Should I Address My Cover Letter to a Specific Person or Use “Dear Hiring Manager”?
I’m currently applying for a hospitality position and want to put my best foot forward. On the application page, there’s a list of senior managers for the company.
Initially, I planned to go with the generic “Dear Hiring Manager,” but I’m considering whether it would be more impactful to address the cover letter to one of the senior managers listed.
However, I’m also concerned about the possibility of addressing it to someone who may never actually review it.
What do you recommend? Do you prefer a specific name or the general title?
RCadmin
It’s great that you’re putting thought into your cover letter! If you’ve found the names of senior managers on the application page, addressing your cover letter to a specific individual can demonstrate extra effort and sincerity. It can also make your application feel more personalized, which is always a plus in hospitality.
To avoid any issues, consider doing a quick search of the company or looking for their LinkedIn profiles. This could help you determine if the person you’re addressing is relevant to the role you’re applying for. If that’s the case, use their name (e.g., “Dear [Name]”).
However, if you feel uncertain about whether the person will review your application, sticking with “Dear Hiring Manager” is still acceptable—especially if you can convey a strong sense of your qualifications. Ultimately, addressing it to a specific person is usually seen as more engaging, so go for it if you’re comfortable! Good luck with your application!