dear team cover letter

Quick Tip: Use 'Dear Hiring Team' On Your Cover Letter

You’ve always been told that you shouldn’t write, “To Whom It May Concern,” on your cover letter . But what should you do when you don’t have the name of the hiring manager?

First, Track Down The Name

Obviously, it’s ideal to use the hiring manager’s name in your cover letter . So, the first thing you should do is try to track down the hiring manager’s name online (i.e., the company website, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.).

You can also call up the company directly to ask for the name. Simply call up the company and say, “Hi, my name is ____ and I’m applying for a position at your company. Would it be possible for me to get the name of the hiring manager so I can address him or her in my cover letter?”

If All Fails, Use 'Dear Hiring Team'

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. By addressing your cover letter to the hiring team, you increase your chances of getting it in front of the right pair of eyes.

Why Can't You Use Someone Else's Name?

But what if you know the name of someone else (not involved with hiring) who works at the company? Can you just address it to them instead?

Absolutely not!

“That person may not be the person that’s hiring, and they could easily throw [your cover letter] in the trash,” says J.T. O’Donnell, founder and CEO of Work It Daily. “You don’t know if they’re going to forward it to the right person or not. You DO NOT want to risk that.”

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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11 Ways To Enjoy Summer When You’re Working A Full-Time Job

There you are: sitting on the beach, covered in sunscreen, reading your favorite book, drinking your favorite drink under the cool shade of an umbrella. Life doesn't get any better than this. Suddenly, a door slams, a phone rings, a printer turns on. You jolt back into consciousness. You're at work, sitting in your cubicle, without even a hint of sunshine streaming in from outside.

When you're working a full-time job, finding time to enjoy the warm, bright summer weather can be a challenge. This is especially true for young professionals , as many of them are used to having summers off (or, at the very least, having a flexible summer schedule). But there's no need to feel trapped behind your cubicle walls. Go out and enjoy summer!

Here are a few tips for making the most of your summer while working full time.

1. Grab Some Foldable Chairs

Keep a couple of foldable camping chairs at the office so you and a co-worker can catch some rays during lunch—whether it's in the park or the parking lot.

2. Keep A Beach Bag In Your Car​

Keep a bag full of summer supplies for your favorite summer activities . Having a bag (or, in my case, a backseat) full of towels, sunscreen, and swimwear keeps you prepared for anything. Friends hitting up the pool after work? You're covered. Once the clock strikes five, you can head to your destination of choice immediately.

3. Plan An Office Outing

Plan an office field trip to the beach, the park, or the pool. Just do something fun so your brain can recharge and refresh!

4. Organize Group Walks

Get a bunch of co-workers together and go on regular walks around town during lunch. (Or you could suggest a quick jaunt over to the ice cream shop.) This is a great way to get some fresh air, sunshine, and exercise.

5. Eat Lunch At The Park

When you find yourself eating out, hit up places with a deck, porch, or patio of some sort. Obviously, eating out every day isn't really a feasible option for most of us, so look into alternative ideas as well. Pack a lunch and hit the park for your own little picnic.

6. Organize Office Sports

Whether it's setting up an official office sports team or just hanging out with your colleagues a few times a week, playing sports is a great way to get out and enjoy the weather. Have a field nearby? Try setting up some slow-pitch softball games. Or see if you can get a basketball hoop for the office so you and a few co-workers can shoot some hoops at lunch.

7. Join A Professional Group

During the summer, professional networking groups often have fun events like harbor cruises, pub crawls, and outdoor mixers. Find a professional group in your area and make networking fun this summer.

8. Have An Office BBQ

Get your grill on! Talk to your boss about setting up an office BBQ. Ask everyone to contribute their favorite dish, side, or drink. Fire up the grill and relax! Hey, it's summer after all.

9. Wake Up Early

Yes, yes, I know...waking up early is an incredibly painful and unbearable experience for some of us, but waking up even an hour earlier has its benefits—especially in the summer. Go for a morning run, putter around in the garden, or watch the sunrise with a loved one. Talk about starting the day off right!

10. Strategically Use Your Time Off

Strategically use your vacation days around holidays. This way, you can make a potentially long weekend longer without having to use too much of your precious vacation time . Half days are also pretty awesome. It's amazing how much you can do with four extra hours! If you want an early weekend but don't want to burn up your vacation days too quickly, try taking a half day on a Friday instead of using a full day off.

11. Bike To Work

If you're one of the lucky few who live within walking or biking distance of work, take advantage of it! Not only will you get plenty of fresh air, but you'll also save money on gas, which is always a plus!

There are plenty of easy ways to enjoy summer when you work a full-time job. So this summer, try out a few of these ideas and make the most of the sunshine and warm weather—while they're still around!

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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.

To Whom it May Concern? How to Address and End a Cover Letter

We’ve put together a few tips to help you personalize your cover letter, whether you know the hiring manager’s name or not.

Customers Interviewed by:

In our modern age of personalization, To Whom It May Concern is both an antiquated and detached way to address a cover letter . It may also imply that you haven’t researched the company or that you assume the letter can be read by anyone. Below, we’ve put together a few tips to help you personalize your cover letter , whether you know the hiring manager’s name or not.

