Best way to address unknown person thru cover letter?

[mr.wiz0rd]

If you're applying for a position, but the person to contact is not disclosed in the job application, which way would you prefer to write the letter to:

1) Dear Sir / Madam
2) To Whom It May Concern
3) Dear XX Company (sounds too cheesy and informal)

4) Other?

[napoleonz]

1)

[module]

1)

+1

[trusoulja2g]

Option 1 is best of those 3, but if you are serious about the job, then make the effort to find out the person's name.

[porphyra]

I always go with Dear Sir/Madam, or better even: Dear Madam/Sir.

[coolspot]

If you're applying for a position, but the person to contact is not disclosed in the job application, which way would you prefer to write the letter to

Have you tried social engineering yet? Call up the switch board and ask for the department

If possible... sweet talk the receptionist into giving you the mailing address.

Worked for me a bunch of times ...

[poorwingman]

Option 1 is best of those 3, but if you are serious about the job, then make the effort to find out the person's name.

+1

[tyk]

Like everyone said, getting the person's name is the best way to go. Coolspot has the right idea, if you ask nicely most receptionists will give you the person's name.

If you can't get the name then #1 is the best, or you could also write: "Dear hiring manager,"

[red_roses101]

I was writing some letters a while back....is there an alternative to saying "Dear,"...it just sounds like a love letter....dear.

[Seveneighty]

I was writing some letters a while back....is there an alternative to saying "Dear,"...it just sounds like a love letter....dear.

That's the accepted, formal way to start a letter. Always, no matter what, or to whom the letter is directed. Whether to your lover, your boss, your best friend, or your worst enemy, it's always "dear".

[red_roses101]

That's the accepted, formal way to start a letter. Always, no matter what, or to whom the letter is directed. Whether to your lover, your boss, your best friend, or your worst enemy, it's always "dear".

so if I'm talking to my Boss one day, is it OK if I called him or her dear?
Like: Dear, we need the TPS reports prepared for Monday.

[coolspot]

so if I'm talking to my Boss one day, is it OK if I called him or her dear?
Like: Dear, we need the TPS reports prepared for Monday.

Dear so and so is fine for a cover letter.

What you're referring to... is a Memo - in that case, To: Ms. Bossy. is more appropriate.

[Mulder and Scully]

As someone in a position to receive and read applications, I'll tell you that it makes no difference. If you ask, anyone at the company will give you the name you're looking for but when I read through your cover letter, it'll make no difference to me whether you put "To Whom It May Concern" or "To (name here)." That little line isn't significant. But that's only me.

Have you tried social engineering yet? Call up the switch board and ask for the department

If possible... sweet talk the receptionist into giving you the mailing address.

Worked for me a bunch of times ...

[el_diablo007]

I use #2

[Seveneighty]

so if I'm talking to my Boss one day, is it OK if I called him or her dear?
Like: Dear, we need the TPS reports prepared for Monday.

Uh, I thought we were talking about written letters?