an address is an important detail that should not be overlooked. Our article on do cover letters need an address discusses why it’s important to include an address and provides tips on how to properly format it.

Does A Cover Letter Have To Be 3 Paragraphs?

You can have 1, 2, or 3 paragraphs in your cover letter. The first paragraph should be a summary of your skills and experience. It should also include an interesting fact about yourself that will make you stand out from the crowd.

The second paragraph is where you tell the employer why they should hire you for this particular job. Most importantly, you need to explain why this job interests you and how it fits into your long-term career goals. This is where some people get stuck because they haven’t thought about what they want to do with their lives yet (which is fine!)

The third paragraph tells the employer that you would like to meet them in person so that they can get to know more about who YOU ARE! You can use this paragraph as an opportunity to let them know whether or not there are any dates or times available when they would be able informally to meet up with candidates from outside of their state/city/country/etc., etc., etc…

Does A Cover Letter Have To Go Over 1 Page?

A cover letter doesn’t have to be over 1 page, but it should be long enough to convey the information you want. If you are applying for a job and you have a lot of experience and education, then your cover letter should be longer to highlight all the relevant skills you have for this position.

You don’t want to leave anything out in your Cover Letter because it could lead employers to question whether or not they want to hire someone who doesn’t know how important details are when applying for jobs at their company! 

Make sure that when writing the Cover Letter every detail is included about yourself: where you’ve studied; what degrees/certifications/courses etc., as well as any other relevant information regarding previous work experiences, etc.

“Wondering whether a cover letter needs an address? The answer is yes! Check out our article on do cover letters need address to learn more about why this detail is important and how to properly include it in your cover letter.

Does A Cover Letter Have To Be 1.5 Or Double Spaced?

You’re in luck! The answer to this question is yes. The standard is 1.5 spacing, though you can use double spacing if your letter is one page or more.

If you are doing more than one page of text and want to stick with the 1-inch margin, then yes, a cover letter does have two addresses!

Can You Write Yes Dear In A Formal Letter?

No. You should not use informal language in a formal letter. The correct way of addressing someone is to use Mr or Ms and their surname, followed by Dear Sir/Madam. If you are writing a business letter where you know the person’s name, then use that instead of Dear Sir/Madam (your name).

Can You End An Informal Letter With All The Best?

The ending of a letter is the most important part. It is what will make or break your chances of getting a response, so it’s worth spending time on. It’s not enough to be polite; you also have to make sure that the reader feels like they’ve made a connection with you.

You can do this by keeping it casual, but not overly informal the difference between “best,” “cheers,” and “yours truly” is subtle but significant. The best way to get feedback is through trial and error: try different things until you find one that works for you!

What Is The Last Paragraph Of A Formal Letter Called?

The last paragraph of a formal letter is called the complimentary close. The complimentary close consists of a statement that thanks the reader for their time and consideration, as well as expresses your high regard for them. A variety of phrases are commonly used to conclude letters, including:

“Respectfully yours”

“Very truly yours”

“Yours truly”

One common question job seekers ask is whether their cover letter should be one page. Our article on does a cover letter have to be one page provides insights on this topic and tips on how to create a compelling cover letter that fits on one page.

Can You Put An Address On Both Sides Of An Envelope?

You can put an address on both sides of an envelope, but it’s usually only done with a business letter. The address should always be placed on the left side of the envelope, while the return address should go on the right side.

The reverse side of the envelope contains another piece of information: your name and title. In addition to including this data, you may also want to indicate your telephone number or email address here if you’re worried about missing mail from companies that don’t have offices nearby (or if maybe they aren’t even in your country). 

If someone else is responsible for sending out mail on behalf of an organization and will be using their resources for postage costs (rather than relying on whoever receives emails), then it’s best to keep things simple by listing yourself as “Your Name” in large print instead of trying something fancy like “Mr./Ms./Mrs./Dr.”

How Many Words Can You Put On One Page?

The amount of words you can put on one page is dependent on the font size. For example, Times New Roman 12-point font is around 40 characters per line and Courier New 10-point font is around 50 characters per line (some Microsoft Word users prefer Arial 11-point or Verdana 10-point). 

Therefore, if you want your resume to fit into two pages then make sure each page has no more than 80 lines of text divided into three sections: contact information, education history, and professional experience. 

If you want to go over the two-page mark – don’t worry; employers understand that people change jobs frequently these days and are not surprised when they see a lengthy job history in one document.

If you are writing a cover letter for an academic position with several publications attached then it’s probably best to use 8½ x 11 paper instead of A4 so that all those extra pages will fit nicely in there without being folded or crumpled awkwardly as well as ruining any chance of getting hired by someone who doesn’t know what’s going on with their inboxes yet!