When it comes to addressing a cover letter, advice columns frequently spotlight these two pitfalls:

• Mistake 1 : Failing to address your cover letter to a specific person
• Mistake 2 : Addressing a cover letter to the wrong person

Most job postings don’t specify who will be reading your cover letter. This puts job seekers in a tricky situation. Fixing the first mistake could cause you to make the second. So what’s the best way to replace “To Whom It May Concern” on your cover letter?

Get instant feedback on your cover letter with Jobscan’s cover letter optimization tool. See it in action .

3 Key Tips for Addressing Your Cover Letter

1) don’t address your cover letter to the recruiter.

For many job openings, the first person you need to impress is a corporate recruiter. That doesn’t mean you should address your cover letter to them.

“Recruiters do not read cover letters,” a long-time healthcare recruiter told Jobscan . “Bottom line.”

That might be an overstatement — most don’t, some do — but many recruiters would admit that they aren’t the intended audience of a cover letter. “It’s mostly for the hiring manager,” said a recruiter in the non-profit industry. “For us [recruiters], it’s just an extra step in an already elongated process.”

The healthcare recruiter agreed: “If you’re sending it straight to a hiring manager who’s looking at a much lower number of applicants, they might actually read that.”

2) Search for the Hiring Manager’s Name

The best way to personalize your cover letter is to address the hiring manager by name. However, it can be difficult to identify the hiring manager, and your educated guess could cause you to address your cover letter to the wrong person. Here are some tips for finding the hiring manager.

Search the Company Website

Few job postings list the hiring manager by name but many will tell you the position to which you’d be reporting.

With this information, a little detective work can reveal the name of the hiring manager.

Start off by browsing the company’s website. Look for an about page, company directory, or contact page. These pages are frequently linked at the very bottom of the website. Companies that feature employees on their about page make it much easier to figure out who will be reading your cover letter.

You can also try searching the website. If the website doesn’t have a built-in search bar, use this syntax in Google:

“[position you’ll be reporting to]” site:company website

This will reveal hard-to-find about pages or other mentions of the position in the company’s blog posts, press releases, and other pages.

Search LinkedIn

If a company doesn’t list the hiring manager on their website, LinkedIn is your next best resource.

Start off by searching for the company page on LinkedIn. Once you’re on the company’s LinkedIn page, click “See all X employees on LinkedIn” near the top.

Depending on the company size, you can either browse all positions or narrow your results by adding search terms to the search bar (e.g. “Marketing Manager”) and utilizing the “Current companies” filters on the right side of the screen.

Search for the “reports to” position from the job listing. If it wasn’t provided in the listing, search for keywords related to your prospective department (e.g. “marketing”). If the company uses an intuitive corporate hierarchy  you should be able to determine who will be reading the cover letter.

Contact the Company Directly

There is nothing wrong with calling or emailing the company to ask for the name of the hiring manager. Be polite and honest with the administrative assistant or customer service representative. Explain that you’re about to apply for a job and you’d like to know who you should address in your cover letter.

If they aren’t able to provide an answer or transfer you to someone who knows, let it go. The last thing you need is word getting back to the hiring manager that you were pushy with one of their colleagues.

3) Use a More Personalized “To Whom it May Concern” Alternative

You can still personalize your cover letter, even when you don’t know the identity of the hiring manager. Instead of “To Whom It May Concern,” which casts a wide net and is specific to no one, try addressing your cover letter to one specific person.

The most generic version of this is:

Dear Hiring Manager,

But job seekers can often be more specific. Take a look at these examples:

Dear Customer Experience Manager, 

Dear Customer Experience Hiring Team Manager, 

Some other alternatives include addressing your cover letter to an entire department:

• Dear Engineering Department,

Dear Engineering Team, 

OR addressing the entire team:

Hi Jobscan Team,

Dear Jobscan Team,

As with many aspects of the job application process, demonstrating that you put in some extra effort can make a difference. Doing some research before addressing a cover letter contributes to a positive first impression.

8 cover letter salutation examples

Here are eight standard cover letter openings you can choose from. Select the one that best suits the energy of the company you’re applying to and use either a specific name or department depending on the information you have available.

• Hi Mr. Smith,
• Hello Jobscan Team,
• Dear Ms. Whittaker and Team,
• Good morning, Mr. Kennedy
• Good afternoon, Louise, 
• To the Jobscan hiring manager, 

How to end a cover letter

Just as important as beginning your cover letter is ensuring you end it on a strong note. Your cover letter ending should not be underestimated in its ability to help you move forward in the hiring process. After making your case in the previous paragraphs, you need to end your cover letter with a strong call to action to entice the recruiter to invite you for a job interview.

Madeline Mann , an HR leader in the technology industry and creator of Self Made Millennial , says that while no conclusion will save a bad cover letter, it can distinguish you from another good candidate.

It’s all about enthusiasm, according to Madeline. “Companies want people who want them,” she says. If you can draw to the company’s values and show how interested in working with them you are, that’s a substantial advantage. You want to create a lasting impression by incorporating that enthusiasm in your cover letter ending.

