application letter sample greetings

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

How to Choose the Right Salutation for Your Cover Letter

When to Use 'Dear' or 'To Whom It May Concern' as Greetings

Cover Letter Greetings to Avoid

When you have a contact person.

• When You Don't Have a Contact Person

Examples of General Salutations

• When to Use 'Dear' in a Cover Letter
• Writing a Cover Letter Salutation

Concluding Your Letter

Cover letter example, sending your letter.

Hilary Allison / The Balance 

A salutation is a greeting at the beginning of a cover letter that is included with a resume when applying for a job. When you're writing a cover letter or sending an email message to apply for a job, it's important to include an appropriate greeting at the beginning to set the tone for your letter, which should be professional and appropriate.

The greeting is the first thing the recipient will see when they read your cover letter. Therefore, you need to convey the appropriate level of familiarity and respect.

Using casual greetings, such as “Hello” and “Hi” can make your letter seem unprofessional. Reserve these casual greetings for personal email and refrain from using them in your cover letter unless you are very familiar with the recipient. Such greetings are simply too informal—not the most professional way to begin the conversation if you’re looking to land a job.

“Hi” is appropriate only in casual email correspondence with people you know well—if you're checking in with a close friend to find out if they've heard of a job opening at their company, for example. "Hello" is appropriate only in email correspondence. It should be used primarily for people you know well but can be used in very casual circumstances.

Beginning your correspondence “To Whom It May Concern,” on the other hand, may seem too impersonal and make the hiring manager believe you do not care enough to find out whom you should be addressing. The only time to use " To Whom It May Concern " as a cover letter greeting is when you simply cannot find out the specific person to whom you are writing.

You should, of course, make every effort to find the name of a contact in the specific department in which you are interested. When inquiring  with a company for unadvertised openings, this greeting may be most appropriate.

The following is a list of letter salutation examples that are appropriate for cover letters and other employment-related correspondence when you have the name of a contact.

• Dear Mr. Jones
• Dear Ms. Brown
• Dear Riley Doe
• Dear Dr. Haven
• Dear Professor Lawrence

When You Don't Have a Contact Person

If this information was not provided in the job announcement and you cannot find it on the company’s website, then you may be able to call the company, ask to be forwarded to their human resources department (if they have one), explain that you will be applying for a job there, and ask for the name of their hiring manager.

Always make every effort to find a contact name to use in your letter. It leaves a good impression on the hiring manager if you have taken the time to use their name, especially if you had to work a little to find it.

LinkedIn is also a great tool to find out the name of the hiring manager. You can search for the company you are applying to with one or two keywords that would describe the person hiring for the position. Scroll down the list until you find the person who fits the criteria. This approach may help you pinpoint the appropriate contact person.

Many companies don't list a contact person when they post jobs because they have a team of hiring staff who sort through cover letters and resumes before passing them to the hiring manager for the appropriate department. They prefer to leave the hiring manager anonymous until he or she contacts you for an interview.

An organization may also not want to disclose who the hiring manager is to avoid emails and phone calls from applicants, particularly if they anticipate receiving a large number of applications from potential job candidates. So, don't worry if you can't find someone to address your letter to. It will be forwarded to the correct department and recipient.

If you don't have a contact person at the company, either leave off the salutation from your cover letter and start with the first paragraph  of your letter or, better yet, use a general salutation.

When using a general salutation, capitalize the nouns.

• Dear Hiring Manager
• To Whom It May Concern
• Dear Human Resources Manager
• Dear Sir or Madam
• Dear [Company Name] Recruiter

When to Use 'Dear' in a Cover Letter

It is appropriate to use “Dear” in most circumstances, such as when the potential employer is someone you know well, or they are a business acquaintance. Follow these tips on choosing the right greeting:

• For people who you know well on a first-name basis, it's okay to use their first name only. For a business acquaintance or associate, use their first name if you have met them more than once and typically address them by their first name.
• For potential employers, use Mr., Ms., or Dr., unless you have been instructed otherwise. Even if you know a woman is married, it is safer to use “Ms.” as opposed to “Mrs.,” as the latter may be offensive in certain circumstances.
• If you are unsure of the appropriate greeting, play it safe and use Mr./Ms./Dr. [last name] or Mr./Ms./Dr. [first name, last name].

How to Write a Cover Letter Salutation

Standard business correspondence formatting requires that, after providing your contact information and the date of your letter, you then write down your contact person’s name, the company’s name, and the company’s address.

The formal salutation or greeting comes next: “Dear [Contact Person’s name].” If you have a contact person for your letter, include their title and name in the salutation (i.e. "Dear Mr. Franklin"). If you are unsure of the reader's gender, simply state their full name and avoid the personal title (i.e. "Dear Jamie Smith"). Follow the salutation with a colon or comma, leave one line blank, and then start the first paragraph of your letter on the following line.

Your letter greeting has the potential to improve your chances of getting an interview. To enhance your candidacy, make sure your  cover letter  maintains a professional appearance and offers relevant information, including your qualifications for the position. Choose the appropriate closing and always thank the reader for their time and consideration.

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

Cover Letter With Salutation Example (Text Version)

Alex Applicant 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 alex.applicant@email.com

August 1, 2024

Brett Lee Nurse Manager St. Ansgar Hospital 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Mr. Lee:

I am writing to apply for the position of nursing attendant, as advertised on the St. Ansgar Hospital website. As a trained nursing assistant who is fulfilled by working with patients and staff, and by helping people, I would be a great asset to your nursing staff.

I completed my nurse assistant program in June of 20XX, and I also have a nurse attendant certificate from the state of New York. I have been working part-time at Dr. Ellen Mueller’s primary care office in Smithtown, NY, for the past year, so I am experienced in working with patients. In addition, I am diligent about my responsibilities, and I have a flexible schedule, which enables me to work almost any hours that you need.

I’ve attached my resume so that you can review my education and experience. I hope to hear from you soon. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Respectfully,

Signature (hard copy letter)

Alex Applicant

When you are sending your letter via email, include the reason you are writing in the subject line of your message:

Subject: First Name Last Name – Nurse Attendant Position

List your contact information in your signature, rather than in the body of the letter:

FirstName LastName Your Email Your Phone Number

Key Takeaways

• The salutation in a cover letter sets a professional tone and should be appropriate for the job application; avoid casual greetings like "Hello" and "Hi."
• Always try to find and use the name of a specific contact person in your salutation, as it shows effort and can leave a good impression on the hiring manager.
• If a contact person is not available, use general salutations like "Dear Hiring Manager" or "To Whom It May Concern," but ensure the overall letter remains professional and courteous.

Cover Letter Greeting: 20 Examples

What is a cover letter greeting.

A cover letter greeting is the opening line that addresses the hiring manager or recruiter who is reviewing your application. It is usually the first thing they read and sets the tone for the rest of your cover letter. A cover letter greeting should be professional, respectful, and tailored to the specific company and job you are applying for.

A strong cover letter greeting is important because it can make a lasting impression on the hiring manager or recruiter. It shows that you have done your research on the company and are genuinely interested in the job. A strong cover letter greeting can also help you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of getting an interview. It sets the tone for the rest of your cover letter and can make a positive first impression that can carry throughout the entire application process.

Why a Strong Cover Letter Greeting Matters

A strong cover letter greeting matters for several reasons.

First, it helps you stand out from the competition. When hiring managers or recruiters are reviewing hundreds of applications, a personalized and well-written greeting can catch their attention and make them more interested in reading the rest of your cover letter.

Second, a strong cover letter greeting shows interest and research in the company. It demonstrates that you have taken the time to learn about the company and the job you are applying for, and that you are genuinely interested in working there. This can make a positive impression and increase your chances of getting an interview.

Finally, a strong cover letter greeting sets a positive tone for the rest of the cover letter. It can make the hiring manager or recruiter more receptive to the information you are presenting and create a positive impression of you as a candidate.

Overall, a strong cover letter greeting is an important part of your application that can make a big difference in your job search.

Tips for Writing a Strong Cover Letter Greeting

When it comes to writing a cover letter greeting, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure that you make a great first impression. Here are some tips for writing a strong cover letter greeting:

Use the hiring manager's name if possible

If you have access to the name of the hiring manager, it's always best to use it. This shows that you've done your research and taken the time to personalize your cover letter. It also helps to create a connection between you and the hiring manager right from the start.

Use a general salutation if you don't know the name

If you don't know the name of the hiring manager, it's still important to address your cover letter to someone specific. In this case, you can use a general salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear Recruiter." Avoid using generic greetings like "To Whom It May Concern" as they can come across as impersonal and lazy.

Be professional and respectful

No matter who you're addressing in your cover letter greeting, it's important to be professional and respectful. This means using appropriate titles and avoiding informal language or slang. Your cover letter is a representation of you and your professionalism, so make sure that your greeting reflects that.

Keep it short and to the point

Your cover letter greeting should be brief and to the point. It's important to grab the reader's attention right away, but you don't want to take up too much space or waste their time. Aim for a greeting that is no more than one or two sentences long.

20 Cover Letter Greeting Examples

When addressing the hiring manager directly, using their name can make a great impression. It shows that you took the time to research and personalize your cover letter. Here are some examples:

• Greeting: Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
• Strengths: This greeting is tailored to the specific recipient, which is always a good idea. It also uses the hiring manager's name, which shows respect.
• Weaknesses: This greeting is a bit formal, which may not be appropriate for all companies.
• Greeting: Dear [Company Name] Recruiter,
• Strengths: This greeting is general, but it's still professional and respectful. It's also a good idea to use the company name in the greeting, as this shows that you've done your research.
• Weaknesses: This greeting doesn't use the hiring manager's name, which could be seen as a missed opportunity.
• Greeting: Dear [Job Title] Hiring Manager,
• Strengths: This greeting is specific to the job you're applying for, which is a good way to show that you're interested in the position. It also uses the hiring manager's title, which shows respect.
• Greeting: Dear [Department Name] Team,
• Strengths: This greeting is general, but it's still professional and respectful. It's also a good idea to use the department name in the greeting, as this shows that you're familiar with the company's structure.
• Weaknesses: This greeting doesn't use the hiring manager's name or title, which could be seen as a missed opportunity.
• Greeting: Hello [Hiring Manager's Name],
• Strengths: This greeting is informal, but it's still professional and respectful. It's also a good way to show that you're friendly and approachable.
• Weaknesses: This greeting may not be appropriate for all companies, especially those that are more formal.
• Greeting: Good morning [Hiring Manager's Name],
• Strengths: This greeting is informal, but it's still professional and respectful. It's also a good way to show that you're aware of the time of day.
• Greeting: Nice to meet you, [Hiring Manager's Name],
• Strengths: This greeting is informal, but it's still professional and respectful. It's also a good way to show that you're excited about the opportunity.
• Greeting: Greetings [Hiring Manager's Name],
• Greeting: Hi [Hiring Manager's Name],
• Greeting: Hi there, [Hiring Manager's Name],
• Greeting: Howdy [Hiring Manager's Name],
• Weaknesses: This greeting may not be appropriate for all companies, especially those that are more formal. The greeting should be clear, concise, and polite. It should also be tailored to the specific recipient. If you know the name of the hiring manager, use it. If you don't, you can use a general salutation, such as "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Company Name] Recruiter."
• Greeting: It's a pleasure to meet you, [Hiring Manager's Name],
• Greeting: To Whom It May Concern,
• Strengths: This greeting is general, but it's still professional and respectful. It's also a good way to show that you're not sure who the hiring manager is.
• Greeting: Dear Sir or Madam,
• Weaknesses: This greeting is a bit outdated and may not be appropriate for all companies.
• Greeting: Gentlemen,
• Strengths: This greeting is traditional and respectful. It's also a good way to show that you're addressing a group of men.
• Weaknesses: This greeting is outdated and may not be appropriate for all companies.
• Greeting: Ladies,
• Strengths: This greeting is traditional and respectful. It's also a good way to show that you're addressing a group of women.
• Greeting: Dear Hiring Team,
• Strengths: This greeting is general, but it's still professional and respectful. It's also a good way to show that you're addressing the entire hiring team.
• Greeting: Dear [Hiring Manager's Title],
• Strengths: This greeting is specific to the hiring manager's title, which shows respect. It's also a good way to show that you've done your research.
• Greeting: Dear [Hiring Manager's First Name],
• Strengths: This greeting is specific to the hiring manager's first name, which shows familiarity. It's also a good way to show that you've done your research.
• Greeting: Dear [Hiring Manager's First Name][hiring manager's last name],
• Strengths: This greeting is specific to the hiring manager's first and last name, which shows familiarity. It's also a good way to show that you've done your research.

A strong cover letter greeting can make a big difference in getting noticed by potential employers. By using the tips outlined in this article, you can create a greeting that shows your interest and sets a positive tone for the rest of your cover letter. Remember to be professional, respectful, and keep it concise. Take the time to research the company and hiring manager to address them by name when possible. By following these tips, you can improve your chances of standing out and landing your dream job.

• Career Blog

Letter Opening Examples: Greet Like a Professional in 2024

As the saying goes, you only get one chance to make a good first impression. This is especially true when it comes to letter writing. The opening of your letter sets the tone for the rest of the communication and can greatly impact the reader’s perception of you and your message. That’s why it’s important to know how to greet like a professional.

In this article, we’ll explore the different ways to open a letter and provide you with examples of how to do it right. By mastering the art of letter opening, you can convey professionalism, build rapport, and establish credibility with your reader.

So why is a proper letter opening so important? First and foremost, it helps to capture the reader’s attention and make them feel valued. It sets the tone for a positive and productive relationship with the reader, reducing the risk of misunderstanding or miscommunication.

Furthermore, greeting like a professional can enhance your credibility and establish trust with your reader. By using a formal and respectful tone, you can demonstrate that you take the relationship seriously and are committed to maintaining a professional level of communication.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about letter opening, including:

• Common mistakes to avoid when greeting in a letter
• Tips for crafting a professional and engaging opening
• Examples of effective letter openings for different types of correspondence

So whether you’re sending a business proposal, a formal inquiry, or a personal letter, this guide will help you greet like a professional and make a strong first impression.

The Basic Components of a Letter Opening

When it comes to crafting business letters, it’s important to ensure that you have all of the necessary components in place to make a great first impression. The opening section of your letter is no exception, and there are four key elements that you should always include:

The Heading

The heading of your letter is the first thing that your recipient will see, so it’s crucial to get it right. The heading should contain your name or your company’s name and address, as well as the date that the letter was written. This information should be positioned at the top of the page, ideally in the center or on the left-hand side. Make sure that the font is easy to read, and that the text is properly aligned.

The date is an essential component of your letter opening. It provides your recipient with important information about when the letter was sent, and it also gives your letter a sense of urgency. The date should be positioned directly beneath the heading, and it should be written in a clear and easy-to-read format. Depending on your location, you may need to adjust the date format to reflect local customs.

The Recipient’s Name and Address

Before you start to write the body of your letter, you need to address it to the correct person. This means including the recipient’s name and address in the opening section of the letter. The recipient’s name should be positioned on the line directly below the date, and it should be written in a formal style (e.g. Mr. John Smith). The full address of the recipient should be positioned below the name, and it should be written in a clear and legible format.

The Salutation

Finally, you need to include a salutation in your letter opening. This is a greeting that should be tailored to the recipient, and it can range from formal (e.g. Dear Mr. Smith) to informal (e.g. Hi John). The salutation should be positioned directly beneath the recipient’s address, and it should be followed by a colon or a comma. Make sure that you double-check the spelling of the recipient’s name before you finalize your letter.

The opening section of your letter is an important opportunity to make a great first impression. By including the heading, the date, the recipient’s name and address, and a personalized salutation, you can ensure that your letter gets off to the best possible start.

Common Greeting Styles

When it comes to writing professional letters, greeting the recipient appropriately is crucial. The opening sets the tone for the rest of the letter and can impact how the reader perceives the message. Below are some common greeting styles to use depending on the situation.

