How to Address Cover Letters

The Most Popular Person in the World

There is more mail addressed to one person than any other in the world. This individual gets mail at almost every address including yours. Most people throw this celebrity’s mail in the trash!

Who is this big shot? You’ve probably seen the name many times: This person’s name is “resident!” Most people are not impressed when they receive mail addresses to resident.

The sweetest music to anyone’s ears is usually their own name. Whenever possible, send your cover letter to a person by name. If there is a name in an ad use the name.

If there is no name call or email a company and ask “to whom” you should send or address your cover letter and resume. Just make sure of one thing: There is probably only one appellation as bad as addressing people as resident; misspelling their name! Check and double check the spelling on people’s names. If you cannot get the name of the person who you are sending your cover letter and resume to, you may leave this filed blank.

How to Address Cover Letters for Gender

You can use “Mr.” in front of male names and “Ms.” in front of female names.
Be sure of the gender before you do this. There are many names that cross gender boundaries. If you are talking to the company inquiring about who to address your cover letter to just ask: “Is Kim a Mr. or Ms.?”

For a typed hard copy cover letter start with the date at the top of the page and then the company and address. Add Attention: and the person’s name you are addressing.

Email is not expected to be as formal. You can start the letter with their name. If you are attaching a cover letter as a pdf or other file, the formal choice as with a hard copy is better. With the OneClick Cover Letter Creator your cover letters will be formatted and ready to send.

Topics: COVER LETTERS |