“Companies want people who want them” – Madeline mann

A good conclusion, in fact, should reflect the rest of your cover letter.

Set up the end of your cover letter with a strategic middle section

If you want your cover letter ending to be effective, you first need to build momentum. Most recruiters and career coaches agree that by the time you get to the end of your cover letter, it needs to possess the following three elements:

• It tells a story about yourself
• It shows your value concretely
• It calls the recruiter to action

Julia Reiter, a career coach based in Toronto, suggests that you lead up to your cover letter ending by showing that you understand the company’s current challenges and are equipped to solve them. This will make your cover letter call to action all the more effective.

Although the job description will give you information about what the company is looking to accomplish, it will not help you distinguish yourself from other applicants. Show the company you are willing to go the extra mile by researching the key industry challenges and the particular issues they might be facing (beyond the obvious ones).

For example, you can read articles from industry-related publications and get acquainted with the numbers and statistics about the particular business areas your company is engaged in. By being aware of the particular issues they are facing, you can more easily make your skillset and experiences relevant.

When you talk about your past experiences and accomplishments , make sure you mention the problems the company is facing. For example, if you are applying for a customer success manager position at a Software-as-a-Service company, a relevant issue might be high churn rates.

Instead of writing something like “my experience in customer success makes me confident I will be a great addition to your team,” write something like “When I worked at XYZ company, I was able to reduce the churn rate by 30%. With this experience and my deep knowledge of B2B consumer psychology, I am prepared to ensure we have one of the lowest churn rates in XYZ industry.”

End your letter with a call to action

You may be tempted to write that “I’m looking forward to hearing from you” for your cover letter ending. That isn’t a call to action. For Madeline, the end of a cover letter serves to give one last push and show interest and enthusiasm in a way that stands out.

Likewise, Julia says, “now that the company knows you are aware of their current challenges and are equipped to solve those challenges for them, don’t leave them hanging. Tell them how they can make your skills and experiences a reality on their team. What number can they reach you at for an interview?”

How do you conclude a cover letter? Here are 3 examples

• “I’m excited to have the opportunity to talk about how I could join your team in its quest for XYZ value. I’m particularly thrilled about XYZ project and would love to know how I can contribute to it.
• “I am keen on meeting with you to see what I can contribute to XYZ company as it moves on in its journey to XYZ goal. I am available at your convenience for a phone call or in-person meeting.”
• “I would love to get your thoughts on what I mentioned. I am happy to hop on a phone call at your earliest convenience to discuss how I can help XYZ company with XYZ issue.”

Read more : Check out our cover letter examples page, which covers a wide range of jobs, industries, and situations.

Mistakes to avoid when ending a cover letter

The mistakes people make when they end their cover letter are often the same ones they made earlier in the piece. However, they can be particularly detrimental to your chances of landing an interview if they constitute the final impression a recruiter has of you.

When ending a cover letter, avoid:

Making it about yourself instead of the company: use sentence constructions that make the recruiter see how the company is going to benefit from hiring you. For example, try to use “you” or “we” instead of “I.”

Sounding generic or robotic: we’ve all seen these cover letters that end with the same plain paragraph. If you write one of those, the last impression you’re giving is not different from those given by all other applicants.

Selling yourself short: the conclusion is your last chance to show off the value you can bring to the company. Emphasize it and use it as a segue into your call to action.

How to end a cover letter with the appropriate salutations

Always remember that recruiters review hundreds of applications for each position. When you are competing with that many candidates, the slightest mistake will disqualify you immediately Although you may not think too much of the salutations, they can hurt your chance of landing an interview.

Make sure your salutations are formal and polite. You should be respectful not only by indicating your appreciation of the recruiter’s time but also by being concise. Do not overdo your salutations and do not employ informal greetings. “Sincerely,” “Thank you for your consideration,” “kind regards,” are all safe options.

When ending your cover letter, you want to balance confidence, respect, and appreciation.

17 cover letter ending examples

Depending on the energy of the business you are applying to, and your own personality, select one of the following 17 cover letter closing options.

• Best wishes,
• Sincere thanks,
• Many thanks,
• Thanks in advance,
• Thank you for your consideration,
• Thank you for your time,
• Respectfully, 
• Sincerely, 
• Sincerely yours, 
• Yours truly, 
• Kind regards,
• With best regards,
• Looking forward to speaking with you, 
• With gratitude,

One Final Important note: Cover letters aren’t what they say they are

Cover letters don’t introduce your resume, they supplement it.

In order to get your cover letter into the hands of a hiring manager who cares, your  resume has to get past the recruiter and, in many cases, the applicant tracking system they’re using.

Try analyzing your resume below to receive instant optimization tips and recruiter insights from Jobscan so that the time you spend crafting your cover letter isn’t a waste.

The keyword analysis also shows exactly what to focus on in your cover letter.

Jobscan Premium (one month free)  even has a cover letter scan feature.

Editor’s Note: A section of this article was originally written in a separate blog post by Léandre Larouche on June 9, 2020. It has been updated and combined with this article as of June 10, 2021.