Formatting your cover letter correctly is crucial to making a good first impression with potential employers. Learn about the best practices for cover letter formatting in our article on how are cover letters formatted and make sure your cover letter stands out from the crowd.

Should I Include My Address In My Resume Header?

Don’t include your address in the resume header.

If you’re sending a cover letter, include your address there – but don’t put it on your resume.

Should Resume And Cover Letter Be The Same Font?

A cover letter should be a simple, professional document that helps you get the interview. It is not a place to be creative or show off your style. The font and color you use should function well together, which means they will be in sync with the resume.

If you use a different font than what you used on your resume, make sure it stands out in some way (different size or bold). If your resume is printed on yellow paper and your cover letter is printed on white paper, then don’t print them both in black typeface!

Finally, choose a font that is easy to read nothing fancy!

Where Do We Put Our Address In A Formal Letter?

You’ve just finished writing your cover letter, and now you’re wondering where to put your address. We have good news it’s not that hard!

To find out where to put your address in a formal letter, ask yourself these questions:

Where does the person I’m writing to live?

Does My Recipient Have An Office Or Home Address?

If you answered yes to either of those questions, all you need is their name and street address (or building number). So if someone lives on Main Street in Colorado Springs and they work at a building called The City Hall, your letter will look like this: “Dear Ms. Smith,” followed by their street address (or building number) and then another comma.

Do you include the name of the company in your address when applying for jobs in the same company?

Are you wondering how your cover letter should look like? Our article on how cover letter should look like provides guidance on cover letter design, including tips on font choice, spacing, and layout to ensure your cover letter looks polished and professional.

If You’re Applying To Your Own Company, Should You Include Its Name In Your Address?

The answer is “yes” for a few reasons. Firstly, it shows that you are familiar with who they are and what they do. It also shows that you know where the company is located (in this case Vancouver). 

And lastly, it shows that even though there might be several job listings, they all come from the same company and thus all apply to this one position.

Submitting a cover letter without including your target employer’s name in the address would make it look as if each job listing were unrelated and unconnected when in reality they belong together under one umbrella: The Company!

One thing to remember is that it’s okay to have a little fun with your cover letter, but don’t get too silly. You want to keep it professional and show the person reading your letter that you are serious about getting a job at their company.

Further Reading

Here are some additional resources to help you improve your cover letter addressing skills:

How to Address a Cover Letter With Examples : This article from Indeed provides examples and tips on how to address a cover letter, including advice on how to address a cover letter without a name.

How to Address a Cover Letter : Zety’s article on how to address a cover letter provides a step-by-step guide on how to address a cover letter, including tips on how to address it to a hiring manager and how to address a cover letter without a name.

How to Address a Cover Letter: The Dos and Don’ts : This article from Novoresume covers the dos and don’ts of addressing a cover letter, including how to avoid common mistakes and how to personalize your cover letter addressing.

How do you address a cover letter without a name?

When addressing a cover letter without a name, you can use a general greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Recruiter.” If possible, try to find out the name of the hiring manager or recruiter by checking the company website or LinkedIn.

How do you address a cover letter to a hiring manager?

When addressing a cover letter to a hiring manager, use their name and job title. For example, “Dear John Smith, Marketing Manager.” If you’re not sure who the hiring manager is, try calling the company and asking or check the job listing for more information.

Can you address a cover letter to multiple people?

No, it’s best to address your cover letter to one specific person, such as the hiring manager or recruiter. If you’re not sure who to address it to, try doing some research or calling the company to find out.

What is the proper way to address a cover letter to a woman?

When addressing a cover letter to a woman, use “Ms.” instead of “Mrs.” or “Miss” to avoid making assumptions about her marital status. For example, “Dear Ms. Smith.”

Should you address a cover letter differently for different industries?

It’s always a good idea to research the company and industry you’re applying to and adjust your cover letter accordingly. For example, some industries may prefer a more formal tone, while others may be more casual. Make sure to tailor your cover letter to the specific company and job you’re applying for.

Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.

Cover Letters 101: Should You Address Your Letter ‘To Whom It May Concern’?

W hen applying for jobs, the way you start your cover letter sets the tone for a good first impression. Many applicants wonder if they should stick with the old “To Whom It May Concern.” This phrase has been around for ages, but times have changed, and so have the expectations in the job market. Here’s why “To Whom It May Concern” might not be the best idea anymore and offers some smart alternatives to help your application catch an employer’s eye.

See Also: 6 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money

Sponsored: Protect Your Wealth With A Gold IRA. Take advantage of the timeless appeal of gold in a Gold IRA recommended by Sean Hannity.