Formal and semi-formal greetings

Formal greetings are typically used for business-related letters or any other communication that requires a high level of professionalism. These greetings tend to use full titles and last names to address the recipient. Here are a few examples of formal greetings:

• Dear Mr. Smith,
• Dear Dr. Johnson,

Semi-formal greetings, on the other hand, are slightly less formal than a formal greeting, but still maintain a professional tone. They may use first names with an honorific or full name without an honorific. Here are a few examples of semi-formal greetings:

• Dear Professor Garcia,
• Dear Reverend Lee,

Informal greetings

Informal greetings are typically used in personal correspondence or with individuals that you have a friendly relationship with. These greetings tend to be more casual and may include the use of first names or even nicknames. Here are a few examples of informal greetings:

Greetings for specific situations

Depending on the context of the letter, there may be specific greeting styles that are appropriate. Here are a few examples of how to greet someone in specific situations:

• Job applications : Use a formal greeting with the recipient’s full name, such as  Dear Hiring Manager Smith,
• Business proposals : Use a formal or semi-formal greeting with the recipient’s full name, such as  Dear Dr. Johnson,  or  Dear Ms. Davis,
• Thank you notes : Use an informal greeting with the recipient’s first name, such as  Hi John,

It’s important to keep in mind that the greeting sets the tone for the entire letter, so choose a greeting that is appropriate for the context and relationship with the recipient. Using the right greeting can help ensure a positive and professional correspondence.

Avoiding Common Greeting Mistakes

When it comes to greeting someone in a professional setting, there are a few common mistakes that people make. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

Using incorrect titles or names

It is important to ensure that you are addressing the recipient of your letter correctly. Always double-check the spelling of their name and their professional title. If you are unsure of their title, it is better to ask for clarification than to make assumptions.

Overusing certain phrases like “To Whom It May Concern”

While it may seem like a safe option, overusing certain generic phrases like “To Whom It May Concern” can come across as impersonal and lazy. Instead, try to find out the name of the person you are addressing your letter to.

Misusing informal greetings

When writing to someone in a professional capacity, it is important to use a formal greeting. Avoid using familiar or overly casual phrases like “Hey there” or “What’s up?”.

Other pitfalls to avoid

In addition to the above, there are other common mistakes people make when greeting someone in a professional setting. For example:

• Using overly flowery language
• Launching straight into the body of the letter without a greeting
• Using an inappropriate tone for the situation

By being mindful of these common pitfalls, you can ensure that your letter opening is professional and effective. Remember, the greeting is the first impression you make on the recipient, so it is important to get it right.

Examples of Formal Greetings

When it comes to professional communication, the way you greet your recipient is of utmost importance. A formal greeting sets the tone for the entire message and can help establish your credibility and professionalism. Here are three examples of formal greetings that you can use in different scenarios:

Addressing Government Officials

When writing to government officials, it’s important to be respectful and formal. Use proper titles and avoid using any contractions or slang.

Dear [Title and Last Name],

I am writing to you regarding [purpose of the letter]. As a [position], I am sincerely concerned about [issue] and believe that [proposed solution]. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this matter further with you.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Sincerely, [Your Full Name]

Writing to High-Ranking Executives

When communicating with high-ranking executives, it’s essential to demonstrate your professionalism and respect. You should address them using their proper titles, and avoid using a first-name basis unless invited to do so.

I am writing to you regarding [specific topic or issue]. As a [position or title], I am excited to share with you [purpose of message].

I would be honored to have the opportunity to [action request, meeting, or phone call] at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for your valuable time and consideration.

Respectfully, [Your Full Name]

Addressing Someone You’ve Never Met Before

If you are addressing someone you have never met before, it’s important to start with a formal greeting to establish your professionalism and respect. It’s a good idea to use their proper title, and use “Dear” followed by their full name.

I am writing to you regarding [specific reason for writing]. As an expert in [related field], I believe that [purpose of message].

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at [contact information].

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Examples of Semi-Formal Greetings

When it comes to professional correspondence, it’s important to choose the right greeting based on the context of the message. Here are some examples of semi-formal greetings for different situations:

Writing to a Colleague or Business Associate

Dear [Name],

Hello [Name],

Addressing Someone You’ve Met Before But Don’t Know Well

Dear [Title] [Last Name],

Dear [First Name] [Last Name],

Hello [Title] [Last Name],

Hi [First Name],

Greetings for Job Applications

Dear Hiring Manager,

Dear [Company Name] HR Team,

To Whom It May Concern,

When applying for a job, it’s always best to research who will be receiving your application and address them by name if possible. However, if you’re unsure who the right person is, a general greeting like “To Whom It May Concern” will still be appropriate.

Remember, while it’s important to be professional in your greetings, you also want to make sure you’re being friendly and approachable. A well-crafted greeting can help set the tone for the rest of your message, so take the time to choose the right one for every situation.

Examples of Informal Greetings

When it comes to informal letters, it’s important to keep the greeting friendly and personable. Here are some examples of informal greetings that you can use when writing to a friend or family member, or when addressing someone you have a casual relationship with.

Greetings for Personal Letters

• Dear ___________ (insert name),

Writing to a Friend or Family Member

• What’s up,
• How have you been,
• Long time no see,
• It’s been a while,

Addressing Someone You Have a Casual Relationship With

• Good to see you,
• What’s new,

Remember, an informal letter should be relaxed and conversational. Don’t be afraid to use contractions, slang, and a more informal tone to make your writing sound natural and personable. Greet your recipient like a professional with these informal greeting examples.

Using the Right Tone in Your Greetings

The way you greet someone sets the tone for the entire letter, email, or message. It’s important to adjust your tone for different recipients based on your relationship, purpose, and the message you want to convey. Here are some tips on using the right tone in your greetings:

Adjusting your tone for different recipients

• Formal vs. informal: Determine the level of formality that’s appropriate for the occasion and recipient. A formal tone is more suitable for business, academic, or official correspondence, while a casual tone works better for personal, friendly, or casual communication. Avoid being too stiff or too familiar.
• First-time vs. recurring: If you’re introducing yourself for the first time, you want to make a good impression and establish your credibility. Use a polite and respectful tone to show your professionalism and interest. If you’re addressing someone you’ve met before, you can use a more relaxed and friendly tone to build rapport and connection.
• Superior vs. subordinate: If you’re writing to someone who outranks you or has more authority, show a level of deference and respect. Use formal titles, such as “Sir,” “Madam,” or “Dr.,” and avoid being too informal or familiar. If you’re writing to someone who works for you or reports to you, be mindful of your tone and avoid being condescending or rude.

Appropriate use of humor and casual language

Humor and casual language can add personality and warmth to your greetings, but they also carry risks of misinterpretation and offense. Here are some guidelines for using humor and casual language:

• Know your audience: Understand the recipient’s cultural background, sense of humor, and level of familiarity with you. What may seem funny or friendly to you may be inappropriate or offensive to them. Avoid using jokes or slang that may be misunderstood or irrelevant.
• Keep it light: Use humor and casual language sparingly and appropriately. Don’t overwhelm or distract from the main purpose of your message. Avoid using humor or casual language in serious or sensitive topics, such as apologies, reprimands, or condolences.
• Be authentic: Don’t force yourself to use humor or casual language if it’s not your natural style. You don’t have to be funny or witty to be likable or professional. Focus on being clear, concise, and respectful.

Conveying the right level of respect and professionalism

Your greeting should convey the level of respect and professionalism that’s expected or required based on the context and relationship. Here are some tips on conveying the right level of respect and professionalism:

• Use appropriate titles and salutations: Use the recipient’s correct title, such as “Ms.,” “Mr.,” “Dr.,” or “Prof.,” if applicable.

Sample Letter Openings

Whether you’re writing a formal business letter, a cover letter for a job application, or an informal letter to a friend, the opening sets the tone for the entire message. Here are some examples of professional greetings to help you start your letter on the right foot.

Formal Business Letter

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name,

If you’re writing a formal business letter to a recipient you don’t know personally, use their last name and a formal title such as Mr. or Ms. If you know the recipient’s gender-neutral pronouns, use those instead. For example, “Dear Alex Johnson,” or “Dear Mx. Last Name.”

Cover Letter for a Job Application

In a cover letter for a job application, you want to address the person who will be reading your application. If the job posting doesn’t provide a specific name, “Dear Hiring Manager” is a safe bet. If you do have a name, use the same format as you would for a formal business letter.

Informal Letter to a Friend

When writing an informal letter to a friend, feel free to start with a more casual greeting. “Hey” or “Hi” are appropriate openings. You can also use a nickname or an inside joke if you have a close relationship with the recipient. The tone of the letter should be friendly, so let your personality shine through.

No matter who you’re writing to or what the purpose of your letter is, starting off with a professional and appropriate greeting is key to establishing a positive tone for your message.

Tips for Writing a Memorable Greeting

When it comes to crafting a memorable greeting in a letter, it’s important to add personal touches that make the recipient feel special. One way to accomplish this is by including specific details or anecdotes that show you know the person well.

Another effective technique is to use storytelling to engage the reader and capture their attention. By sharing a brief story or anecdote related to the content of your letter, you can create an emotional connection with the reader and make your message more memorable.

Ultimately, the goal of any letter opening is to make a good first impression. This can often be achieved by using a combination of personal touches and creative writing techniques. So take your time and create a greeting that truly reflects your professionalism and personality.

Related Articles

• 5 Signs Your Resume Needs an Update
• The Role and Responsibilities of Senior Managers
• Maintenance Engineer: Job Description, Salary, and Skills
• Zoo Keeping Resumes: Writing Tips and Examples
• Physical Therapy Resume: Example and Writing Tips

Rate this article

5 / 5. Reviews: 3

More from ResumeHead

Cover Letter Salutations: Examples & Tips

Avoid a Vague or Impersonal Salutation

Use a professional greeting, use the hiring manager’s name, be conscious of gender identity, use the hiring manager’s title, cover letter salutation examples.

When applying for a job, first impressions greatly influence how companies view you as a potential candidate. Although this is a subtle aspect of the cover letter, how you greet the hiring manager can significantly impact how your content is perceived. Throughout this guide, we’ll evaluate different salutations you can use to open your cover letter and why it’s important to perform research on the organization before sending out your job application.

Using a cold or impersonal salutation might give off the impression that you didn’t bother to conduct any research on the company before applying. For example, using “To Whom it May Concern” can potentially set the wrong tone for your cover letter. These are very subtle aspects that you might not normally think about, but they can make a major difference in how the hiring manager receives your content.

You should start your cover letter with a personalized salutation, but you should avoid appearing unprofessional. Avoid using greetings such as “Hello,” “Hi,” or “Hey There,” as this may be a red flag to prospective employers. Although you may be trying to create a more casual or lighter tone, using an unprofessional salutation is much more likely to have an adverse effect on your candidacy. Instead, you should always begin your cover letter with “Dear,” followed by either the hiring manager’s title or name.

If you can research the hiring manager’s name, you should use this in your salutation. Although this won’t always be possible, researching the name of the person reviewing your application will show prospective employers that you have a genuine interest in the role. It’ll also show that you’ve taken the time to learn about the company before sending out your resume and cover letter. If the hiring manager has a professional title, such as “Dr.” or “Prof.,” you can consider adding these.

One thing that’s very important here is to be careful about assuming gender identities. Certain names can be ambivalent, and assuming the wrong gender can harm your job application. Inclusion is important for the large majority of companies, and it’s important to be conscious of these nuances in your salutation. If you aren’t sure, you should omit “Mr.” or “Ms.” from the salutation. You should also avoid using “Mrs.” in almost every circumstance, as this could unintentionally be offensive to the hiring manager.

If you cannot find the hiring manager’s name, you can still personalize your cover letter by researching their title at the company. “Dear Hiring Manager” is fine if you can’t find this information. However, being able to say “Dear Senior IT Director” or “Dear Sales Manager” is better, as it shows that you care enough about the job opportunity to perform independent research on the organization. While these details are small, these subtle touches often make the difference in whether or not you stand out from other applicants during the hiring process.

Now that we’ve covered the core aspects of cover letter salutations, we’ll provide some examples to help you craft a strong opener for your document. It’s important to understand that unlike the resume, which you should keep objective, third-person, and impersonal at all times, the cover letter uses “I” statements. This allows you to showcase other aspects of who you are as a candidate, so you’ll want to capture the appropriate tone while remaining professional. Below, you’ll find some examples of cover letter salutations to enhance your next job application:

Mina Sayed Supervisor | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | 123 Windermere Rd., Seattle, WA 12345

January 1, 2022

Matthew Johnson Senior Operations Director Cadence Transportation Services (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Mr. Johnson,

As an operations manager with 10 years of experience, I’ve developed an expertise in identifying continuous improvement opportunities for large organizations. During my time with the Seattle Transport Company, I optimized route planning and labor capacity to improve on-time delivery to over 95%. I believe my fleet management experience would be valuable to your organization in the operations manager position.

Aliya Jackson  Registered Nurse | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | 123 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 12345

January 1, 2021

Pat Martin Senior Nurse Manager San Diego Hospital (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Pat Martin,

As a Registered Nurse with five years of experience, I have a strong background in medical triage and patient-centered care. During my time with Palo Alto Hospital, I provided medical care in a facility with a 1:6 patient ratio while maintaining satisfaction ratings of 93% on monthly surveys. I am confident that my communication and leadership skills would make me a valuable asset to your team in the RN position at San Diego Hospital. 

Jasmine Brown Sales Supervisor | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | 123 Carpenter Street, Philadelphia PA, 1234

Ms. Cynthia Roberts Director of Sales San Diego Hospital (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Ms. Cynthia Roberts,

With over eight years of experience as a sales supervisor, I’ve cultivated a proven track record of success driving account growth within the technology industry. During my time with Ascendence Technologies, I managed a team of 30+ account executives and sales representatives generating over $2M in annual sales. I also built a unique training program centered on strategic selling and consultative sales, which helped my team to achieve 160% of the yearly quota in 2021. I believe my sales expertise and team management capabilities would allow me to flourish in the sales manager position with your company.

Craft your perfect resume in minutes

Get 2x more interviews with Resume Builder. Access Pro Plan features for a limited time!

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

Build a Resume to Enhance Your Career

• How to Land Your Dream Job Learn More
• How to Organize Your Job Search Learn More
• How to Include References in Your Job Search Learn More
• The Best Questions to Ask in a Job Interview Learn More

Essential Guides for Your Job Search

• Business Letter Formats Learn More
• How to List a Degree on a Resume Learn More
• How Many Jobs Should You List on a Resume? Learn More
• How to Include Personal and Academic Projects on Your Resume Learn More

Eight Cover Letter Greetings for Every Situation

Published: May 26, 2021

When you’re trying to make a good first impression, a greeting is critical. Saying “Yo, what’s up” to your new employer will evoke a different, likely more negative reaction than, “Hello, it’s nice to meet you.” 

A cover letter greeting is just as important as your first in-person salutation. It’s a chance to demonstrate professionalism and even effort — for instance, addressing your hiring manager by first and last name shows you did your research. 

Here, we'll explore the best cover letter greetings you can use to ensure your cover letter is well-received.

Cover Letter Salutation and Greeting Examples

Sometimes job listings let you know who will be in charge of your application process, but sometimes they don’t. Let’s go over how to address your cover letters for either situation. Please note that it’s always important to capitalize the nouns for all of your greetings.

• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear [name of team or department you’re applying for a position in],
• Dear [company name] Recruiter,
• To the [name of team you are applying for a position in] Department,
• Dear [title of the person you would report to],
• Dear [position title] Hiring Manager,
• Dear [hiring manager, recruiter, or name of point of contact],
• Dear Human Resources Manager.

Below we’ll go over an example of how to start a cover letter greeting when you have the name of the hiring manager, recruiter, or point of contact for your application process.

How To Start a Cover Letter Greeting

1. use "hello," or "dear," followed by their first and last name..

If the job description includes the hiring manager's name, or if you've managed to figure it out through research (which we’ll cover below), an easy greeting uses a full name with a "Dear" or "Hello" before it. Additionally, this helps prevent the possibility of misgendering someone that can come from using “Dear Ms./Mr.”

2. Include their title if possible.

If you're writing to a hiring manager with a title like "Dr." or "Professor,” include it in your greeting. It will demonstrate a level of respect and that you’ve done your research. It’s also non-gender specific, again reducing the likelihood of misgendering. 

For instance, you might start your cover letter like this — "Dear Dr. Grace [Insert Last Name]."