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How to Write a Cover Letter to a Hiring Manager (With Templates)

Oh, the never-ending confusion and debate over cover letters.

Do I need one? Will anyone read it? How, exactly, can I make sure an actual  hiring manager reads it?

Never mind the whole—and rather crucial— “what should my cover letter say?” piece of this equation. There’s so much to consider, it’s no wonder why people often under-use or forego the cover letter altogether when looking for a job.

I’ve long been in the “heck, yes” camp on cover letters. Let me explain why and share some essential tips on what to incorporate in your next cover letter if you want to grab the attention of a hiring manager and get them to call you for an interview.

Why should you write a cover letter?

I’d like to tell you not to worry about crafting a cover letter for the next role you pursue, but here’s the thing (and you’ve probably noticed it): Competition’s fierce in more than a few career fields right now. Given this, you’ll be wise to do everything you can to stack the odds of landing an interview in your favor.

This includes a cover letter. If a recruiter or hiring manager is on the fence about you as a viable candidate, a thoughtfully written cover letter might just nudge you into the “yes” pile.

So, for this reason alone, I’d make the time for it.

Now here’s the good news—most people squander the opportunity. They either opt out of writing a cover letter entirely or, nearly as bad, they submit bland, cliché-filled, or redundant-to-the-resume clunkers.

Given this, hiring managers and recruiters don’t expect to lay eyes on a cover letter that’s memorable, compelling, and on point. When they do? They take notice.

Essential tips for your next cover letter

So how do you pull off a winning cover letter, one that conveys your passion and talent and makes the recruiter or hiring manager’s day? Follow these steps:

1. Choose the right salutation

We are well past the days when “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam” were considered gold standard business salutations. Unless you’re hoping to look like a nonagenarian on paper, plan to address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager or recruiter involved with the search.

It may seem difficult to sleuth this out, but it’s often easier than you may think. Just mosey over to LinkedIn and do a People search using the company’s name as your search term. Scroll through the people working at that company until you find someone who appears to be the hiring manager. (Hint: the job description may tell you who the position reports to.) If you can’t find a logical manager, try locating an internal recruiter or, in smaller companies, the head of HR.

If you aren’t able to pinpoint this information, go with something more general  but still personal and appropriate for current times, like “Dear Muse Marketing Team,” or “To the HR Business Partner Hiring Team.”

Read more:  The 3 Rules of Addressing Your Cover Letter in 2023

2. Convey your interest and value 

Decision makers never want to feel like you’re wallpapering the universe with the same cookie-cutter cover letter. They want to know you’re approaching their organization for specific reasons. Maybe you love their mission, their products, or their reputation as a great place to work.

Lead with this then, using the job description (and whatever other information you’ve gathered) as your guide, then outline what, specifically, you can walk through their doors and deliver. Make it clear as quickly as possible that you’ve got the goods.

Here's an example: “As a long-time cyclist, I know a thing or two about chafing. I also know that plenty of chamois creams just don’t do the trick. Yours does, and I’ve been a loyal fan and user for years. You’ve reduced friction for me and now I’d like to do the same for you as your next Customer Service Manager.

I’m [Name], a personable and solution-focused customer service professional who consistently ranks among the top 5% of performers at my current employer. Here’s what I can deliver in this role:”

And then expound on a few of the skills you bring to the table, with particular emphasis on the priority requirements for that role (they’re typically listed first on the job description or mentioned more than once).

3. Finish strong

You certainly don’t want to fizzle out at the finish line. In fact, if I had a dollar for every time I’ve read this exact sentence on a cover letter, I’d have a lot of dollars:

“Thank you for your consideration. I hope to hear from you soon.”

Instead, work to sum up why you’re a great candidate and welcome an opportunity to meet to discuss their needs and your qualifications further.

Here's an example: “I believe my collaborative work style, commitment to customer satisfaction, and strong belief in the value of your products will enable me to make considerable impact, quickly. I would love to learn more about your specific goals and needs and share details on how I may contribute. I hope to meet soon!”

And a last, critical tip when it comes to delivering a great cover letter to a hiring manager: Be you. Honest, genuine writing always goes much, much further than trying to emulate the tone and structure encouraged in outdated career guides and textbooks.

Rules can be bent. In fact, if you’re working to make a lasting impression and land that interview? Oftentimes, they should be.

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How To Use “Dear Hiring Manager” On Your Cover Letter

• How To Write A Cover Letter
• When Is A Cover Letter Necessary
• Free Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Mistakes To Avoid
• Cover Letter Tips
• How To Sell Yourself In A Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Examples
• Best Cover Letters
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• Cover Letter For Government Job
• Cover Letter With No Experience
• Short Cover Letter Examples
• How To Send An Email Cover Letter

How To Write A Cover Letter For A Job With No Experience In That Field

• Cover Letter Format
• Salutation and Greeting
• Who To Address When Unknown
• How To Start A Cover Letter
• How To End A Cover Letter
• Best Cover Letter Font And Size
• Cover Letter Spacing
• Cover Letter Length
• Key Elements Of A Cover Letter
• How To Write An Address
• Official Letter Format
• Cover Letter Opening
• Tips For Addressing Cover Letter
• Dear Hiring Manager
• How To Sign A Cover Letter
• Salary Requirements In Cover Letter
• Referral In Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Body
• Use Dear Sir Or Madam?
• Use Mrs. Or Ms.?

