Is It Professional to Say to Whom It May Concern?

While “To whom it may concern” is a widely accepted professional salutation, it is often viewed as impersonal. Whenever possible, it’s better to address your cover letter to a specific person by name, as it demonstrates effort and attention to detail.

If you can't find the recipient's name, “Dear Hiring Manager” or a similar alternative can be a more engaging option to start your cover letter. Using a personalised greeting can help make a stronger impression in business communications, including cover letters or emails.

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Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with LiveCareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.