Key Takeaways

• “To Whom It May Concern” might be considered outdated and overly impersonal in today’s job market.
• Personalizing your cover letter by addressing it to a specific person shows initiative and attention to detail.
• There are several strategies to find the appropriate contact person if the job listing doesn’t provide a name.
• Alternatives to “To Whom It May Concern” can help make a positive impression on your potential employer.
• Tailoring your approach can enhance your career prospects and contribute to long-term wealth by increasing your chances of securing well-suited positions.

How To Make a Good Impression Beyond ‘To Whom It May Concern’

The job application process is your opportunity to demonstrate your professionalism, attention to detail and communication skills. Starting off on the right foot can have a positive impact on your career trajectory and, by extension, your long-term financial success. Here are some tips and alternatives to “To Whom It May Concern” that can help you make a lasting impression:

1. Do Your Homework

Before addressing your cover letter, take the time to research the company and find out who the hiring manager or the head of the department is. LinkedIn and the company’s website are excellent resources for this. Addressing the letter directly to this person shows that you’ve made an effort to understand the company and its team.

2. Use a Specific Job Title

If you cannot find a specific name, addressing the letter to a job title or department can still personalize your approach. For example, “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Human Resources Department” are preferable to the impersonal “To Whom It May Concern.”

3. Opt for a Warm Greeting

In cases where a direct name or title isn’t available, consider starting with a warm, yet professional greeting. “Dear Team at [Company Name]” can convey both respect and a personal touch.

4. When in Doubt, Ask

If the job listing provides a contact number or email for queries, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for the name of the hiring manager. This not only provides you with the correct name but also demonstrates your proactive nature.

Alternatives to ‘To Whom It May Concern’

If “To Whom It May Concern” isn’t cutting it, try these more personal options. They show you’re paying attention and you care:

• “Dear Hiring Manager,”
• “Dear [Department] Team,”
• “Dear [Company Name] Team,”
• “Greetings,”

Adding a personal touch right from the start can make your cover letter shine. After you’ve picked your opening, don’t forget to personalize the rest of your letter too.

When ‘To Whom It May Concern’ Is the Right Choice

There are few situations in job applications where “To Whom It May Concern” might still fit. This can happen when you’re applying to a large organization where the hiring team is not specified and you’ve exhausted all resources trying to find a certain contact.

It can also be relevant when submitting general inquiries to a company’s career department without applying for a specific role. In these cases, “To Whom It May Concern” can act as a formal and respectful way to address your cover letter, showing that you’ve made an effort to be professional in the absence of those details.

Make Small Changes To See Big Results

Taking the time to personalize your cover letter is more than a mere formality; it’s an investment in your career. By showing that you care about the details and are genuinely interested in the position, you’re more likely to capture the attention of potential employers. This not only increases your chances of landing an interview but also positions you as a strong candidate in a competitive job market.

Choosing a different opening for your cover letter is a simple change that can have big rewards. It can help you stand out and show you’re serious about the job. This can lead to interviews and, eventually, job offers. Landing a job that matches your skills and goals can really boost your happiness at work and your financial security. Choosing to skip “To Whom It May Concern” could be a small step toward a bigger, better career .

Editor's note: This article was produced via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy by a member of GOBankingRates' editorial team.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : Cover Letters 101: Should You Address Your Letter ‘To Whom It May Concern’?

An official website of the United States Government

• Kreyòl ayisyen
• Search Toggle search Search Include Historical Content - Any - No Include Historical Content - Any - No Search
• Menu Toggle menu
• INFORMATION FOR…
• Individuals
• Business & Self Employed
• Charities and Nonprofits
• International Taxpayers
• Federal State and Local Governments
• Indian Tribal Governments
• Tax Exempt Bonds
• FILING FOR INDIVIDUALS
• How to File
• When to File
• Where to File
• Update Your Information
• Get Your Tax Record
• Apply for an Employer ID Number (EIN)
• Check Your Amended Return Status
• Get an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)
• File Your Taxes for Free
• Bank Account (Direct Pay)
• Payment Plan (Installment Agreement)
• Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)
• Your Online Account

Tax Withholding Estimator

• Estimated Taxes
• Where's My Refund
• What to Expect
• Direct Deposit
• Reduced Refunds
• Amend Return

Credits & Deductions

• INFORMATION FOR...
• Businesses & Self-Employed
• Earned Income Credit (EITC)
• Child Tax Credit
• Clean Energy and Vehicle Credits
• Standard Deduction
• Retirement Plans

Forms & Instructions

• POPULAR FORMS & INSTRUCTIONS
• Form 1040 Instructions
• Form 4506-T
• POPULAR FOR TAX PROS
• Form 1040-X
• Circular 230

IRS reminder: 2024 first quarter estimated tax payment deadline is April 15

More in news.