Find a Job You Really Want In

Summary. Use “Dear Hiring Manager” as an acceptable alternative when you are unable to address your cover letter directly by name, which is always preferable. While writing a cover letter, it can be a little nerve-racking if you don’t know who you are sending it to. We’ll walk you through how to address your cover letter , provide tips to help you decide which greeting to use, and provide examples of the different options for addressing your cover letter. Key Takeaways: Addressing your cover letter professionally is crucial for making a good first impression and catching the eye of hiring managers and recruiters. It’s not always easy to find the person the company wants you to send your resume and cover letter to. While you should do your best to find a person’s name, using “Dear Hiring Manager” might be your best bet in certain scenarios. When addressing a cover letter make sure you start with what you know and don’t assume to much on what you know about the person. In This Article    Skip to section How to Use “Dear Hiring Manager” on Your Cover Letter Why Addressing Your Cover Letter Correctly Is Important Examples of How to Address a Cover Letter How to Find the Hiring Manager Tips for Using “Dear Hiring Manager” Alternatives to “Dear Hiring Manager” “Dear Hiring Manager” FAQs Final Thoughts References Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs Show More How to Use “Dear Hiring Manager” on Your Cover Letter

While saying “Dear Hiring Manager” on a cover letter is entirely professional, it’s also super generic. You should only use it if you can’t find the name of the recipient despite your best efforts.

There’s an order of operations that should be followed every time you go to address a cover letter, and which step of the process you eventually settle on should depend on what kind of information you have available.

Here are the steps you should take any time you go to address a cover letter — your goal is to stop at the earliest step you can manage:

Start with what you know. Do you know their name? How about their gender and preferred pronouns? If so, then address the letter to “Dear Mr.” or “Dear Ms.” followed by just their last name. This is the most preferred method of address — it’s personal and unpretentious.

Don’t assume too much. Don’t know their gender? Still use “Dear” to address the letter, but instead of using just the last name, used your contact’s full name. It’s still personal, perhaps a little less “professional,” but it’s better than being presumptuous.

Last resort. If all else fails, then just writing “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable, but be aware that a name is preferred in almost all cases.

Consider alternatives. “To Whom It May Concern” might be your first instinct, but as salutations go, “Dear” is a warmer and more congenial way to address someone. “To Whom” sounds a little robotic, and is never a good option. We’ll cover other alternatives below.

Why Addressing Your Cover Letter Correctly Is Important

People react to greetings in different ways, depending on the context.

People can often have big reactions to even small nuances in behavior depending on the context — and those reactions are only exacerbated in a situation as stressful as a job application.

This is because the person on the other end of the line — the hiring manager, recruiter , or whoever has to sift through the mountain of other applications to find yours — has no obligation to you whatsoever.

That means that if something about the way that you greet them turns them off to you as a candidate, they can just decide not to contact you.

You’ve got one small chance to prove that you’re worthy of their attention, and you have to go into your application and cover letter with the understanding that a hiring manager could stop reading at any time.

So you have to do everything in your power to make sure that they don’t do that.

Examples of How to Address a Cover Letter

Here’s a good example of following the above process, starting at a place of having full information about your contact and ending up at a place where you don’t even know if the person reading your resume is just a robot .

Full knowledge: “Dear Mrs. Belvedere” Name known, no known gender or gender is non-binary: “Dear Ramona Belvedere” Gender known, no name: “Dear Mrs.” When you know that they’re a doctor: “Dear Dr. Belvedere” When they’re a doctor but not an MD: “Dear Professor Belvedere” When you don’t know who they are at all: “Dear Hiring Manager”

How to Find the Hiring Manager

We’ve got a whole article about how to find the hiring manager , but we’ll cover the steps briefly here:

Check the job advertisement. Sounds like an obvious first step, but we have to start somewhere. If you can’t find a full name, check the email address they want you to send your application to.

If it indicates an individual, use that information in the following steps. (Sometimes it’ll be really obvious though, like [email protected]).

Check the company’s website . Either look at the job application section or the “about us” page . You can sometimes find more information about department heads here. See if any names align with the email address provided in the job opening.

Call the company. Finding the right number to call might be tricky, but once you reach someone in HR or the front desk, they should be able to help you out. Mention the job posting and ask for the hiring manager’s name — easy peasy.

Use LinkedIn . Look for the company’s employees on LinkedIn. You might not be able to definitively determine the hiring manager from your research alone, but you might find somebody you can ask.

For example, an HR head or someone who works in the department you’re interested in.

Use an inside source. If you have a friend in the company, we’re surprised you’ve made it this long without reaching out to them!

People like to help, and if this person is an internal reference for you as well, they surely want you to make the best impression. That means avoiding “Dear Hiring Manager” if you can.