3. If you don't know their name, you can still make it specific.

If you've done your research and can't find a specific person hiring for the role, it's likely because the company has a team assembled to delegate the hiring responsibilities. To address a letter to a team, figure out the department or group in which the role falls. Then, follow this formula — "Dear [Department] Hiring Team.”

For instance, if you're applying for a role within Customer Service, you might say, "Dear Customer Service Hiring Committee," or "Dear Customer Service Hiring Team." 

However, it’s worth putting in the effort to research who the hiring manager may be, as the information can sometimes be easy to find.

How to Address a Cover Letter Without a Name

A customized greeting goes a long way towards helping your cover letter stand out in a sea of "To Whom It May Concern." Let’s go over what you can do to uncover who the hiring manager or person responsible for the application process may be. 

Find Recruiters on Company Website

An easy way to try and find the direct responsible individual is by visiting the company website and looking for an “About Us” tab. Some businesses list names of people who work there, and you can browse through the list to see if you can find the recruiter for your position or relevant department.

Find Recruiters on LinkedIn

Some companies have such big teams that each department has its own recruiter or hiring manager. LinkedIn can come in handy here, as you can use the “People” tab to search for keywords like “hiring manager + department you’re applying to,” or “department you’re applying to + recruiter” to figure out who the direct responsible individual is for different departments. 

Find Recruiters on Twitter

Twitter is also a great social media tool for identifying recruiters or hiring managers. You can search through keywords related to the business you’re hoping to work for and browse through profiles to see what you can find. Most professionals using Twitter have some description of their job position in their bio, so you should be able to identify them when you see them. 

You can also search on Twitter for the position title you’re applying for to see if a recruiter has Tweeted a link on their profile. 

If you’ve done all your research and you can’t find a hiring manager to address your letter to, and you weren’t given a name in the application process, there are still some alternatives:

• Dear Hiring Manager
• Dear [name of team or department you’re applying for a position in]
• Dear [position title] Hiring Manager
• Dear Human Resources Manager

To Whom It May Concern is an often recommended option, but most would say that you shy away from it as it is considered a more outdated and less personalized greeting than others on this list. It would be safe to consider using it as a last resort option.

At the end of the day, when writing your cover letter , your ultimate goal is to make a good impression. If you’re able to find the name of the recruiter or hiring manager, use their name, but if not, any of the recommended greetings in this post will do.

Don't forget to share this post!

Related articles.

How to Write an Internship Cover Letter [Expert Advice & Examples]

How to Start a Cover Letter That Gets You Your Dream Job

The 46 Best Cover Letter Examples: What They Got Right

General Cover Letter: 15 Cover Letter Templates to Perfect Your Next Job Application

Is a Cover Letter Necessary in 2024?

Letter of Interest Tips, Templates & Examples [A 2023 Guide]

The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Cover Letter

7 Expert Cover Letter Tips to Get the Job

Five fill-in-the-blank cover letter templates to help you impress recruiters.

Marketing software that helps you drive revenue, save time and resources, and measure and optimize your investments — all on one easy-to-use platform

Protect your data

This site uses cookies and related technologies for site operation, and analytics as described in our Privacy Policy . You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies, reject non-essential technologies, or further manage your preferences.

• Resume and Cover Letter
• Perfect Cover Letter...

Perfect Cover Letter Salutations: Start Strong

11 min read · Updated on April 24, 2024

Greet your future employer professionally with these cover letter salutations

Cover letters – some recruiters love them; some recruiters hate them. Unfortunately, you'll rarely know which type of recruiter you're contacting, so the safest bet is always to send one, just in case. 

The aim of a cover letter is to make the reader want to find out more about you, so in this article, we're looking at starting strong. 

Which are the best cover letter salutations to make a great first impression?

What is a cover letter salutation?

When we say “salutation,” we mean the opening line of the letter where you greet the person you're writing to. For example, when you write to thank your aunt for the jumper she knitted for Christmas, you might use “Dear Aunt Betty” as your salutation. These days, the salutation may refer to the opening of an email as much as to the opening of a handwritten or printed letter. 

While cover letter salutations generally refer to the opening line of your epistle, some people also refer to the sign-off as a salutation as well, so we'll look at that at the end of the article. 

Considerations when choosing cover letter salutations

A cover letter is a formal business document that you use to try to make yourself more memorable. Remember, though, you want to be remembered for the right reasons and not the wrong ones! 

Starting your letter “Yo!” or “Hey” doesn't convey the impression of a competent professional who knows the unspoken rules of office writing etiquette. 

While not everyone is a natural writer, relying instead on personality, speech, and body language, cover letters depend very much on the written word. In fact, a cover letter, along with your resume, is part of your personal sales brochure. You need to choose the right words to sell yourself effectively. 

Stick to these guidelines, and you can't go far wrong.

Keep it formal and professional

Your tone should be aligned with the tone you'd use when speaking to a teacher, religious leader, or grandma, not the tone you'd use with your mates or kid brother. This is the first impression you'll make on your potential employer, so it's important to show that you can communicate professionally , with respect, and in line with workplace norms. 

Personalize wherever possible

Bonus points if you know, or can find out, the name of the person who will be reading the letter. If you can address them by name, you're instantly showing that you've made the effort, done your research, and have taken the time to write a personalized letter rather than firing the same one off to multiple vacancies. 

Always use a salutation

Even if you can't find out the recipient's name, never leave the greeting line blank. It conveys the impression of someone who lacks attention to detail or is just plain lazy. Not a great impression to create on someone you need to impress! 

This doesn't just apply to the cover letter salutation but to the entire document. Punctuation is important as it enables your reader to accurately interpret your meaning. Use capital letters for names and add a comma after the salutation. Get a trusted friend or family member to check over your letter when it's written to help you give it the polish it needs. 

Options for cover letter salutations

Let's take a look at some different salutations you could use on your cover letter. 

Dear Mr Donnelly 

Addressing the hiring manager by name is the ideal option. If it's not given in the job posting or provided by the person connecting you, it's fine to resort to good old Google. You may find their name on the company website or be able to track them down on LinkedIn. It's also perfectly acceptable to contact the company directly and ask them who you should address your application to.

If you're lucky enough to know the name of the hiring manager, you should always use it in the cover letter salutation. Bear these considerations in mind, though: 

Double and triple check the spelling – even the most common names sometimes have unconventional spellings 

Default to “Mr,” “Mrs,” or “Miss” plus their surname and use the generic “Ms” if you're not sure whether “Mrs” or “Miss” would be most appropriate

Reflect the gender-neutral title “Mx” if that's what you find online or on the job advert

Dear Doctor Foster

If the recipient has a professional title, it's recommended you use that instead of “Mr,” “Mrs,” or “Miss.” Examples could include “Dear Professor Dumbledore,” “Dear General Eisenhower,” or “Dear Doctor House.” 

While the formal “Dear Ms Farrell” is the preferred and most formal option, if you only have the hiring manager's first name, it's perfectly acceptable to use it to open the letter. Again, check the spelling. A slightly less formal salutation here isn't a reason to take a less formal tone throughout the rest of the letter, however. This is a suitable salutation for a job application email, as you can get away with a slightly more relaxed approach in an email.

Dear HR team

If you need a greeting for a cover letter to an unknown recipient, this is a popular option. It's not ideal, but your letter is likely to be forwarded to the right department at least. If you can't find the name of the hiring manager, this is a viable Plan B. 

Dear hiring manager

This is an alternative cover letter greeting when you have no name available. It's better than leaving a blank space, but it's far from warm and personal. Additionally, your letter may not find its way to the right person if the company has different teams hiring for different roles. Try to avoid this unless you've run out of other options.

Dear Sir / Madam

This cover letter salutation is falling out of favor. It's not just impersonal; it doesn't even address a specific team or department. Still, it's better than an overly casual greeting or a blank space. 

How NOT to address a cover letter

As we've already said, there are some greetings that are just too informal to use as cover letter salutations. There are others, however, that tread a very fine line. We'd advise avoiding these openings, as they're either too colloquial or too stuffy. 

To whom it may concern

We're not in the 19th century anymore. Trim your whiskers and relegate this stuffy greeting to history, it's too impersonal even for the most uptight offices. 

Using “dear” on its own, with no name or further greeting attached, gives the wrong vibe. It sounds like a combination of your old aunt, someone unfamiliar with the English language, and someone who's forgotten to fill in a blank on their template. Literally, anything is better than nothing after the word “dear.”

Hi, hello, hi there!

While these cover letter salutations certainly aren't stuffy or over-formal, they fall too far in the other direction. They're friendly and casual but too much for an initial introduction. Save these for the interview. 

Expert tip: Read this article to find out more about cover letter mistakes to avoid: 10 of the Worst Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid  

Cover letter closing salutations

How you end is just as important as how you begin. After all, you want to end on a high! Before you come to an abrupt end, you'll want to do both of these things: 

Thank the reader for their time and consideration 

Add a call to action, for example, directing them to look at your resume or give you a call

Cover letter salutations to close 

You've started strong and used the body of the email to convince the hiring manager that you're the ideal candidate for the role. Now, it's time to choose your sign-off. 

Yours sincerely, yours truly

These two phrases should be your go-to sign-offs for a formal business letter. If you've started your letter with the recipient's name, choose sincerely; otherwise, choose truly. 

Best regards, kind regards, regards

These are all acceptable closing phrases but better suited to an email than a full letter. They veer towards the casual and aren't generally considered the best letter-writing etiquette. 

Respectfully

This is a polite way of signing off a letter, although not especially conventional or formal. While it's better than no closing at all, it would be wiser to choose a more formal option. 

How NOT to sign off a cover letter 

Just as there are ways not to start a cover letter, there are ways not to sign off. 

Well, it's polite but way too informal. “Thank you” would be better, but a line within the body of the letter saying that you appreciate the time they take to consider your application would be best. 

Just no. You're not taking leave of a friend you've just dropped in on; you're addressing your potential future employer. A more formal and respectful tone is needed. 

However you choose to end your cover letter, remember to finish with your name – and leave space above to sign it if you intend to print it out.

Cover letter examples

Below you'll find two cover letter examples with strong salutations, one a traditional letter and one an email, that you can use for inspiration. 

Traditional cover letter example

Dear Ms Searle, 

Re: Sales Manager vacancy 

Having seen your advertisement for a Sales Manager on LinkedIn, I would like to outline my professional experience and strong track record. I believe I can make a very significant contribution to Acme Corp.

In addition to extensive experience in a sales environment, I also have a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and a proven ability to meet targets. As you will see from my enclosed resume, I am a natural people person, communicating effectively with a diverse range of people and demonstrating excellent negotiation and influencing skills. My leadership abilities mean that I am able to successfully engage and motivate teams – my current team has surpassed its Q1 targets by 23%. 

I am driven, ambitious, and keen to progress my career in a growing and innovative business such as Acme Corp. I am confident that my strong work ethic, combined with my sales results and integrity, will enable me to play a key role in your success. 

Please do not hesitate to call me at 555-555-5555 so we can arrange an interview to discuss my application in greater depth. I appreciate your consideration. 

Yours sincerely,

Email cover letter example 

Dear Liz, 

Re: Assistant Security Manager vacancy (ref: 12345)

Having read your advertisement for an Assistant Security Manager with interest, I am writing to outline my extensive professional experience. I believe that I possess the talents necessary to make a positive contribution to your hotel.    

I have a comprehensive understanding of security and a commitment to exceptional service. As a Police Officer, I led teams of up to 6 personnel, overseeing security patrols and managing performance. Colleagues would recommend me for my ability to build and motivate teams to achieve exceptionally high standards and positive outcomes. 

As a manager, I take pride in providing training and development opportunities across the team to improve individual skill levels and ensure the achievement of organizational objectives.

The position at Acme Hotel is particularly appealing to me as I believe it will make the best possible use of my security and leadership skills whilst providing opportunities for further development. 

Please do not hesitate to call me at 555-555-5555 so we can arrange an interview to discuss my application in greater depth. I appreciate your consideration of my application and look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards, 

Choose the right cover letter salutations to set the right tone

As you can see, there are several options for opening and closing a cover letter. Make sure you choose one that is professional, has the right amount of formality, and shows you understand corporate communication. 

At TopResume, we create impactful resumes that land jobs. If you need help with your cover letter, we can do that, too! Why not contact us for a strong start on your journey towards a new career? 

Recommended reading: 

Resume vs Cover Letter: How They're Different

What is the perfect cover letter length?

How to Tailor Your Cover Letter for Each Job Application

Related Articles:

How to Maximize Your Resume Action Words to Wow the Employer

Short Cover Letter Samples: Effective Examples for Job Applications

Resume Spelling and Accent Explained

See how your resume stacks up.

Career Advice Newsletter

Our experts gather the best career & resume tips weekly. Delivered weekly, always free.

Thanks! Career advice is on its way.

Share this article:

Let's stay in touch.

Subscribe today to get job tips and career advice that will come in handy.

Your information is secure. Please read our privacy policy for more information.

Cover Letter Salutation That Entices the Recruiter to Learn More About You

In This Guide:

How to write the best cover letter salutation for maximum impact.

Cover letter salutation if you know the hiring manager's name

Why you should personalize your cover letter salutation

The absolute no-nos of cover letter salutations, cover letter salutation - takeaways.

Quick Answer: "To write an outstanding cover letter salutation, keep it formal yet polite. Start with ""Dear (name)"" if you know the name of the HR or hiring manager. Use ""Dear HR Team"" or ""Dear Hiring Manager"" if the recipient is unknown. Always personalize the salutation to establish a connection and avoid vague openings like ""To whom it may concern"" or ""Dear Sir/Madam."" Remember, personalization and a formal tone are key."

Have you ever been slightly annoyed when someone forgot your name at a party 2 minutes after you introduced yourself, even though you also sometimes forget the names of people whom you just met?

Guess what – recruiters feel the same when their name is under the job ad, yet they get another Cover letter starting with “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam”.

In this article, you will learn how to craft impressive Cover letters, which land on “soft” ears, as you know how to address your reader the right way.

Here’s what you will learn from our expert Career advisors:

• What is a great Cover letter greeting
• How to create a connection via personalization
• Ways to find the HR name
• How to avoid common pitfalls in your Cover letter salutation
• What opening lines you should stay away from

After nailing that attention-grabbing greeting, you can always get more free Enhancv tips with these Cover letter examples .

You are just a few minutes away from the insider secrets on how to “enter” and shine on the application “stage” with the perfect Cover letter salutation! Ready to dive in?

Upload & Check Your Resume

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

You only get 7 seconds to make an outstanding first impression. As the Cover letter is in fact a sales document, the first impression is as crucial as in a meeting. The only difference is that in a Cover letter you can’t rely on the power of your polished, presentable persona, charisma, voice, or non-verbal body language. The only tool you have at your disposal to achieve massive effect is the written words. So you better use it right.

“How can I do that?” - you'd ask. Not to worry, we've got your back, and it is actually easier than it looks. Driving lasting impressions and stirring up interest is going to be entirely in your hands with our blog , which is fully packed with valuable Career advice.

In reality, commanding others ‘attention “from the first read” and sentence boils down to two factors:

• Your Cover letter design
• Your Cover letter salutation

These two elements determine for a millisecond the first and sometimes overall impression from your Cover letter.

Attractive design will play totally in your favor, as it is common knowledge that before delving in or reading diagonally any document, we scan it holistically from a bird's eye. Only afterward, our view “falls” on certain “gestalts' – visual details. The main rule here is to make your document pleasant to look at with the right mix of fonts, colors, and overall formatting.

Same with the design, with the introduction, there are several important guidelines one needs to have in mind.

Keep it formal

While you definitely want to come across as a friendly and likable person, when it comes to choosing the opening line, it wouldn’t hurt to be aware that you are not chatting your friends with an offer to go to the movies.

Sticking to the formal, respectful tone that acknowledges the distance between you and your reader (HR and/or Hiring Manager) is your best bet here. Shortening the distance by interjecting informal salutations may actually do you a disservice and create the opposite effect to what you aim for.

Hence, steer clear away from any openings like:

Be polite in your cover letter greeting

Have you heard the expression “Cordiality goes a long way”? Some researchers state that although the salutation “ Dear ” is not too personal and is, in fact, just a formal expression; it typically makes recipients more open to the communication sender.