• Topics in the News
• News Releases for Frequently Asked Questions
• Multimedia Center
• Tax Relief in Disaster Situations
• Inflation Reduction Act
• Taxpayer First Act
• Tax Scams/Consumer Alerts
• The Tax Gap
• Fact Sheets
• IRS Tax Tips
• e-News Subscriptions
• IRS Guidance
• Media Contacts
• IRS Statements and Announcements

IRS YouTube videos

• Estimated tax payments |  ASL

IR-2024-95, April 5, 2024

WASHINGTON —The Internal Revenue Service today advised taxpayers, including self-employed individuals, retirees, investors, businesses and corporations about the April 15 deadline for first quarter estimated tax payments for tax year 2024.

Since income taxes are a pay-as-you go process, the law requires individuals who do not have taxes withheld to pay taxes as income is received or earned throughout the year. Most people meet their tax obligations by having their taxes deducted from their paychecks, pension payments, Social Security benefits or certain other government payments including unemployment compensation.

Generally, taxpayers who are self-employed or in the gig economy are required to make estimated tax payments . Likewise, retirees, investors and others frequently need to make these payments because a significant portion of their income is not subject to withholding.

When estimating quarterly tax payments, taxpayers should include all forms of earned income, including part-time work, side jobs or the sale of goods or services commonly reported on Form 1099-K .

Income such as interest, dividends, capital gains, alimony and rental income is normally not subject to withholding. By making quarterly estimated tax payments, taxpayers can avoid penalties and uphold their tax responsibilities.

Certain groups of taxpayers, including farmers and fishers, recent retirees, individuals with disabilities, those receiving irregular income and victims of disasters are eligible for exceptions to penalties and special regulations .

Following recent disasters, eligible taxpayers in Tennessee , Connecticut , West Virginia , Michigan , California and Washington have an extended deadline for 2024 estimated tax payments until June 17, 2024. Similarly, eligible taxpayers in Alaska , Maine and Rhode Island have until July 15, 2024, and eligible taxpayers in Hawaii have until Aug. 7, 2024. For more information, visit Tax relief in disaster situations .

In addition, taxpayers who live or have a business in Israel, Gaza or the West Bank, and certain other taxpayers affected by the terrorist attacks in the State of Israel , have until Oct. 7, 2024, to make estimated tax payments.

Paying estimated taxes

Taxpayers can rely on Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals , for comprehensive instructions on computing their estimated taxes.

Opting for the IRS Online Account streamlines the payment process, allowing taxpayers to view their payment history, monitor pending payments and access pertinent tax information. Taxpayers have several options to make an estimated tax payment, including IRS Direct Pay , debit card, credit card, digital wallet or the Treasury Department's Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) .

To pay electronically and for more information on other payment options, visit IRS.gov/payments . If paying by check, be sure to make the check payable to the "United States Treasury."

Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax , offers detailed information for individuals navigating dividend or capital gain income, alternative minimum tax or self-employment tax, or who have other special situations.

The IRS recommends taxpayers use the Tax Withholding Estimator tool to accurately determine the appropriate amount of tax withheld from paychecks.

Regularly monitoring withheld taxes helps mitigate the risk of underpayment, reducing the likelihood of unexpected tax bills or penalties during tax season. It also allows individuals to adjust withholding upfront, leading to larger paychecks during the year and potentially smaller refunds at tax time.

Filing Options

The IRS encourages people to file their tax returns electronically and choose direct deposit for faster refunds. Filing electronically reduces tax return errors because tax software does the calculations, flags common errors and prompts taxpayers for missing information.

The IRS offers free online and in-person tax preparation options for qualifying taxpayers through the IRS Free File program and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs .

In addition, the Direct File pilot program, a new option that allows eligible taxpayers to file their federal tax returns online directly with the IRS for free, is currently available in 12 participating states.

Assistance available 24/7 on IRS.gov

IRS.gov offers tax assistance 24/7. To address general tax concerns, taxpayers can access various online tools on the IRS website, to include the Interactive Tax Assistant , tax topics and frequently asked questions to get answers to common questions.

The IRS has also posted translated tax resources in 20 other languages on IRS.gov to communicate to taxpayers who prefer to get information in other languages. For more information, see the IRS Languages page on IRS.gov.

More information:

⦁     Topic no. 653, IRS notices and bills, penalties, and interest charges

•  Facebook
•  Twitter
•  Linkedin