Tips for Using “Dear Hiring Manager”

If you’ve tried everything and still can’t find the hiring manager’s name or a relevant department head, it’s not the worst thing to use “Dear Hiring Manager.” However, you should keep these tips in mind if you do:

Customize your cover letter . “Dear Hiring Manager” is about as generic as it gets as far as salutations go. Don’t let the rest of your cover letter be equally generic. Otherwise, the recipient may think you’ve just copy-pasted this cover letter all around town, which is always a turn off for employers.

Open with a strong first sentence and use the body to express your enthusiasm for the specific job and company. Cover your most significant qualifications and accomplishments. Utilize keywords from the job description when discussing your skills and relevant experience .

Use a clear subject line. Most cover letters are sent via email these days. Since you couldn’t find the hiring manager’s name, it’s likely you’re sending it to a generic, company-wide, job application email address.

Ensure that your subject link provides a clear explanation of why you’re writing. The standard “[Full Name] – _______ Position” is a safe bet.

Send from a professional email address. Your email might look a bit spammy with “Dear Hiring Manager” — don’t compound the recipient’s instinct to immediately delete your email by sending it from [email protected].

Choose a professional email address, but be careful of using one tied to your current place of employment. They may be able to see your activities, and that would be awkward.

Alternatives to “Dear Hiring Manager”

We’re going to start off by reiterating that “To Whom It May Concern” is never an option. That said, “Dear Hiring Manager” isn’t the only choice you have available. In a scenario where you’re reaching out to a recruiter or a recruiting team, it might actually sound odd to address your cover letter to the hiring manager.

Let’s take a look at other appropriate ways to start your cover letter when you don’t know the recipient’s name:

Dear Recruiter

Dear Recruitment Team

Dear Hiring Team

Dear [Department] Manager

Dear [Department]

Dear Recruitment Committee

Dear Hiring Committee

Dear Recruiting Manager

Dear Human Resources

Dear [Title of person you’d report to]

“Dear Hiring Manager” FAQs

Can I put “Dear Hiring Manager” on a cover letter?

Yes, you can put “Dear Hiring Manager” on a cover letter. However, it is better to find a name if possible. Addressing a cover letter directly to a person gives your letter more of an impact. It shows that you either followed directions or put in extra effort to locate a name. If you can’t find a name, then “Dear Hiring Manager” is an acceptable alternative.

What can I say instead of “Dear Hiring Manager”?

Instead of “Dear Hiring Manager”, you can say:

Dear Human Resources Representative

These titles are helpful alternatives, but as you may notice, they also have their limits. Without a name, any choice with sound slightly vague.

How do I find the hiring manager name?

There are several steps you can take to find the hiring manager’s name:

Read over the job description for clues

Look on the company’s website

Search LinkedIn or other social media

Call the company

Ask anyone in your network who may know

Finding the hiring manager’s name can take time and effort. If you succeed, then it shows your commitment to the job and helps your cover letter stand out just a little more above the competition.

Do hiring managers read cover letters?

Hiring managers may or may not read cover letters, but it is always good to assume they will. Hiring managers in general don’t spend a lot of time with cover letters or resumes . They are going to quickly skim your application and look for qualifications that stand out. That is why addressing the cover letter correctly is important, because it can be the first step to convincing the hiring manager to keep reading.

Final Thoughts

That’s the long and short of it. Follow this process and you’ll never go wrong when it comes to addressing your cover letter.

While you should always try your best to find the hiring manager’s name and address your cover letter personally, it’s not always possible.

Just remember the other do’s and dont’s of cover letter formatting and professional letter writing. Keep your cover letter to one page with three to four paragraphs. Show enthusiasm for and knowledge of the role, emphasize your qualifications and accomplishments, and use language from the job description .

Draft a few sample cover letters before hitting “send,” and you’re certain to be called in for a job interview .

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Ryan Morris was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog who tried to make the job process a little more entertaining for all those involved. He obtained his BA and Masters from Appalachian State University.

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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

Resume Spelling and Accent Explained

Guide to Writing a Great Resume with No Work Experience

See how your resume stacks up.

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Professional Team Manager Cover Letter Examples for 2024

In your team manager cover letter, it's pivotal to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Highlight your experience in guiding teams toward shared goals successfully. Showcase your communication skills and how they foster collaboration and resolve conflicts. Your cover letter should reflect your capacity to motivate and support team members to drive success.

Cover Letter Guide

Team Manager Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Team Manager Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

Crafting a team manager cover letter can be a sticking point in your job application process. You've polished your resume and you're ready to apply, only to realize a persuasive cover letter is required—one that doesn't echo your resume, but rather spotlights your proudest professional triumph through a compelling narrative. Keeping it to one page, formal yet original, and free from tired clichés is a fine balance. Let's guide you through this crucial step towards your next leadership role.

• Personalize the greeting to address the recruiter and your introduction that fits the role;
• Follow good examples for individual roles and industries from job-winning cover letters;
• Decide on your most noteworthy achievement to stand out;
• Format, download, and submit your team manager cover letter, following the best HR practices.

Use the power of Enhancv's AI: drag and drop your team manager resume, which will swiftly be converted into your job-winning cover letter.