Whenever you are in doubt about the greeting of your Cover letter, always use “Dear (name)” – this is the golden standard of official business communication. You cannot get that wrong!

Speak like a human to another human

Now let's delve deeper into what can trip you off! Like anyone, HRs are human beings too with their personality and unique individuality. So, they highly value being communicated to like a human, not like being just another part of a depersonalized organization.

This is an important point for you to consider when you turn your Cover letter into a flawless masterpiece. Let's face it, no one really likes generic mails. So when you write your next great Cover letter, write it, with the crystal clear thought that it will be read by humans, not by machines.

Otherwise, you risk “sounding” disinterested, cold, withdrawn, or uninspired for the role in question. Plus, your candidature may be experienced by the receiver like lukewarm water, rather than like the hot stuff that it actually is.

On the contrary, when you address your Cover letter in a way that acknowledges the HRs on a more personal level, you win them at “Hello”! And the good news is that you can do that, no matter if you know the HRs name or not (and you cannot find it).

Let's cover those two scenarios, so you are prepared in all possible cases!

Cover letter salutation if you know the hiring manager's name

Know the name of the responsible recruiter for that job ad you've got your eye on?! Sweet! Lucky you! Then you have an ace, and you definitely have to use it!

Start your Cover letter with a formal, polite, yet personal greeting including the name of the HR or Hiring Manager.

A few things to keep in mind, though!

Make sure to do a preliminary check of the first and last name of the contact person!"!

If you proceed with a semi-formal greeting after your company research and you have identified that the organizational culture allows it (for example in a start-up), you can just address the person by their first name:

• Dear Antoana,

Those will do just fine!

Pay attention that the comma always comes after the name and not before it!)

However, if you go for the very formal communication style (for example for a Corporate or Governmental organization with a strict hierarchical structure), you d best use this format of salutation with the person s surname:

• Dear Mr. Salomez,
• Dear Mrs. Perruci,

When you use Mr., Mrs., and Ms. and the person has a first name from which you cannot identify their gender, do your proper Google research.

If that doesn’t retrieve any clear results either, it may be a good idea to check if you can identify the person on the company's website or on their social network channels (like LinkedIn). In case that also proves fruitless, it might be worth considering using the semi-formal format:

NB! It is not a common practice, but some hiring managers and applicants may use Mx. as a gender-neutral title. So note such versions:

• Dear Mx. Richardson,

If the contact person is a woman and you are not sure of her marital status, you can use a marital-neutral title Ms.

Dear Ms. Petrova,

Go calmly with the title Mrs. only when you know for sure that the woman you are addressing is married:

Dear Mrs. Todorova,

Cover letter salutation for an unknown recipient

Your first resort should be to at least try to find out the name of the HR.

So what if you've searched in the ad on the job board, on the company website, and on their socials, but in vain?! Take heart! In that case, it is totally acceptable if you get in touch with the company – either by phone or email, express interest in the job role and kindly ask whom from the HR team you should address your application. And voilà! Then you just apply the above rules!

If that also doesn’t work for whatever reason, there's a smart way out, but how you approach it – can make or break your Cover letter!

The best way is to address it to the whole HR department while avoiding generalizations like the plague.

Example of a good greeting :

• Dear HR Team,
• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear HR Professional,

Addressing the team still sounds professional and on point, without putting you in the treacherous waters of writing blurry, uncertain, generic Cover letter greetings like:

• Dear Sir or Madam

Moreover, career experts believe that by using Dear HR Team , your Cover letter is much more likely to be forwarded faster to the right contact in the organization.

Why exactly does personalization in the job application matter so much?

In the times of rapidly developing personal and professional branding industries, generic is no longer a virtue. The more differentiated image a company or a job applicant has, the more he or she will be perceived as a rare find.

If aside from a strong personal and professional persona, the candidate demonstrates a profound ability to connect, well – that makes him or her already an over-the-top Acer.

Here exactly comes the meaning of using wise personalization in your Cover letter to establish a connection with the HRs in two aspects:

• Personalization by revealing, without oversharing, some details and relevant hobbies you have, that represent you in a more social and friendly manner;
• Personalization by respecting your recipient’s identity and individuality via addressing them by their name.

On a side note, let us make a disclaimer here – the fact that you personalize your Cover letter and know the individual contact of the HR does not mean you should start spamming them with questions for the position on LinkedIn or via email.

Or else – you risk dimming the good impression you have already created by your eye-catcher Cover letter.

Now that you have aced the game of writing a great connector Cover letter, let's take a look at a shortlist of a NO-NO Salutation of Cover letters that are dead-end for your application:

• To whom it may concern

In this article, you learned that you need to:

• Harness both the power of Design and professional Salutation to attract the HR to read further;
• Keep a formal, polite, yet friendly tone that lets your personality shine, without over sharing;
• Write genuinely for humans;
• Always address the HR by their name, if it is mentioned in the job ad;
• Try to find the right contact person, if you tonight know it;
• Use “Dear (first name)” or “Dear (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Mx. surname)” - when in doubt about what tone you should keep;
• Use marital-neutral title Ms., if the HR is a woman and you are not sure if she is married or not; otherwise, you can go with Mrs.;
• Consider the gender-neutral title (Dear) Mx., in case you are not sure of the recipient's gender;
• Avoid at all costs the vague and impersonal “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam”.

Did we get you turned on for crafting your very own stunning Cover letter?! Then check how you can do that with ease and class in our Cover letter help section!

Also keep an eye on our blog, as we regularly upload new articles to empower you to manage your career like a PRO.

• Cover Letter Guides

How To Put Coding Bootcamp On Resume

Make your linkedin profile stand out and get noticed with these 18 expert tips, 5 tricky as hell job interview questions...and how to answer them right, how to accept a job offer professionally, what is a resume builder, his sales account manager resume got him great job in 45 days.

• Create Resume
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Preferences
• Resume Examples
• Resume Templates
• AI Resume Builder
• Resume Summary Generator
• Resume Formats
• Resume Checker
• AI Resume Review
• Resume Skills
• How to Write a Resume
• Modern Resume Templates
• Simple Resume Templates
• Cover Letter Builder
• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Formats
• How to Write a Cover Letter
• Resume Guides
• Job Interview Guides
• Job Interview Questions
• Career Resources
• Meet our customers
• Career resources
• English (UK)
• French (FR)
• German (DE)
• Spanish (ES)
• Swedish (SE)

© 2024 . All rights reserved.

Made with love by people who care.

Cover Letter Guide, Steps 2–4: Header, Greeting, & Introduction

• Start With A Header
• Include A Greeting
• Write A Memorable Introduction

You’re a shining star in your field, and you’ve found the perfect job listing. How do you make a great first impression with the company you’d like to work for? Well, let’s address the basics first: there’s one person you’ve got to impress right away. That’s right—whether that person is a hiring manager or your future supervisor—you’re got to impress that first person who reviews your cover letter and forms an impression of you as an applicant.

So how do you start that letter the right way and get their attention?  This article (Steps 2–4) in our comprehensive cover letter series will help you format and write the key elements of an introduction to your cover letter. You’ll move on to steps 5–7 to write the rest of the letter.

Start at the beginning by clicking here for “Your Guide To Writing A Good Cover Letter: Overview” or choose the step you need below.

Step 1. Format Your Cover Letter

✅  Step 2–4. Open The Cover Letter With A Proper Header, Greeting, And Memorable Introduction

Step 5–7. Explain You’re Fit For The Job, Add A Call To Action, And End With The Right Sign-off

Step 8–9. Edit And Share Your Cover Letter

We’ve provided a sample cover letter you can use to follow along in this series and create your own. Click on the image below to expand it.

2. Start the cover letter with a header

What to include in the header.

The first part of your cover letter is the header . Traditionally, a header would be formatted similarly to the heading of any formal letter. These days, it is more common to find a header that is the same or similar to the section that lists the name and contact details on your resume. Whether you use a traditional heading or a more contemporary header will depend on the job to which you are applying. Either way, your header should include:

• Your contact details
• Your job title (if applicable)
• The name of the hiring manager
• The contact details of the hiring manager

Examples of headers

Here is the traditional format for the header of a cover letter. We will cover alternatives to this traditional format in a little bit.

May 1, 2021

Emma A. Plicant English Tutor 1234 Road Way Anywhere, USA 12345 (123) 456-7890 [email protected]

Anna Smith Hiring Manager Tutoring Company 2345 Business Park Elsewhere, USA 12346

Make Your Writing Shine!

• By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy policies.
• Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Step 3. Include a proper greeting

A cover letter is a kind of formal letter, meaning it needs to include a greeting similar to that of any other kind of letter or email. This greeting should begin “Dear” or “To” and end with a comma , not a period.

Who should you address your cover letter to?

Ideally, you will address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager. If the name of the hiring manager is not listed on the job posting, you will need to do a little digging to try and find it. A good place to start is the website for the company itself. (Try to find a link like “About Our Staff.”) Even if you don’t find the name of the hiring manager there, you will be able to learn more about the company’s mission, values, and practices from the website. Some workplaces even go so far as to state specifically what they are looking for in a cover letter on their website.

Other sources for the name of the hiring manager include websites like LinkedIn and Glassdoor.

Note that the job title of the person in charge of hiring for the position may not be Hiring Manager. They may have a different kind of title altogether, like Administrative Assistant or Recruiter.

If you’re unable to find the name of the hiring manager to include on the cover letter, you can simply write Hiring Manager in the header or leave the spot blank.

The question of how to properly address your cover letter also comes up when it comes to writing the greeting.

Examples of greetings

A typical greeting for a cover letter if you know the name of the hiring manager is:

Dear [Mr./Ms.] [Last Name of Hiring Manager] example: Dear Ms. Smith,

Other, more contemporary greeting forms are:

Dear [Full Name] example: Dear Anna Smith,

[Full Name] example: Anna Smith,

If you are unable to find the name of the hiring manager, you have a few options when it comes to addressing your cover letter:

Dear Hiring Manager, Dear [Company] Team, To Whom It May Concern, Dear Sir or Madam,

Addressing a cover letter with “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam” is somewhat controversial. Some counsel against it, others find that employers prefer it. If you feel uncertain about using either of these greetings, stick with the traditional “Dear Hiring Manager.”

Looking for even more options for “to whom it may concern”? Review some of them here.

Step 4. Write a memorable introduction

It can be hard to know how to start a cover letter, but once you know the formula, it is fairly straight-forward. Your introductory paragraph should be one to three sentences long and include the following information:

• The name of the position you are applying for
• A brief description of your experience
• A sense of why you are interested in the position

Of all of these things, it is most important to state the name of the position—you would be amazed how many people leave this critical piece of information out.

Examples of strong introductions

Here are a couple of examples of a strong introduction for a cover letter:

• In response to your online job notice, I am writing to apply for the position of English Tutor at Learning Company. I believe my passion for education and many years of experience supporting students as a paraprofessional would make me an ideal fit for this post.
• As a longtime supporter of animal welfare causes, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to apply for the position of Fundraiser for Animal Welfare Nonprofit. I have over five years of experience in the nonprofit fundraising sector, raising over $200,000 annually, and I think these skills and my dedication to the issues would be an asset to your organization.

Be sure to double-check that you have correctly transcribed the job title and the name of the company!

Are you ready to highlight your professional experience? Let’s talk about how to compose the body of the cover letter!

Ways To Say

Synonym of the day

Explore Jobs

• Jobs Near Me
• Remote Jobs
• Full Time Jobs
• Part Time Jobs
• Entry Level Jobs
• Work From Home Jobs

Find Specific Jobs

• $15 Per Hour Jobs
• $20 Per Hour Jobs
• Hiring Immediately Jobs
• High School Jobs
• H1b Visa Jobs

Explore Careers

• Business And Financial
• Architecture And Engineering
• Computer And Mathematical

Explore Professions

• What They Do
• Certifications
• Demographics

Best Companies

• Health Care
• Fortune 500

Explore Companies

• CEO And Executies
• Resume Builder
• Career Advice
• Explore Majors
• Questions And Answers
• Interview Questions

Best Letter And Email Salutations And Greetings (With Examples)

• Best Business Salutations
• Letter of Introduction
• Close a Business Letter
• Job Application Letter
• Business Letter Layout
• To Whom It May Concern
• Letter Of Interest
• Letter Envelope
• Experience Letter
• How To Write A Letter

Find a Job You Really Want In

The way that you start a business email can determine the whole tone of the message. That’s why the salutation is so important. Greeting someone is considered polite, and that carries over into both letters and emails, meaning that the salutation you choose matters. There are many different salutations that you can use to start a letter, and picking the right salutation for the occasion can feel overwhelming. If you’re unsure of the proper etiquette to use when choosing a greeting for an email, we’ll go over different options and when it’s best to use them. Key Takeaways: When you are choosing your salutation you should take into consideration who you are sending the letter to, the purpose of the letter, and how much interaction you’ve had with this person and how they address you. Overtime as your interaction with a person becomes less formal, your salutations will also become less formal. Picking the right salutation sets the tone of the interaction you have with a person because it is the first thing they will see in your letter or email. In This Article    Skip to section What is a salutation? How to choose the right salutation Different types of salutations examples How to follow a salutation Punctuating salutations When to switch to less formal greetings Salutations FAQ References Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs Show More What is a salutation?

Salutation is a specific word used to refer to an expression of greeting, goodwill, or courtesy — and it need not be verbal. However, in this case, a salutation is more specific, being defined by Merriam-Webster as “the word or phrase of greeting that conventionally comes immediately before the body of a letter.”

That means that the salutation is the first thing that the person reading your email will see. “Dear” is the most common and formal one, but there are many different ways to greet your reader . Selecting the right one sets the tone for the letter and message that you wish to convey.

How to choose the right salutation

Unfortunately, as with most social interactions, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the right salutation to use. Picking the right one is going to depend on a number of factors, such as how well you know the recipient, the purpose of the communication, and how formal the person you’re sending it to tends to be.

Here are some things to consider when picking the right greeting:

How well you know the recipient. Generally speaking, the better you know a person, the more casual you can be in your greeting and the rest of your message. This might even change from coworker to coworker, depending on your relationship with them.

If you’re sending an email or hard copy letter. While emails can be formal, they’re typically less formal than a written or printed letter. You can use any greeting that’s appropriate for a hard copy letter in an email, but you can’t always put an email-appropriate greeting in a letter.

The purpose of your letter. Your salutation should be appropriate to the rest of your message as well. If you’re writing to schedule a meeting with a colleague, you can be a bit more casual than you would be in a cover letter .

How much interaction you’ve had in the past. If this is the first time you’ve reached out to the person you’re writing to, you should be more formal than you would be in your tenth email with them.

How they address you. If the person you’re writing to has written to you before, you can simply match the level of formality of their greeting or, depending on their status relative to you, go a touch more formal in your own.

Different types of salutations examples

There are various types of salutations depending on how formal you plan to be and who you’re addressing. For a business letter, it’s generally better to err on the side of being overly formal, though that’ll depend on how well you know the recipient.

Here are the different types of salutations and when to use them:

Formal Salutations

A formal salutation is a good go-to in letters and emails where don’t want to seem overly familiar. They’re best if you want to sound very professional, you don’t know the recipient very well, or you’re dealing with someone who prefers more formal communication.

Dear. Probably the most common greeting, “Dear” is an excellent choice for both emails and written letters. Whether you’re writing a cover letter , a resignation letter, or an email to a coworker, as long as you know the recipient’s name, this is a safe neutral.

Greetings. This is a good option when you have met the person you’re writing to but don’t know them well or when you don’t know the recipient’s name. It’s a slightly more formal greeting than “hi” or “hello,” making it versatile for both written letters and emails.

Good afternoon/evening/morning. These salutations are similar to “Greetings” in formality, but they’re best used for email messages since you can’t guarantee when someone will receive a physical letter or know when you sent it. This is also a good option when you’re emailing a colleague and want to sound friendly yet professional.

To whom it may concern. There is a lot of controversy surrounding this greeting , but it’s still useful when you truly cannot find the name of the person you’re addressing. This is especially helpful when you’re writing a cover letter or letter of recommendation , and you have no idea who your letter will be going to but still need to be very professional.

