How To Address a Cover Letter
Kent R.
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Q. I am having a hard time figuring out how to address my cover letter. For the salutation, do you think it is smart to do some research on LinkedIn and find the name of someone in HR and use that name on the cover letter? Is that too risky?
What kind of salutation would you recommend? Generally, I use "Dear Sir/Madam" when I cannot find a name, and "Dear Mr. Surname" or "Dear Mrs. Surname" when I can find someone from HR.
A. I wouldn’t use a specific name unless it has been provided by the company or a referral. That is not to say that you shouldn’t do your LinkedIn research (that is very smart), just don’t use a name that you find as it could be perceived as too forward.
If you don’t have a name, I recommend using “Dear Hiring Manager” as "Dear Sir / Madam" is too formal (even for a cover letter). Also, if you have a name from a requisition or referral, use it exactly as it has been provided and never assume gender.