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The Global Insight

What is the proper greeting for a cover letter?

Author

Mia Phillips

Updated on March 27, 2026

The most professional salutation for a cover letter is “Dear.” Even an email cover letter should start with “Dear,” followed by the hiring manager’s name and a colon or comma.

Can you start a cover letter with hi?

Cover Letter Greetings to Avoid 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.

How do you greet an unknown in a cover letter?

To address a cover letter without a name, use some variation of, “Dear Software Team Hiring Manager.” You can also use, “Dear Hiring Manager” if the addressee really is unknown. Remember that “To Whom It May Concern” is an old-fashioned salutation for cover letters.

Should you introduce yourself in a cover letter?

Yes, you should introduce yourself in a cover letter. Introduce yourself by stating your name, the position you’re applying for, and how you found it. While there are some other cover letter opening strategies, introducing yourself by name is the most professional way to begin a traditional cover letter.

What to put on a cover letter when you don’t know who will read it?

“If the hiring manager’s name is nowhere to be found and the company is unwilling to give you his or her name, you should use ‘Dear Hiring Team’ in your cover letter salutation,” she says. “By addressing your cover letter to the hiring team, you increase your chances of getting it in front of the right pair of eyes.”

What should I start my cover letter with?

To create an effective opening to your cover letter, follow these steps:

  1. Convey enthusiasm for the company.
  2. Highlight a mutual connection.
  3. Lead with an impressive accomplishment.
  4. Bring up something newsworthy.
  5. Express passion for what you do.
  6. Tell a creative story.
  7. Start with a belief statement.

What should be included in a cover letter when applying for a job?

When you’re applying for a job, it’s common for employers to request both a resume and a cover letter. In around three paragraphs, your cover letter should highlight what makes you a great fit for the job and motivate the hiring manager to set up an interview.

Who is the best person to write a cover letter for?

Alison Doyle is the job search expert for The Balance Careers, and one of the industry’s most highly-regarded job search and career experts. One of the trickiest parts of writing a cover letter comes at the very beginning.

Which is the correct way to address a cover letter?

How to Address a Cover Letter (and Who to Address) The Two Best Ways to Address a Cover Letter A basic cover letter salutation (or greeting) begins with “Dear” followed by the hiring manager’s title and last name. However, in some cases it’s better to use the hiring manager’s full name.

What should I put in the subject line of my cover letter?

List the job you are applying for in the subject line of your email message, so the employer knows what job you are interested in as well. They may be hiring for multiple positions, and you will want them to identify the position you’re interested in easily. There are a variety of cover letter salutations you can use to address your email message.