Informal Salutations

While the formal salutations are interchangeable between written letters and emails, for the most part, you should use these informal greetings only in casual email conversations with someone you’ve already established a professional relationship with.

Hello. This is the most formal of the informal salutations and can be used with or without a name. It’s also a great option if you’re emailing a group of people and either don’t know their names or can’t reasonably fit them all into the salutation.

Hi. A step more casual than “Hello,” “Hi” is best used only with people you know well and have talked to before. It’s best when coupled with a name, but it can be used without one too.

Hey. The most informal salutation, you should only use “Hey” to address colleagues you have a strong relationship with. It tends to sound more like a text message than a professional email, so make sure you use this option carefully.

No salutation, just a name. Starting a message with just the recipient’s name is efficient. Still, you should use it sparingly since it can sound abrupt or even harsh, especially if you’re trying to establish a relationship over email. It can be useful during longer casual email conversations where the tone has already been established, though.

Other Salutations for business correspondence

There will be times when you’re writing to someone whose name you don’t know, or when you’ll have to send out an email to a group of people. What salutation you use then would vary on the circumstances and how formal you want to be.

No contact information. For starters, it’s always best to know exactly who you’re addressing your letter to. It’s important for determining other elements of your letter’s contents. But if you don’t have the recipient’s contact information, you have a few options that can work:

To Whom It May Concern. We covered this one above, and it works if you’re writing a document that’ll be used en masse by someone else, like a recommendation letter. Or if you’re writing to complain about an issue or request help but don’t know who exactly will be on the receiving end.

Hello/Greetings. If your letter isn’t all that formal, starting out wtih a standard greeting like “Hello” without using a name is perfectly acceptable.

Dear Sir or Madam. This one gets used sometimes, so we thought we’d mention it. That being said, it’s pretty outdated, so we don’t really recommend using it.

Cover letter. If you don’t know who to address your cover letter to, keep trying to figure it out. Look for the hiring manager’s name on the company website, on LinkedIn, in the job description, or by calling the company directly and asking. Then, simply address your cover letter to “Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name].”

If all that fails, steer clear of generic greetings like “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam” — the recipient will assume you didn’t try very hard or that you’re sending out the same cover letter to every company (which is not what you want).

Instead, go for a salutation like:

Dear Hiring Team

Dear [Department Name] Team

Dear [Title of person you’d report to]

Multiple people. When addressing multiple people in one email, it’s best to use all of their names after your salutation, separated by commas. Whether you use titles and/or first and last names is up to you, but stay consistent. For example, go with “Dear Tim, Mark, Alice,” not “Dear Tim Howard, Mark, and Ms. Jones.”

How to follow a salutation

Once you’ve decided on the appropriate salutation, you have to decide what to put after it. Typically this is going to be the receipt’s name, however, there are still several choices as to how you go about this. And always, always make sure you spell it correctly.

Full name. If you aren’t on a first-name basis with the person you’re addressing and don’t know their gender, simply use both their first and last names. For example: “Dear Jordan Parker.”

This option is becoming more popular among younger workers, as it doesn’t assume someone’s gender. That means that this is likely the best way to go if you’re writing to someone younger.

First name. A good rule of thumb is to use just the person’s first name only when you’re already on a first-name basis with them outside of your correspondence. This is most commonly used in emails rather than in written letters.

Last name. Saying “Dear Ms. Haywood” or “Dear Dr. Jacobs” is a classic, safe option, especially when you’re addressing a potential future employer or client and need to be more formal. Make sure you use the proper honorific designation as well.

Use “Ms.” for females. Technically, “Mrs.” is appropriate for married women and “Miss” for single women, but unless you know for sure, “Ms.” is generally the advisable choice to avoid offending anyone.

Even if you know that the woman you’re writing to is married or unmarried, it’s likely best to use Ms., because some people feel that Miss or Mrs. is old-fashion or puts undue emphasis on whether or not they’re married.

Use “Mr.” for males. There isn’t really another option for men, so this is generally a safe choice.

Use other titles when applicable. If you know the person has a doctorate education of some kind, use “Dr.” instead of “Ms.” or “Mr.” The same goes for those with military ranks as well. If you aren’t sure about this for the person you’re addressing, though, just stick to the classic “Ms.” and “Mr.”

Generic options. Sometimes you may find yourself addressing your letter to a group of people or an unknown recipient. In this case, there are some more generic options to use

If you’re writing to a group of people, you can use “Hello, team,” or “Hi, all.” If there are only three people in the group, though, try to address all of them by saying, “Hi Steve, Mike, and Taylor.”

When you don’t know who you’re addressing , you can use the person’s title if you have it or simply stick with “ Dear Sir or Madam .” This is a good option for highly formal letters that are your first interaction with the person.

Punctuating salutations

There are two ways to punctuate your salutation: a comma or a colon. Both are acceptable in professional writing, but a colon is the most formal. Generally, you’ll also want to leave a blank line between your salutation and the first line of text.

Here are a few examples of this:

Colon punctuation example:

Dear Mr. Wilson: I’m writing to recommend Wendy Peterson for the position of Junior Accountant .

Comma punctuation example:

Hi, Jason, I hope your week is going well. I wanted to follow up with you on our conversation from earlier.

When to switch to less formal greetings

Just because you choose one salutation to begin a conversation doesn’t mean you have to stick with it for the rest of the interaction. The more you talk with someone, even if it’s over email, the less formal you need to be. This may look different depending on the conversation topic, though, and remember that a lack of formality isn’t the same thing as a lack of professionalism.

These more extended exchanges are also good opportunities to use the recipient’s response to gauge their communication style and how casual or formal they like to be. Then you can adjust your salutations accordingly.

You might begin an email conversation with a potential employer with the salutation, “Dear Ms. Caseman,” and then you might move to just “Ms. Caseman” or “Good morning” in your second and third email responses. OR If you’re talking with a peer about a project you’re both working on, you might start with “Hello, Bill” and then move to “Hi again, Bill.”

Salutations FAQ

What are some common salutations?

Common salutations include dear, good morning, hello, and to whom it may concern. There are numerous other informal salutations, but the formal ones are largely limited to dear, good morning/afternoon/evening, and greetings.

What is a closing salutation?

A closing salutation is how a letter is ended, usually coming right before your name or signature. For instance, sincerely, regards, thank you , or cordially are all closing salutations

Do emails require salutations?

Yes, emails require salutations. Very informal emails may not have a salutation, as they’ll be closer to an IM than an email. But emails are structured more like a letter, meaning that having a salutation is considered proper.

Business Insider — the Perfect Way to Start an Email, and Greetings You Should Avoid

Purdue Owl — Writing the Basic Business Letter

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating / 5. Vote count:

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Abby is a writer who is passionate about the power of story. Whether it’s communicating complicated topics in a clear way or helping readers connect with another person or place from the comfort of their couch. Abby attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she earned a degree in writing with concentrations in journalism and business.

Related posts

14 Better Ways To Say “Please Find Attached My Resume”

Jobs in the Marines: Marine Corps Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)

Should I Add References Available Upon Request To My Resume?

To Whom It May Concern: How To Use It With Examples

• Career Advice >
• Apply For Jobs >
• Salutations

60+ Cover Letter Examples in 2024 [For All Professions]

No matter where you are in your career, or what job you’re applying for, submitting a cover letter with your resume is a must . 

Done right, a cover letter will effectively complement your resume and explain to the hiring manager in more detail why you’re the right person for the job.

Writing a cover letter, however, is easier said than done. 

You have to effectively demonstrate that you’ll be able to perform the responsibilities listed in the job description and that you’d be a better fit for the company compared to other candidates. 

And unless you’re a professional writer, this can be a very hard task.

Fortunately, we created these cover letter examples to inspire you and help you get started with your own cover letter!

Let’s dive in!

21 Cover Letter Examples 

#1. career change cover letter example .

Here’s what this cover letter does right:

• Has an ideal length. This cover letter includes all the relevant information for the hiring manager without getting into too much detail.
• Relevant introduction. The candidate explains that they’re changing careers and why they want to work in this new field from the get-go.
• Explains their related experience. The candidate explains how their previous experience in retail sales can help them succeed in PR.

Check out our guide video guide to learn how to write a Cover Letter that gets you HIRED!

#2. Recent Graduate Cover Letter Example 

• Personally greets the hiring manager. The candidate has taken the time to find the hiring manager’s name and address them by it, which makes the opening of the cover letter much more personal.
• Wraps up with a call to action. The candidate wraps up the cover letter by suggesting a meeting with the hiring manager, which makes them more memorable.
• Explains why the candidate is the right person for the internship. In this cover letter for an internship , the candidate explains how they’ve previously interned in a different firm, which gives them the experience to succeed in this role.

Have you just graduated from college? Make sure to check out our guide on writing an entry-level cover letter from start to finish! 

#3. Middle Management Cover Letter Example

• Use of bullet points. The candidate presents the information in a concise and reader-friendly way, making it easy for the hiring manager to find their key achievements. 
• Formal closing. The candidate has used a formal and polite tone to conclude their cover letter, which combined with a call to action makes them look professional and passionate about getting the job. 
• Explains how the company would benefit from hiring them. The candidate outlines exactly what they could do for the company, which not only highlights their skills but also shows they’ve done their research on the company’s needs. 

#4. Business Manager Cover Letter Example

• Detailed header. In addition to the must-have contact details, this candidate has also included their professional Twitter and LinkedIn profiles, making it easy for the hiring manager to look more closely into their career. 
• Concise and to the point. This candidate has used short paragraphs and bullet points to make the cover letter easy to skim through. 
• Wraps up with a call to action. By letting the hiring manager know they’ll be contacting them soon, they’re more likely to make an impression.

Check out this article for a complete writing guide and an inspiring business manager resume sample. 

#5. Ph.D. Cover Letter Example

Here’s what this cover letter does right: 

• Attention-grabbing introduction. In the opening paragraph, this candidate explains why they’re passionate about pursuing a Ph.D. in great detail. 
• Explains the candidate’s qualifications in detail. The candidate builds on their passion by explaining how they’re also qualified for the degree because of their education history and academic achievements. 

#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

• Professional and minimalistic template. This senior executive has used a professional but minimalistic template that lets their work experience do the talking. 
• Achievement-oriented opening paragraph. Right from the get-go, this candidate explains what makes them so good at their job, effectively grabbing the hiring manager’s attention.  
• Wraps up with a call to action. By suggesting to have a meeting and discussing how they can help the company meet its goals, the candidate stands more chance to make a positive lasting impression. 

#7. Architect Cover Letter Example 

• Modern resume template. This architect has picked a template that perfectly matches his industry, as it is professional and modern at the same time. 
• A personal greeting to the HR. They address the hiring manager by their first name, which helps make a better first impression. 
• Measurable achievements. By quantifying their achievements, the candidate proves their achievements instead of just claiming them.

Struggling with your architect resume ? Check out our full guide!

#8. Business Analyst Cover Letter Example 

• Detailed contact information. The candidate has listed both their LinkedIn and Twitter profiles, providing the HR manager an opportunity to learn more about the candidate.  
• Mentions what the candidate can do for the company. This cover letter doesn’t just explain why the job would be great for the candidate, but also how the candidate would benefit the company. Win-win, right? 
• Error-free and reader-friendly. It’s super important for the cover letter to have no spelling or grammatical errors and be reader-friendly. This candidate made sure they did both.

Need a resume alongside your cover letter? Check out our guide on how to write a business analyst resume . 

#9. Consultant Cover Letter Example 

• Professional cover letter template. Being an experienced consultant, this candidate has picked a professional template that doesn’t steal the spotlight from their achievements. 
• Experience and achievement-oriented. The candidate has effectively elaborated on their top achievements relevant to the job. 
• Highlights the candidate’s passion. To show they want the job, this candidate has also explained how passionate they are about their profession.

For more advice on landing a job as a consultant, check out our guide to writing a consultant resume .

#10. Digital Marketing Cover Letter Example

• Creative cover letter template. This digital marketer highlights their originality by picking a creative cover letter template. 
• Lists the candidate’s awards. The candidate has taken advantage of the cover letter to list their most noteworthy awards in the industry. 
• Concludes with a call to action. As they used a call to action to conclude their cover letter, the HR manager will be more likely to remember them.

Want to take your digital marketing resume to the next level? Check out our guide!

#11. Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example 

• Detailed contact information. The candidate has included additional contact information such as their website link, as well as their LinkedIn and Twitter profiles.  
• Ideal length. This cover letter is concise, which means that the HR manager is more likely to read it from start to finish.  
• Draws attention to the candidate’s strong points. Although this candidate is a recent college graduate, they’ve managed to effectively show that they have enough knowledge and experience to do the job right.

Read this guide to write a graphic designer resume that’s just as good as your cover letter!

#12. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Example

• Minimalistic cover letter template. The candidate picked a well-designed but minimalistic template for their cover letter. 
• Focused on skills and achievements. This cover letter is packed with the candidate’s skills and achievements, proving he can be an excellent employee. 
• Formal closing. Politeness can go a long way and the candidate has used this to their advantage to make an impression. 

Our article on how to write an administrative assistant resume can help you take your job application to the next level.

#13. Front Desk Cover Letter Example

• Modern cover letter template. This template incorporates memorable colors and clear lines, which make the cover letter very visually appealing. 
• Attention-grabbing introduction. Using an attention-grabbing intro, the candidate is more likely to make an impression. 
• Calls the HR to action. By including a call to action, the candidate is reminding the HR of their immediate availability. 

#14. Human Resources Cover Letter Example

• It is concise and to the point. The candidate doesn’t dwell on unimportant details the HR won’t be interested in. 
• Uses a traditional cover letter template. The cover letter design is more on the conventional side, which fits the industry better. 
• Highlights the candidate’s strong points. The candidate has rich work experience and they use the cover letter to elaborate on it. 

This HR resume guide can help you get your resume just right.

#15. Sales Agent Cover Letter Example 

• Attention-grabbing cover letter template. As a salesperson, this candidate knows how important first impressions are, so they’ve picked a catchy cover letter template. 
• Has an ideal length. At the same time, they’ve also made sure to keep their cover letter at just the right length. 
• Lists the candidate’s career highlights. The candidate has made perfect use of the space by mentioning their most impressive professional achievements. 

Check out this sales agent resume guide to create an attention-grabbing sales resume .

#16. Receptionist Cover Letter Example

• Modern but minimalistic cover letter template. The template’s design hints the candidate is creative but professional at the same time. 
• Uses a catchy introduction. The candidate has used an attention-grabbing opening paragraph to catch HR’s attention. 
• Concludes the cover letter formally. The candidate proves that they’re polite and well-spoken, a quality very much important for the role they’re applying for. 

Take your receptionist resume to the next level with this receptionist resume guide .

#17. Information Technology Cover Letter Example

• Mentions measurable achievements. Numbers make an impact, which is why this candidate has included measurable achievements. 
• Lists both soft and hard skills. The candidate has mentioned a great mix of soft and hard skills, showing how well-rounded they are. 
• Contains relevant contact information. The candidate’s GitHub, website name, LinkedIn, and Twitter profiles are all great additions to the resume. 

Looking for tips to help you write a great IT resume ? Check out our guide!

#18. Real Estate Cover Letter Example

• Ideal length. Short and to the point, this cover letter is bound to get noticed by the HR manager. 
• Wraps up with a call to action. This candidate reinforces the HR to call them back through a final call to action. 
• Mentions the right skills. On top of their sales accomplishments, the candidate touch upon important soft skills such as customer service and communication . 

This real estate resume guide will help you take your resume from good to great.

#19. Teacher Cover Letter Example

• Mentions relevant contact information details. This candidate has included optional (but relevant) contact information details, such as their LinkedIn, Quora, and Medium profiles. 
• Achievement-oriented. The candidate has elaborated on their achievements in more detail throughout their cover letter. 
• Highlights the candidate’s passion. For some jobs, being passionate is much more important than for others. Teaching is one of these jobs, which is why this candidate explains their passion for the job. 

Our guide on how to write a teacher resume has all the tips you need to land the job.

#20. Project Manager Cover Letter Example

• Leverages a catchy introduction. Through a catchy introductory paragraph, this candidate is sure to grab the HR’s attention and get them to read the rest of their cover letter.
• Lists measurable accomplishments. This candidate explains exactly what they’ve achieved using numbers and hard data. 
• Personally greets the HR. A personal greeting sounds much better than “Dear Sir/Madam,” and the candidate knows this. 