If the team manager isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

• Team Manager resume guide and example
• Managing Director cover letter example
• Chief Marketing Officer cover letter example
• Director cover letter example
• Director of Finance cover letter example
• General Manager cover letter example
• Head of Product cover letter example
• Vice President cover letter example
• Senior Director cover letter example
• Entry-Level Operations Manager cover letter example
• Department Head cover letter example

Team Manager cover letter example

Scarlett Anderson

Charlotte, North Carolina

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• Highlighting significant achievements such as "a 15% reduction in annual costs" and "improved service level agreements by 20%" demonstrates quantifiable success and expertise in the field.
• Emphasizing experience with a high-level responsibility such as "successful management of a $500M indirect spend portfolio" showcases the ability to handle large-scale operations and complex budget management.
• Stating specific strategies like "consolidation of suppliers" illustrates problem-solving skills and conveys a clear example of how the candidate has delivered impactful supply chain improvements.

Designing your team manager cover letter: what is the best format

Let's start with the basics, your team manager cover letter should include your:

• Introduction
• Body paragraph
• Closing statement
• Signature (that's not a must)

Next, we'll move to the spacing of your team manager cover letter, and yes, it should be single-spaced ( automatically formatted for you in our cover letter templates ).

Don't go for a old-school font (e.g. Arial or Times New Roman), but instead, pick an ATS-favorite like Chivo, Volkhov, or Raleway, to stand out.

Our cover letter builder is also set up for you with the standard one-inch margin, all around the text.

Finally, ensure your team manager resume and cover letter are in the same font and are submitted in PDF (to keep the formatting in place).

P.S. The Applicant Tracker System (or ATS) won't be assessing your [job] cover letter, it's solely for the recruiters' eyes.

The top sections on a team manager cover letter

Header: The header should include your contact information, making it easy for the recruiter to reach out to you, along with the date and the employer's details.

Opening Greeting: Address the hiring manager by name if possible to personalize your cover letter and demonstrate your attention to detail, a key skill for a team manager.

Introduction: Briefly articulate why you are interested in the team manager position and what makes you uniquely qualified, such as your leadership style or past team successes.

Professional Achievements: Highlight specific managerial accomplishments that are relevant to the role, such as how you increased team productivity or improved project outcomes, to showcase your effectiveness as a leader.

Closing Section: Reaffirm your interest in the position, express enthusiasm about the opportunity to discuss how you can contribute to the team, and thank the recruiter for considering your application.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

• Proven leadership experience: Recruiters look for candidates who have successfully led teams and demonstrated the ability to motivate, support, and guide employees towards achieving company goals.
• Communication skills: Effective communication is critical for a team manager to articulate vision, negotiate conflicts, and ensure team cohesion.
• Conflict resolution abilities: The capability to handle and resolve disputes or disagreements within a team is essential for maintaining a healthy work environment and productivity.
• Performance management: Experience in assessing team and individual performance, providing constructive feedback, and overseeing career development is crucial for a team manager.
• Strategic thinking: Recruiters seek team managers who can align their team objectives with the broader organizational strategy and make informed decisions that contribute to long-term success.
• Adaptability and flexibility: The willingness and ability to adapt to changing circumstances and to flexibly manage a team through shifts in projects, company direction, or market conditions are vital qualities for a team manager.

How to personalize your team manager cover letter greeting

Before you start writing your team manager cover letter, take the time to find out who is recruiting for the role.

Search for the recruiter's name on LinkedIn or the corporate website to address them personally in your team manager cover letter salutation .

What if you can't find out who's recruiting for the role?

Always aim to avoid the very impersonal "Dear Sir/Madam" - instead, opt out for "Dear HR Team" or "Dear Hiring Manager" to make a better first impression.

List of salutations you can use

• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear [Company Name] Team,
• Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
• Dear [Department Name] Hiring Team,
• Dear [Mr./Ms. Last Name],
• Dear [Job Title] Search Committee,

How to start your team manager cover letter introduction

The opening paragraph of your team manager cover letter can seem like a real enigma.

Where do you start writing ?

In your team manager cover letter introduction, focus on yourself by stating what:

• gets you motivated and excited about the role;
• you like best about the company, from culture to awards.

Write no more than two sentences, which are both authentic and show your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

What comes next: your team manager cover letter middle paragraphs

In the next three to six paragraphs (or the body of your team manager cover letter) you have to prove your unique value .

Most candidates tend to mess up at this stage. They tend to just copy-paste information from their resume.

That's one big no-no.

Remember that when writing your team manager cover letter, it has to be personalized. And, your ultimate aim is to catch the recruiter's eye.

So, look back on key job requirements and write down a list that includes the ones you cover.

Next, select just one key achievement from your professional (or personal) history that meets those advert keywords.

Narrate a story around how you've grown your skill set and knowledge. Also, aim to show the unique understanding or soft skills you bring about, thanks to your past success.

Thinking about the closing paragraph of your team manager cover letter

Before your signature, you have extra space to close off your team manager cover letter .

Use it to either make a promise or look to the future.

Remind recruiters how invaluable of a candidate you are by showing what you plan to achieve in the role.