This guide on how to write a project manager resume can help you perfect your appication.

#21. Paralegal Cover Letter Example

• Minimalistic cover letter template. This cover letter design looks good but doesn’t steal the show from the candidate’s abilities.
• Mentions the candidate’s academic achievements and extracurricular activities. Although the candidate is a recent graduate, they’ve used the cover letter to explain they have enough skills and achievements to do the job.
• Lists measurable achievements. The candidate proves they did well in their internship by mentioning quantifiable achievements.

Check out this paralegal resume guide to perfect yours.

40+ More Cover Letter Examples and Guides 

Couldn’t find a cover letter example for your field? Do not worry.

Below you can find a number of other cover letter examples for different fields and industries:

• Acting Cover Letter Examples
• Accounting Cover Letter Examples
• Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Architecture Cover Letter Examples
• Attorney Cover Letter Examples
• Barista Cover Letter Examples
• Bartender Cover Letter Examples
• Business Cover Letter Examples
• Business Analyst Cover Letter Examples
• College Student Cover Letter Examples
• Computer Science Cover Letter Examples
• Construction Cover Letter Examples
• Consultant Cover Letter Examples
• Customer Service Cover Letter Examples
• Data Analyst Cover Letter Examples
• Data Entry Cover Letter Examples
• Dental Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Digital Marketing Cover Letter Examples
• Elementary Teacher Cover Letter Examples
• Engineering Cover Letter Examples
• Executive Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Finance Cover Letter Examples
• Graphic Design Cover Letter Examples
• Healthcare Cover Letter Examples
• Human Resources Cover Letter Examples
• IT Cover Letter Examples
• Law Cover Letter Examples
• Management Cover Letter Examples
• Marketing Cover Letter Examples
• Mechanical Engineering Cover Letter Examples
• Medical Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Nurse Practitioner Cover Letter Examples
• Physician Cover Letter Examples
• Project Manager Cover Letter Examples
• Receptionist Cover Letter Examples
• Retail Cover Letter Examples
• Sales Cover Letter Examples
• Social Work Cover Letter Examples
• Software Engineer Cover Letter Examples
• Substitute Teacher Cover Letter Examples
• Teacher Assistant Cover Letter Examples
• Team Leader Cover Letter Example

What is a Cover Letter? 

A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume . 

Its purpose is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, your cover letter should be from 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter can give the hiring manager more insight into what makes you a good candidate and help them make up their mind about whether they should invite you for an interview. A bad cover letter, though, will get ignored (at best) and lose you the job (at worst).

So, to make sure this doesn’t happen, it’s essential to know how to write a convincing cover letter.

The first thing to remember is that a cover letter is a supplement to your resume, not a replacement. Meaning, you shouldn’t just repeat whatever is mentioned in your resume and call it a day. 

Optimally, you should use your cover letter to shed more light on your skills and qualifications, as well as explain anything you didn’t have space for in your resume (e.g. a career gap or why you’re changing careers).

If you’re writing a cover letter for the first time, though, putting all this together might seem pretty tough. 

Fortunately, you can follow our tried-and-tested format to make the experience much easier:

• Header - Input your contact information.
• Greeting the hiring manager - Open the cover letter with a “Dear Sir or Madam,” or use the hiring manager’s name if you know what that is.
• Opening paragraph - Grab the hiring manager’s attention by getting straight to the point. Mention what your professional experiences are, and what role you’re applying for.
• The second paragraph - Explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job. Mention your top 2-3 achievements, your top skills, why you want to work in that specific industry, and whatever else is relevant.
• The third paragraph - End your cover letter with a call to action. E.g. “I would love to meet personally and discuss how I can help Company X.”
• Formal closing - Something like this: “Thank you for your consideration. Best, John Doe.”

Here’s what this looks like in practice:

9 Tips to Write a Cover Letter (the Right Way)

Now that we've covered the basics, let's talk about cover letter tips . Below, we'll give you all the knowledge you need to take your cover letter from "OK" to "great."

#1. Pick the right template

A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.

And what’s a better way to leave a good impression than through a professional, well-formatted, and visual template?

You can simply pick one of our tried-and-tested cover letter templates and you’ll be all set!

#2. Add your contact details on the header

The best way to start your cover letter is through a header. 

Here’s what you want to include there:

• Phone Number
• Name of the hiring manager / their professional title
• Name of the company you’re applying to

Optionally, you can also include the following:

• Social Media Profiles - Any type of profile that’s relevant to your field. Social Profiles on websites like LinkedIn, GitHub (for developers), Medium (for writers), etc.
• Personal Website - If you have a personal website that somehow adds value to your application, you can mention it. Let’s say you’re a professional writer. In that case, you’d want to link to your content portfolio site or blog.

#3. Greet the hiring manager the right way

Once you’ve listed all your relevant contact information, it’s time to address the hiring manager reading your cover letter. 

A good practice here is to find the hiring manager’s name and address them directly instead of using the traditional “dear sir or madam.” This shows that you’re really invested in the company and that you took your time to do some research about the job.

So, how can you find out the hiring manager’s name?

One way to do this is by looking up the head of the company’s relevant department on LinkedIn. Let’s say you’re applying for the position of Communication Specialist at Novoresume. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Office.

Or let’s say you’re applying for the position of server at a restaurant. In that case, you’d be looking to find out who the restaurant manager is.

If this doesn’t work, you can also check out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

If you still can’t find out the hiring manager’s name, here are several other greetings you can use:

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• To whom it may concern
• Dear [Department] Team

#4. Create an attention-grabbing introduction

Recruiters get hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of applications. Chances are, they’re not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.

So, it’s essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph.

The problem with most cover letter opening paragraphs, though, is that they’re usually extremely generic, often looking something like this: 

Hey, my name is Jonathan and I’d like to work as a Sales Manager at XYZ Inc. I’ve worked as a sales manager at MadeUpCompany Inc. for 5+ years, so I believe that I’d be a good fit for the position.

As you can probably tell, this opening paragraph doesn’t tell the hiring manager anything other than that you’ve worked the job before - and that’s not really helpful in setting you apart from other candidates. 

What you want to do, instead, is start off with 2-3 of your top achievements to really grab the reader’s attention. Preferably, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position. 

For example:

My name’s Michael and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed its sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked with Company X, a fin-tech company, for 3+ years. As a Sales Representative, I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month (beating the KPIs by around 40%). I believe that my previous industry experience, as well as my excellence in sales, makes me the right candidate for the role of X at Company Y.

The second example shows how the candidate is a top performer. The first just shows that they’ve worked a sales job before.

Which one are YOU more likely to invite for an interview?

#5. Show you’re the perfect person for the job

One great thing about cover letters is that they allow you to expand more on the top achievements from your resume and really show the hiring manager that you’re the right person for the job. 

A good way to do that is to first read the job ad and really understand what skills/experiences are required, and then to ensure that your cover letter touches upon the said skills or experiences.

In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $20,000+. As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. This means I created the ad copy and images, as well as picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.

Other than Facebook advertising, I’ve also delved into other online PPC channels, including:

• Google Search

#6. Explain why you’re a great company fit

The HR manager doesn’t only look at whether you’ll be good at the job or not. They’re looking for someone that’s also a good fit for the company culture.

After all, employees that don’t fit in are bound to quit, sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary . 

To convince the hiring manager that you’re a great company fit, do some research on the company and find out what it is you like about them, or about working there. You want to know things like:

• What’s the company’s business model?
• What’s the company's product or service? Have you used it?
• What’s the culture like? Will someone micro-manage your work, or will you have autonomy on how you get things done?

Then, turn your top reasons for liking to work there into text and add them to your cover letter! 

#7. Wrap up with a call to action

To make the end of your cover letter as memorable as possible, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't in the previous paragraphs. Mention anything you’ve left out that you think could help the hiring manager make up your mind.
• Thank the hiring manager for their time. After all, it never hurts to be polite. 
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. A call to action is a great way to make your cover letter ending as memorable as possible. 

#8. Write a formal closing

Once you’re done with the final paragraph, all you have to do is write down a formal “goodbye” and you’re good to go.

Feel free to use one of the most popular conclusions in a cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

#9. Proofread your cover letter

Last but not least, make sure to always proofread each and every document that you’ll be including in your job application - cover letter included. 

The last thing you want is to be claiming you’re a great candidate for the job with a cover letter full of typos! 

For an even more comprehensive guide on how to write an impactful cover letter , check out our article ! 

Cover Letter Writing Checklist 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have some questions about cover letters? Check out the answers below:

1. How do I write a simple cover letter? 

To write a cover letter that’s simple but also professional, make sure to include a header with your personal information, a formal greeting to the hiring manager, an attention-grabbing opening paragraph, a second paragraph explaining why you’re a good candidate for the job, and a formal closing (preferably with a call to action). 

2. What are the 3 parts of a cover letter? 

The three parts of a cover letter are: 

• The introduction , namely the header, the greeting to the hiring manager, and the opening paragraph. 
• The sales pitch is usually the body of the cover letter. 
• The conclusion involves a formal closing and a signature line.

3. What makes a great cover letter?

A great cover letter should be personalized for each job you’re applying for, instead of being overly generic. It’s also preferable to address the hiring manager by their name and not use the overly-used “Dear Sir/Madam.”

To make a great first impression, you should mention 1-2 of your top achievements in your opening paragraph - the more job-specific they are, the better. Also, don’t stop at showing the hiring manager why you’re a great candidate for the job. Make sure to also talk about how you’re a good culture fit for the company.

Last but not least, wrap up your closing paragraph with a call to action to give the hiring manager a little extra something to remember you by. 

4. When is a cover letter necessary?

Unless the job ad specifically states otherwise, you should always include a cover letter with your job application .

Even if the hiring manager doesn’t read it, you will look more professional simply by including one.

And that’s a wrap! We hope our cover letter examples and writing tips will inspire you to write a cover letter that will land you your next job.

If you’re looking for more invaluable career advice and articles, make sure to check out our career blog , or any of these related articles: 

• How to Write a Resume
• Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
• Cover Letter Format (w/ Examples & Free Templates)

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

How to Start a Letter (With Professional Greeting Examples)

Melissa Ling / The Balance

• Letters & Emails
• Skills & Keywords
• Salary & Benefits
• Job Listings
• Job Interviews
• Cover Letters
• Career Advice
• Work-From-Home Jobs
• Internships

Options for Starting a Letter

• Examples of Professional Greetings

Try to Find a Contact Person

• Greetings to Use When You Don't Have a Contact Person

Greetings to Avoid Using

Tips for writing and sending a letter.

What's the best way to start a letter? When writing a letter for professional purposes, an appropriate greeting is essential. Your greeting sets the tone for your letter or email and is an indicator of your written communication skills.

Review information on options for starting a letter, including professional and personal greetings, examples of the best salutations, and what to do when you don't have a contact person.

When deciding  which salutation to use , you should consider whether, and how well, you know the person you're writing to. The answer will determine how you start your letter. It's important to use a formal and professional greeting when you don't know your letter or email recipient well.

Personal Greetings

When to use a person's first name: If you are writing to someone in a professional capacity that you have known personally for many years, it is appropriate to use only their first name.

Professional Greetings

When to use a professional greeting: If you don't know the person well, it is best to use  Mr., Ms., or Dr.  as an  appropriate business letter salutation . When you don't know the recipient's gender, you can use their first and last name. If you have any doubts about which greeting you should use, err on the side of caution and use the more formal style of address.

Use a Formal Salutation

Keep it formal: Try to avoid the temptation to begin your professional letter with informal salutations like "Hello," "Greetings," "Hi There," or "Good Morning" if you don't know the name of your contact person.

While those informal greetings are fine for casual emails to friends or even for more formal emails you might send to groups of people, in a professional letter you'll need to use a personal salutation with either a first and/or last name ("Dear Mr. Doe") or a job title ("Dear Hiring Manager").

Always be sure to double-check the spelling of the recipient's name. Otherwise, you'll be making a poor impression from the start of your letter.

Punctuation

Also, remember to include the period after "Mr." and "Ms." and follow your salutation with a colon or comma (e.g., "Dear Ms. Doe:" or "Dear Jamie Chen,").

Examples of Professional Letter Greetings

These greetings are all suitable for professional communications.

When you know the person well:

When you know the person's name:

• Dear Mr./Ms. Lastname; e.g., Dear Mr. Dolan or Dear Ms. Butler
• Dear Mr./Ms. Firstname Lastname; e.g., Dear Mr. Martin Haynes or Dear Ms. Melissa Tandor
• Dear Firstname Lastname; e.g., Dear Michael Cairns

When you don't know the person's gender: When you have a name but are unsure of the gender of the person you are writing to, it is acceptable to leave out the honorific and use the first and last names alone. For example:

• Dear Robin Miller
• Dear Jamieson Cavanaugh

If at all possible, use a contact name when you write. This makes your letter more personal, and it creates an immediate relationship with the reader. If you don't have a contact name, do some research to find out the  right person to address your letter to .

It doesn't take much extra time to attempt to find a name, and the sentiment it conveys is worth it. It's worth a try, even if you aren't successful.

Sometimes the name will be on the company website, or you may be able to find the right person on LinkedIn. Perhaps one of your colleagues or contacts knows who the appropriate person might be. You can also call the office of the unknown person you are writing to and ask the receptionist for the name by explaining your reason for calling.

For example: "I am applying for a job with your company. Can you please tell me the name of your Hiring Manager so that I know to whom I should address my cover letter?"

Greetings to Use When You Don't Have a Contact Person

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you just can't find a name to address your letter to. In that case, you have a variety of choices, all of which are professional and appropriate.

The more information you have about where you are sending the letter, the better. (For example, the human resources department of the company, or the manager of the department related to your inquiry.) This way, you can make a more targeted choice when selecting your greeting.

If you don't have a contact person, there are a variety of options to choose from:

• Dear Hiring Manager
• Dear Human Resources Manager
• Dear Recruiting Team
• Dear [Company Name] Recruiter; e.g., Dear ABC Company Recruiter
• Dear [Department Name] Recruiter; e.g., Dear IT Support Recruiter
• Dear [Department Name] Team; e.g., Dear Product Recruiter
• Dear Sir or Madam (this is outdated, so avoid if possible)
• To Whom It May Concern (use if you have no other workable options)

The following greetings aren't appropriate for formal letters or email messages:

• Good Morning or Afternoon (you don't know when they'll receive the letter or email message)

Start your letter with an appropriate greeting, as listed above.

First Paragraph

After your greeting, begin your first paragraph, which is usually an introduction that lets the reader know who you are and what you are writing about. If you have a mutual acquaintance who referred you to the reader, you should mention them at this time.

Body of Letter

The body of your letter normally consists of a paragraph or two of text. Here, you can elaborate on the theme of your letter and provide supporting details for the subject.

You'll want to keep it concise and pertinent to the person and the topic.

Be thorough, but don't repeat yourself or go on and on about unimportant details.

Next, you'll need to sum up your letter. Your summary should include a thank you to the person for his or her time and consideration. If you plan to follow up later, you can also provide the details of when and how you will contact him or her.

Closing Options

Finish your  professional letter with a closing , such as "Sincerely" or "Regards." If you plan on sending the letter by postal service, your signature should be followed by your typed name.

If you're sending an email, your typed name should be followed by your contact information, which you can type in manually or have it done automatically for you. Here's  how to set up an automatic email signature .

Key Takeaways

• Choose a formal greeting. When you don't know the person you're writing to well, don't use a casual greeting.
• Try to find a contact person. If you can't find a contact person, it's fine to use a generic greeting.
• Proofread your letter or email. When you're sending professional correspondence, it's important to carefully proofread your document before you send it.
• Letter and Email Salutations and Greetings
• Email Greeting Examples and Writing Tips
• Professional Letter and Email Examples
• Professional Letter and Email Writing Guidelines
• Professional Business Letter Template
• Reference Letter Examples
• How to Address a Business or Professional Letter
• Sample Professional Letter Formats
• Different Types of Letters With Examples
• Business Letter Closing Examples
• Types of Professional Business Letters
• How to Select a Professional Letter Font and Font Size
• Job Offer, Acceptance, and Rejection Letters
• Format for Writing an Interview Thank-You Letter
• Appreciation Email Samples
• Goodbye Letter Examples and Writing Tips

How to Start a Cover Letter: 30 Creative Opening Sentences Recruiters Will LOVE

Wondering how to start a cover letter? Traditional cover letter wisdom might tell you to begin with something like, “Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to apply for the marketing manager position with the Thomas Company.” But we say: A cookie cutter cover letter intro feels as outdated as a Hotmail address.

A cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself to a hiring manager—who you are, what you have to offer, and why you want the job—but you have an extremely limited amount of space to do it. If you really want to get noticed, you’ve got to start right off the bat with something that grabs your reader’s attention.

What do we mean? Well, we won’t just tell you, we’ll show you. Keep reading to find tips on how to start a cover letter, along with 30 creative cover letter opening lines and sentence examples.

Still looking for that perfect next role? One of these open jobs on The Muse just might be the one »

5 tips on how to start off a cover letter

Here are a few pointers to guide you as you use our example cover letter openings—we’re getting there, we promise!—to craft your own:

1. Avoid boring or overused openers

Recruiters have read cover letters that start with lines like “I’m excited to apply for the front-end engineering position,” or “Your job posting on The Muse prompted me to…” so often they could wallpaper their homes with them. While those are OK and still acceptable, you'll have a better shot at impressing potential employers with a less cliché opening line.

2. Be lively and personable

People like reading interesting, engaging stuff—the kind that paints a picture, tells a story, and maybe even makes them smile. People like it when you’re human, genuine, and memorable. So figure out something about yourself and your background that relates to the company or position you're interested in, and use that to build a connection.

3. Show what you bring the company

You’ll get more into the details after your opening paragraph, of course. But your cover letter opener should still tell the reader, “This person can do something for us,” rather than, “This job would really help them.”

4. Stick to the point

Your opener, while creative, should still be relevant to the job. Don’t begin by highlighting an unrelated accomplishment or recounting an anecdote that never connects back to why you’re applying for the job. Part of writing an effective cover letter is curating key information that relates to that specific job opportunity and shows the reader that you're a good fit for the role.

5. Don't start with “To Whom It May Concern”

Find an alternative to “ To Whom It May Concern .” Seriously, banish those five words from your cover letter vocabulary forever. Nowadays, this phrase is seen as outdated, overused, and even rude—especially when better options exist.

30 cover letter opening sentence examples

We’ve come up with 30 creative cover letter opening sentence examples and separated them by the method they use to grab the reader’s attention. We don’t recommend copying and pasting because, well, your cover letter should be unique to your stories, background, and interests.

But you can most definitely use these examples to get inspired for your next application. (If you’re looking to see what an entire cover letter might look like, check out our article on the best cover letter examples for every type of job seeker .)

Start with passion

Employers want to hire people who care about what they’re doing. If you start your cover letter off talking about your passions and how they relate to the job, you’re telling the reader that you’ll be an engaged and motivated employee who’s likely to stick around. Plus, it’s a good way to tell the company a bit about who you are as a person right off the bat. Just be honest and realistic.

If truly loving data is wrong, I don’t want to be right. It seems like the rest of the folks at [Analytics Company] feel the same way—and that’s just one of the reasons why I think I’d be the perfect next hire for your sales team.

I’ve been giving my friends and family free style advice since I was 10, and recently decided it’s time I get paid for it. That’s why I couldn’t believe it when I found an open personal stylist position at [Company].

After about three years of trying out different roles at early-stage startups around San Francisco, watching more “ find your passion “ keynotes than I’d like to admit, and assuring my parents that, yes, I actually do have a real job, I’m starting to come to terms with the fact that I’m happiest when I’m doing two things: writing great content and getting it out into the world.

The other day, I took a career assessment , which told me I should be a maritime merchant. I’m not quite sure what that is, but it did get me thinking: A role that combines my skills in business development with my lifelong passion for the ocean would be my absolute dream. Which is how I found this role at Royal Caribbean.

As a kid, I once gave up a day of a family vacation to transport an injured lizard I found by our hotel two hours each way to the nearest animal hospital (and talked my dad into driving me pre-GPS!). When I was a bit older, I found out I could care for animals every day for a living, and I’ve been working toward that goal ever since.

I am constantly checking my LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram feeds—and not because of FOMO. Because I’m someone who wholeheartedly believes in the power of sharing ideas in online communal spaces, and I’m positive that I can help spark meaningful conversations as your next social media assistant.

When I was growing up, I wanted to be one of those people who pretend to be statues on the street. Thankfully, my career goals have become a little more aspirational over the years, but I still love to draw a crowd and entertain the masses—passions that make me the perfect community manager.

Start with admiration

Companies often want to hire people who already know, love, eat, and sleep their brand. What better to kick off your cover letter than a little flattery? Of course, remember when you’re telling a company why you love it to be specific and genuine. Because while everyone likes a compliment, no one likes obvious self-serving B.S.

I pretty much spent my childhood in the cheap seats at Cubs games, snacking on popcorn and cheering on the team with my grandfather. It’s that memory that’s shaped my career—from helping to establish the sports marketing major at my university to leading a college baseball team to an undefeated season as assistant coach—and what led me to apply for this position at the Chicago Cubs.

It was Rudy, my Golden Retriever, who first inspired me to apply to your operations assistant opening—not only have we used your app to find other dogs to play with in our neighborhood, he’s really excited about the prospect of coming to work with me every day. As I learned more about how [Company] is using modern tech to help pets thrive in cities, I couldn’t help but get excited to be part of it, too.

Example 10:

When I was seven, I wanted to be the GEICO gecko when I grew up. I eventually realized that wasn’t an option, but you can imagine my excitement when I came across your events manager position, which would have me working side by side with my favorite company mascot.

Example 11:

When I attended SXSW for the first time last month, I didn’t want to leave. So I decided I shouldn’t—and immediately went to check out job openings at the company.

Example 12:

If I could make the NYC apartment rental process better for just one person, I would feel like the horrors of my recent search would all be worth it. So a customer service role at [Apartment Search Company], where I could do it every day? I can’t think of anything more fulfilling.

Example 13:

[Vacation Rental Company] is synonymous with luxury and escape, known for spaces that inspire. I’ve felt this firsthand every time I’ve stayed at one of your properties—whether I was throwing a bachelorette party or working from home in a new locale—and I would love the chance to contribute to this reputation as your destination manager.

Example 14:

I was an hour out from hosting my first big dinner party when I realized I had forgotten to pick up the white wine. In a panic, I started Googling delivery services, and that’s when I first stumbled across [Delivery Service Company]. I’ve been hooked ever since, so I couldn’t help but get excited by the idea of bringing this amazingness to nervous hosts like me as your next social media and community manager.

Example 15:

Though I’m happily employed as a marketing manager, seeing the job description for your company’s PR director position stopped me in my tracks. I’ve been wearing your glasses for many years, and have always been impressed by the way the company treats its customers, employees, and the community at large.

Example 16:

A group of us IT folks were sitting around talking about our favorite Pacific Northwest companies this morning (coincidentally, over coffee). As you might figure, Starbucks was among the first names that came up. What makes you such a standout among Seattle-based corporations? Here’s the list we compiled:

Start with accomplishments

For any given job, you’re going to be competing with a lot of other job seekers—presumably, a lot of other similarly qualified people. A great way to stand out in your cover letter is to highlight something about yourself—a character trait, an accomplishment, a really impressive skill—that’ll quickly show how you stand out.

Example 17:

My last boss once told me that my phone manner could probably defuse an international hostage situation. I’ve always had a knack for communicating with people—the easygoing and the difficult alike—and I’d love to bring that skill to your open office manager position.

Example 18:

Among my colleagues, I’m known as the one who can pick up the pieces, no matter what amount of you-know-what hits the fan. Which is why I think there’s no one better to fill this customer service leader position.

Example 19:

Last December, I ousted our company’s top salesperson from his spot—and he hasn’t seen it since. Which means, I’m ready for my next big challenge, and the sales manager role at your company is exactly what I’m looking for.

Example 20:

After spending three years managing the internal communications for a 2,000-person company, I could plan a quarterly town hall or draft an interoffice memo in my sleep. What do I want to do next? Put that experience to work as a consultant for executives looking to level up their communications strategy.

Example 21:

While you won’t find the title “community manager” listed on my resume, I’ve actually been bringing people together online and off for three years while running my own blog and series of meetups.

Example 22:

If you’re looking for someone who can follow orders and doesn’t like to rock the boat, I’m probably not the right candidate. But if you need someone who can dig into data, see what’s working (and what’s not), and challenge the status quo, let’s talk.

Example 23:

I recently relocated my family to Texas. As we neared our new home, I noticed with intrigue the many wind turbines dotting the landscape. Suddenly, it hit me: “This is the career for me.” After unloading the moving van, I promptly researched companies in this sector that may benefit most from a skilled field engineer with expert electromechanical skills. And I discovered that [Company] is where I want to be.

Example 24:

You might be wondering what a 15-year veteran of the accounting world is doing applying to an operations role at a food startup. While I agree the shift is a little strange, I know you’re looking for someone who’s equal parts foodie and financial expert, and I think that means I’m your person.

Example 25:

Over the last 10 years, I’ve built my career on one simple principle: Work smarter. I’m the person who looks for inefficient procedures, finds ways to streamline them, and consistently strives to boost the productivity of everyone around me. It’s what’s earned me three promotions in the supply chain department at my current company, and it’s what I know I can do as the new operations analyst for [Company].

Start with humor and creativity

OK, before you read any of these, we have to stamp them with a big, blaring disclaimer: Do your homework before trying anything like this—learn everything you can about the company and the hiring manager to gauge whether or not they’d appreciate some comedic relief or a bit of snark. If it seems like they would, it’s a great way to make them smile (then call you). If they don’t? Try a different approach.

Example 26:

Have you ever had your mom call five times a day asking for a status update on how your job search is going, and then sound incredulous that you haven’t made more progress since the last phone call? That’s my life right now. But I’m hoping that soon my life will revolve around being your full-time social media manager. The good news is, I bring more to the table than just an overbearing mom. Let me tell you more.

Example 27:

Thank you so much for offering me the marketing manager position at [Company]! I wholeheartedly accept. OK, I know we’re not quite there yet. But if we were, here are just a few ideas for what I would do once in the role.

Example 28:

I considered submitting my latest credit card statement as proof of just how much I love online shopping, but I thought a safer approach might be writing this cover letter and describing all the reasons I’m the one who can take [E-Commerce Company]’s business to the next level.

Example 29:

I never thought that accidentally dropping my iPhone out of a second story window would change my life (it’s a funny story—ask me about it). But thanks to my misfortune, I discovered [Phone Repair Company]—and found my dream job as an expansion associate.

Example 30:

If we were playing “Two Truths and a Lie,” I’d say: I’ve exceeded my sales quotas by at least 20% every quarter this year, I once won an international pie-eating contest, and I have an amazing job at [Company]. The last, of course, is the lie. For now.

Frequently asked questions

How do you start off a cover letter.

When unsure how to open a cover letter, a good rule of thumb is to steer clear of clichés or overused opening lines. Instead, start by highlighting a passion or accomplishment relevant to the company or role you're applying for. You could also mention something about the company that caught your attention. Get creative, but keep it professional and make sure your narrative makes sense in that context.

How to start a cover letter greeting?

Try to find the hiring manager's name on LinkedIn or the company's website and address them directly, like “Dear Jane Doe”. If you can't find their name, “Dear Hiring Manager” is a good alternative. Avoid using “To Whom It May Concern” as it sounds outdated and impersonal.

How do I introduce myself in a cover letter?

Introducing yourself in a cover letter is straightforward: just share a bit about yourself. For example, “I'm a copywriter with seven years of experience in online content writing. At least officially. Since my first year of college I've been working on personal projects and keeping a track record of my accomplishments throughout the years.” No need to repeat your name since it's already in your contact information at the beginning of the letter.

How to start a cover letter without a name?

If you don't know the name of the person receiving your cover letter, start with “Dear Hiring Manager” or similar. Other possibilities include: “Dear Hiring Team”, “To the Hiring Team”, “To the Hiring Team”, “Dear Recruiter/Recruiting Team”, or “Dear Hiring Committee” if your industry evaluates cover letters and applications through a board.

Jenny Foss , Erica Breuer , Regina Borsellino , Amanda Cardoso also contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

71 Best Email Greetings For Work to Start an Email

Are you having trouble starting an email? The greeting sets the tone for the rest of the correspondence. Here are some ideas for your next email greeting.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter

The first line of an email is your first impression—it can be stressful to figure out what to write that sets the tone you want for the rest of the email. 

Luckily, there are many options for getting an email started. Here is a list of the best email greetings organized by various situations you might find yourself in. But first, watch our video to learn tips for better emails:

What is an Email Greeting?

An email greeting is the opening line of an email. It sets the tone for the rest of the correspondence. Depending on what opener you use, it can convey a combination of professionalism, friendliness, warmth, or set a casual tone. 

It’sAvoiding more professional email openers when writing a professional contact is typically safest. You’ll rarely have someone get upset because you were “too formal,” however, depending on the situation, you can offend by being overly casual. 

Tried and True Greetings for ( Almost ) Any Occasion

Classics are classic for a reason. While not super unique or memorable, these email greetings are safe for most occasions. 

Hi [name], 

This is a to-the-point option for starting an email. Addressing it to the person’s name makes it personal and warm without feeling overly casual. 

Pro Tip: Here are some general guidelines for using the recipient’s first name, last name, or both! 

Use “Hi [first name]” when : 

• You know the person well and would address them by their first name in person
• You’re emailing someone you don’t know well, but they introduced themselves using their first name

Opt for “Hi Mr./Ms./Dr./Professor [last name]” when: 

• You haven’t yet met the person you’re writing to
• They introduced themselves to you with their last name

Stick with “Hi [first name] [last name]” when: 

• You’re not sure if it would be more appropriate to address them by their first or last name
• You’re not sure of the gender of the person you’re writing to

Pay attention to how they sign off in their response and use that moving forward. 

Happy [day of the week]!

A simple and positive email greeting is wishing someone a happy Monday… Tuesday, or Thursday. You can also ask about their previous weekend, how their week is going, or any exciting weekend plans.

I hope this email finds you well,

When you start by wishing the recipient well, you’re setting the tone of the conversation as pleasant without requiring them to give you too much personal information. That makes it a great option for someone you haven’t written to in a while (and you don’t know how they’re doing). 

I hope you’re having a pleasant day,

Similar to “I hope this email finds you well,” but the well wish is a little more immediate. It’s a good option for someone you’ve written with more recently. 

Good morning/afternoon/evening,

This works well as a warm, to-the-point way to start an email. You can send it to an individual or a larger group of people. 

Dear [Name],

This greeting is a timeless and universally accepted way to begin an email. It’s formal and personal, making it an excellent choice for almost any situation. Whether you’re writing to a colleague, a new acquaintance, or even a long-time friend in a more formal context, “Dear [Name]” sets a respectful and professional tone from the get-go.

Warm greetings,

This opening is versatile and conveys a sense of cordiality right from the start. It’s suitable for formal and informal emails, depending on the context. The word “warm” adds some  personal affection, too.

Professional Email Greetings

When writing a professional email greeting, err on being more formal—but that doesn’t mean it has to be “stuffy.” Here are some professional, formal ways to start an email! 

I’m contacting you about…

Lots of professionals appreciate getting straight to the point—it shows that you respect their time and have a concrete reason for reaching out to them. 

I’m writing you to…

Similar to the last one, this lets you jump straight to the message’s main point with no fuss.

[Insert name] suggested I reach out to you,

This is a great professional introduction email if you’ve never personally talked to the person you’re contacting. It gives them context for why you’re writing them and who your mutual acquaintance is. 

I’d appreciate your input on…

This greeting invites a conversation and shows that you respect their opinion and expertise. 

I wanted to touch base with you about…

“Touch base” is a broad term used in many professional settings. This opener helps you dive right into the main purpose of your correspondence. 

Regarding our ongoing collaboration,

This greeting sets a professional and focused tone for emails that pertain to ongoing projects or partnerships. It’s a polished way to start a message when you collaborate, signaling the recipient that the email will discuss aspects of your joint work.

As we continue to explore new opportunities,

This professional email greeting is perfect for conversations that involve ongoing discussions, negotiations, or the exploration of new projects. It suggests a forward-thinking approach and a readiness to engage in further discussions or actions. 

Email Greetings to Send Someone You Just Met

Have you ever talked with someone, gotten their business card, but did not know how to start the follow-up email? It can be stressful. You don’t want to assume that they remember you, but you also don’t want to imply that you think they don’t. 

Give them a few context cues right off the bat. Things like the name of the event or place you met or the name of the person who introduced you can be really helpful. 

Great meeting you at [event/place],

By giving the recipient context for where they know you from, you’ll help jog their memory. You’ll also bring back memories of when you last met—hopefully you made a good impression !

Following up on our conversation at [event/place],

This is a great opener if you had a great conversation with someone at a networking event that got cut short when one of you needed to leave, but you managed to swap business cards or personal contact information. This opener gives a little context for where they know you from and lets you dive back into the conversation.

Carrying forward the spark from our conversation at [event/place],

This opener takes a creative leap by framing your initial meeting as a moment where a conversational “spark” was ignited, suggesting enthusiasm and a keen interest to explore where this newfound connection could lead. 

Reconnecting after our meeting at [event/place],

This opener is excellent when you’ve had a brief yet memorable encounter with someone and wish to extend the conversation beyond the initial meeting. It’s also straightforward and succinct.

Hello from [your name], I enjoyed talking with you about [topic] at [place you met],

Although this email greeting is quite long, it gives the person all the context cues they need to remember you. Try this out if you met them at an event with many people, and you’re not sure they will remember meeting you. 

In light of our recent meeting at [event/place],

This is the most formal option in this section—use it wisely and it can serve you well! A more formal option like this can be good for someone you hope will become a professional mentor. 

It was nice meeting you at [event/place],

If you’re looking for a nice, pleasant way to establish an initial connection, look no further! With this opener, you don’t need a long email correspondence, but you can solidify the meeting and ensure they have your contact information for the future. 

Gratitude Email Openers

Expressing gratitude at the start of an email sets a warm, appreciative tone for your message. Here are five distinctive ways to artfully weave thanks into your email openers!

I appreciate your help!

Simple, yet relatable. It’s perfect for conveying gratitude in a personal and meaningful way.

I’m incredibly thankful for our collaboration

This phrase celebrates the success of working together when aiming to thank a partner or colleague for their efforts. It acknowledges the value of teamwork and sets a positive tone for future interactions.

Grateful for your insights on [specific topic]

Specifying the advice or feedback you’re thankful for shows you value and have thought deeply about their input.

Thank you for lighting the way forward

Ideal for thanking someone who has guided during challenging times, this phrase appreciates their role in helping you deal with uncertainty with a positive influence.

Your support has been instrumental in our growth

This opener is excellent for expressing appreciation to someone who has significantly contributed to your personal or professional growth. It recognizes their crucial role in a heartfelt manner, reinforcing the value of their support.

Email Greetings for Various Stages of the Job Search Process

There’s so much more to getting the job you want than a resume. Throughout the job application process, there are many different people you’ll likely end up corresponding with. A professional and warm email can help you make a great first impression or be more memorable. 

We haven’t had the privilege of meeting, but I saw we both attended [name of school]! 

Oftentimes, alumni will help one another out. If you’re applying for a job, it can be a good idea to find out if any alumni from your school already work there. You can often find this information on LinkedIn. Then, ask them if they’d be willing to answer some questions about company culture or the job. 

Thank you for your time today, 

After a phone call with a mutual connection or person from the same alma mater, send a thank-you note! This will help you continue to build a positive relationship from that first conversation. 

Reflecting on our engaging discussion about [position title],

This greeting is suitable for follow-up emails after an interview or an informal conversation about the role. It emphasizes the quality of the discussion and your thoughtful consideration of the position’s responsibilities and how they align with your skills and experiences.

It was a pleasure talking with you,

This is a great way to start an interview follow-up email. Let the interviewer know that you appreciate their time and reiterate from the interview why you believe you would be a good fit for the position. 

I’m grateful to be considered for this position, 

When sending a post-interview email, you want to find the right balance between expressing gratitude and confidence. Since this email leans more towards gratitude, follow up with aspects of your expertise and experience that you’re confident would benefit the company and make you the right fit for the job. 

I enjoyed learning more about the specifics of [position title],

Throughout the process, remember that not only is the company deciding whether they feel you’ll be the right fit for them, but you’re also deciding if they’re the right fit for you professionally. 

Sometimes, you’ll realize the position isn’t the right fit. If that’s the case, try this email greeting, and then kindly let them know that you won’t be continuing in the interview process.

Eager to contribute and grow within [Company Name],

This greeting is particularly effective when reaching out to a potential employer after submitting your application or after an initial screening call.

Starters for Meeting Follow-up Emails

If you’re sending a follow-up email from a meeting, help the recipient know what to expect from the rest of the correspondence by getting straight to the point. Keep it short and sweet—after all, you know how busy your team members are after a meeting! 

Per our phone call,

There are often action points coming out of a meeting. This is a direct, to-the-point way of sending any materials or follow-up points from the meeting. 

Per our conversation, 

Use this when your email is following up on a conversation you already had with the recipient. 

Following up on our recent meeting,

This works well for any type of follow-up, whether you’re providing additional information, summarizing key points discussed, or outlining next steps. 

Sending the [documents/follow-up email/task list…] as promised,

It’s not uncommon that in a meeting, you’ll be asked to send out some information to everyone present. These could be meeting notes, various documents you have, or research you’ve compiled on a topic just to name a few. Getting straight to the point’ll help people remember why your email is relevant and why they should keep reading! 

Here is the [research/article] I mentioned, 

If an article was mentioned during the meeting, send the meeting attendees a follow-up note with the resource you mentioned. 

I’m glad we got to touch base on [topic of meeting],

This is a warm way to start a post-meeting email. Generally speaking, if you meet with someone regularly, you don’t need to send a note unless there’s some further information you promised you’d send them. However, if you rarely meet someone, you might want to send a pleasant “It was nice talking with you today!” note. 

Just sending a recap of what we talked about today,

It’s a good idea to have important discussion points in writing. Towards the end of a meeting, let the other person know that you’ll send an email with the main points you discussed and any decisions you came to. Despite being less formal than meeting minutes , it’s a good idea to have a “paper trail” of any important decisions you and the person you met with came to. 

To continue our discussion from [date/meeting],

This email starter is a direct bridge from a previous encounter, neatly tying the past conversation to the present follow-up. It’s an efficient way to remind the recipient of the specific context and timing of your last meeting, making it easier for them to recall the details and relevance of your email.

Email Greetings for Cold Outreach

A captivating opener in a cold outreach email grabs attention and demonstrates your genuine interest in forming a connection. Here’s how to craft unique and compelling email greetings that stand out!

[Recipient’s Name], I’ve got something for you!

Personalize your cold outreach by directly mentioning the recipient’s name, showing that your email isn’t just another generic message.

“Your insights on [topic] inspired me to reach out”

Acknowledging a specific piece of work, talk, or publication by the recipient shows that your interest is sincere and well-informed. This personalization shows that you’re reaching out based on their expertise.

My team + yours = success! (here’s what I’m thinking)

This opener suggests a dynamic and forward-thinking approach to potential collaboration. It’s especially effective if you’re in a tech or creative industry, signaling that you value innovation and see a unique opportunity for synergy between your respective projects or companies.

Let’s help each other towards [common goal]

Identifying a shared goal or vision in your opening line immediately creates a sense of camaraderie and purpose. It’s an excellent way to show that you’ve researched their business and understand and align with their broader mission.

After seeing your results on [achievement], I’m impressed!

Starting your email with a statement acknowledging the recipient’s influence or achievements in their field demonstrates respect and genuine interest. It’s a compelling way to introduce yourself, making it clear that you’re reaching out because you value what they bring to the table and you see potential in connecting further.

Group Email Greetings

Sending a group email can be tricky. If it’s going to more than two or three people, you probably won’t want to list out each recipient’s name. Instead, opt for something more general. 

Here are some ideas for when you’re feeling stuck on how to start writing a large group email. 

Greetings, 

This can be a good option for a group email where you’re trying to balance professional and pleasant. It’s relatively formal, short enough to respect everyone’s time, and a warm way to start. 

Hello all, 

“All” can be a good alternative to listing everyone’s name. It acknowledges that it’s a group email while staying short and sweet. 

Hi team, 

This is a more casual option than “Hello all.” Use this with groups you talk with regularly, like a team you work closely with. 

Hope this finds you well,

This greeting is versatile and considerate, suitable for various group email contexts, from formal updates to more casual team communications. 

I saw this [blog post/article/research] and thought you might find it interesting, 

Try sending this email greeting when you find an article relevant to your team. It gets straight to the point, hopefully encouraging people to read the article. 

I’m glad to announce…

They say, “teamwork makes the dreamwork.” Use this email to inform your whole team of goals you’ve reached or positive customer feedback you want to encourage your team. 

Formal Responses to Emails

Let’s say you’re on the receiving end of an email. How do you respond? Here are a few pleasant, formal options for responding to an email from a professional connection. 

Your message is greatly appreciated,

Whether the email contains information, a request, or an update, this opening is a nice way to keep it polite and professional.

Great to hear from you, 

This is a great option if it’s been a while since you’ve talked with the person who emailed you. They may have been nervous to reach out, so you can put their nerves at ease from the very first sentence by letting them know you’re happy to hear from them. 

Thank you for following up, 

Use this if someone has taken the time to send you an email after a meeting. 

Thank you for the email, 

Opt for this option if you met someone at an event or through a mutual friend and they’ve emailed you first. 

I’m glad you reached out,

This is a pleasant and warm way to let someone know you’re glad they took the time to contact you. 

I apologize for the delay,

Ideally, you should respond to emails within one or two business days, but sometimes, for one reason or another, an email response gets delayed. By apologizing quickly, you can help disperse any frustration the other person may feel about waiting for your response. 

If you want, you can follow this up by giving a reason for the delay. For example, “I just got back from vacation,” or, “I had to connect with someone else before I could respond to you.” 

Thank you for your quick response, 

It’s nice to hear back from someone quickly! Express your gratitude by thanking them. 

Email Greetings to Send a Potential Client

When emailing a potential new client, you want to make a good first impression (and write an email that doesn’t look like spam). Keep it professional and warm while letting them know who you are, how you can help them, or where you met. Here are a few email greetings to help you do everything! 

Hi from [your name] at [your company name],

If you met a potential client, this can be a good way to help them place you right from the introduction. This will help give them a framework for who you are and where they know you from. 

In response to your inquiry,

If a potential client has reached out with a question, you can start the response email by letting them know that you’re getting back to them with an answer. 

[Mutual friend’s name] suggested I reach out to you,

Referencing a mutual acquaintance can increase your credibility.

Let me introduce myself, 

While this isn’t the best email opener, it works well as a cold email introduction to someone you’re hoping to work with. Use this if you don’t have a mutual connection you can reference. It’s a straight-to-the-point, easygoing way of starting an introduction email. 

Following up on my previous email, 

You may need to send a follow-up email when cold pitching to a prospective client. Since they don’t already know you, a follow-up email can help assure them that your email was meant for them and keep you on their radar. 

Casual Email Greetings for Your Work Bestie

Depending on your industry, you might get away with less-than-formal openers when emailing coworkers. When emailing a boss or a new client, opt for more formal options. However, formality can sometimes feel out of place when writing to a colleague you work closely with. If you’re looking for a friendly greeting for a coworker you work with closely, consider using one of these! 

Hi there! 

This is a less formal alternative to “Hi [their name].” It works well when sent to a teammate, followed by, “I just had a quick question about XYZ” or, “Just wanted to check in about XYZ.” It conveys friendliness and warmth while also diving right into business.

Howdy, 

This is VERY informal, so only use it if you have established rapport with the coworker you’re sending this email to. But if you have a coworker you email on a multiple-times-per-day basis, this old western classic might bring a smile to their face. 

Bonus : If you are in Hawaii or are feeling adventurous, you can also try Aloha!

Hey hey, 

Another casual one to use when emailing your work friends. Avoid sending this to your boss or someone you don’t have an established relationship with. 

Me again! 

This works best for the second or third email of the day to the same person. Even then, only use it if you know the person receiving the email is okay with super casual greetings. 

How are you? 

In this instance, you may or may not get an answer to the question, but don’t worry about that. “How are you?” is a pleasant and casual way to start an email to someone you have an established relationship with. 

Quick question for you, 

This can help you and your coworker both stay in work mode. Use this when you need their help on a project, but don’t anticipate it taking long. For example, maybe you need the email of someone they know or are wondering if they can help you use a certain feature on a company software. 

It’s almost Friday! 

It’s good to celebrate the small joys of the week. 

Email Greetings to Steer Clear Of (And What to Write Instead!)

Steer clear of options that are on the end of overly formal or overly casual. Here are a few examples that aren’t usually the best option with a few ideas of what to use instead. If you can make “Hey girl,” or “To whom it may concern,” work for you, go for it! 

Hey girl! 

Feel free to send this to your best friend, but steer clear of this in almost every other context. It has such a casual option that it fits better in a text message than an email greeting. Instead try, “Hi there!” for a casual work friend, or, “Hi [recipient’s name]” for a slightly more personal feel. 

To whom it may concern,

This is way too formal. While it’s good to be respectful, stick with an option that feels less like you took it from the pages of a Victorian-era novel. Try swapping this one out for, “I thought this article might be of interest,” or, “Hello everyone,” depending on where the email is going. 

Hola! [or “hello” in a language different than the body of the text]

If you can follow “Hola” by (truthfully) saying, “writing to you from Mexico City,” or “Bonjour from Paris,” then you can maybe get away with it. For the most part, steer clear of greeting the recipient in a different language from the body of the email. It can feel culturally insensitive. 

If you want to let someone know you’re traveling, try, “Greetings from [insert country name],” or, “Writing to you from [country name].” 

What’s good? 

Does anyone know how to answer this? Not only is it a bit awkward, but it’s also more fitting as a text message than in an email. Instead of “What’s good?” try, “I hope this email finds you well,” or, “How are you?” 

Salutation, 

This email greeting falls more on the side of stuffy rather than formal. Instead of this, try “Greetings,” it can be used in similar formal group email situations but has more warmth. 

I’d like to pick your brain about…

As a general rule, steer clear of “picking brains.” Instead, try something like, “I had a few questions I believe are within your scope of expertise.” This sounds more formal in a good way and also helps the recipient know why you reached out to them specifically with your questions. If they don’t have the answers, it will be easy for them to redirect you to the appropriate person. 

Bonus: Avoid Common Email Etiquette Mistakes

The unwritten rules of email can be tricky. Avoiding certain mistakes ensures your emails reflect well on you… and also ensure your emails get read!

Here are key guidelines to keep in mind:

Key Takeaway: Set the Tone With an Intentional Email Greeting

Remember that the first few lines of your email help set the tone of the entire correspondence. Here are a few rule-of-thumb tips to keep in mind when you’re sending emails: 

• It’s generally better to be more formal, especially when emailing with a boss, hiring manager, professor, mentor, or someone else you want to communicate respect to.
• If you don’t have a strongly established relationship, help the recipient of your email remember who you are—mention what you talked about, where you met, or who you both know. 
• You can usually ease up on the formality for colleagues you work closely with and go for some more friendly email greetings. 
• If in doubt, “Hi/Hello [name]” is almost always a safe option—it’s neither super formal nor overly casual. 

If you need more help writing professional emails, look no further! Check out these 18 Professional Email Tips to Craft Your Next Email . 

Popular Guides

How to deal with difficult people at work.

Do you have a difficult boss? Colleague? Client? Learn how to transform your difficult relationship. I’ll show you my science-based approach to building a strong, productive relationship with even the most difficult people.

Related Articles

Science of People offers over 1000+ articles on people skills and nonverbal behavior.

Get our latest insights and advice delivered to your inbox.

It’s a privilege to be in your inbox. We promise only to send the good stuff.

🧠 Be More Memorable With These 5 Simple Cues. New LIVE Training Coming 9/23. 🚨