Also, note your availability for a potential next meeting (in person or over the telephone).

By showing recruiters that you're thinking about the future, you'd come off as both interested in the opportunity and responsible.

Addressing limited to no experience in the team manager cover letter

There's nothing to worry about if you lack professional experience .

Your team manager cover letter could bridge the gaps in your professional history by focusing on what matters most to recruiters, that's either:

• skills - focusing on transferable ones you've gained, thanks to your life experience (e.g. volunteering, certificates, etc.);
• achievements - select the most relevant and noteworthy one from your history (e.g. education, projects, etc.);
• motivation - describe how you envision your professional growth in the next up to five years, thanks to this opportunity.

Key takeaways

Summarizing the most important aspects in writing your team manager cover letter, remember to:

• Create a personalized team manager cover letter for each role you apply for, that includes the recruiter's name in the salutation;
• Format your team manager cover letter with single-spacing, one-inch margins, and a modern, yet ATS-friendly font;
• Always start off your team manager cover letter with two sentences that reflect what is most important about your application;
• Your team manager cover letter body should feature your biggest accomplishments and the job-relevant skills it has taught you;
• Instead of opting for the "Sincerely yours" ending, close your team manager cover letter with a nod to the future with what you aim to achieve in this potential role.

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Team Lead Cover Letter Example

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Start your Team Lead cover letter with a strong, engaging opening that captures the hiring manager's attention. Begin with a concise introduction that includes your current role, years of leadership experience, and a standout achievement that demonstrates your capability as a leader. Tailor this introduction to align with the company's values and the specific team lead position you're applying for. For example: "Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], As a dedicated Team Lead with over 5 years of experience in driving team performance and project success within the [industry] sector, I am excited about the opportunity to apply for the Team Lead position at [Company Name]. My track record in [specific relevant achievement or skill] aligns closely with the goals of your team, and I am eager to bring my expertise in [specific skill or experience] to your esteemed company." This approach shows relevance, enthusiasm, and a personalized touch, setting a positive tone for the rest of your cover letter.

The best way for Team Leads to end a cover letter is with a strong and confident closing that reiterates their interest in the position and their readiness to bring value to the team. A compelling closing statement could be: "I am eager to bring my leadership skills and experience to [Company Name] as a [Position Title], where I am confident that my ability to lead and inspire teams will contribute to our mutual success. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with the goals of your team." This conclusion is effective for Team Leads as it showcases their leadership qualities and expresses a proactive desire to contribute to the company's objectives. It also opens the door for further conversation, demonstrating their interest in engaging with the employer. Always end with a professional sign-off, such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name.

Team Leads should include the following elements in their cover letter: 1. **Leadership Experience**: Clearly outline your experience as a team lead or in any leadership roles. Highlight specific leadership responsibilities you've held, such as managing a team, coordinating projects, or mentoring team members. 2. **Relevant Skills**: Identify the key skills that make you an effective leader, such as communication, delegation, conflict resolution, and strategic planning. Provide examples of how you've applied these skills in a professional setting. 3. **Team and Project Achievements**: Discuss accomplishments that you've achieved as a team under your leadership. This could include successful project completions, improvements in team performance, or innovative solutions you've implemented. 4. **Understanding of the Role**: Demonstrate that you understand the requirements of the team lead position you're applying for. Tailor your cover letter to show how your experience and skills align with the specific duties of the job. 5. **Vision and Strategy**: Share your vision for leading and developing a team. Mention any strategies you have for fostering a positive team environment, driving team success, or implementing process improvements. 6. **Adaptability and Problem-Solving**: Provide examples of how you've adapted to change or solved complex problems in a leadership capacity. This shows your ability to navigate challenges and maintain team performance. 7. **Cultural Fit**: Explain why you are a good fit for the company's culture. Mention any research you've done on the company and how your leadership philosophy aligns with their values and mission. 8. **Personal Touch**: Add a personal anecdote or a brief story that illustrates your leadership qualities or your passion for leading teams. This can help create a connection with the hiring manager. 9. **Call to Action**: End your cover letter with a strong call to action, expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity to discuss how you can contribute to the company as a team lead. Remember, your cover letter should complement your resume, not repeat it. Use

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Team Leader Cover Letter Example (W/ Guide & Tips for 2024)

Navigating the world of management, you've honed your skills and developed a passion for leading teams. 

Yet, as you eye your next team leader role, you seem to be having a problem - you just don’t feel inspired enough to write the perfect team leader cover letter. 

This blank document, supposed to reflect your leadership skills, can be as challenging as managing a complex project with unforeseen obstacles. 

But don't worry! 

In this article, we will guide you in crafting a cover letter that accentuates your expertise and positions you perfectly for your next leadership role.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• What an Exceptional Team Leader Cover Letter Looks Like
• 5 Crucial Steps to Crafting the Ultimate Team Leader Cover Letter
• 10 Key Cover Letter Tips for Team Leaders

...and much more! Let’s dive in!

Team Leader Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect Team Leader Cover Letter

Now that you've seen what a winning team leader cover letter looks like, it's your turn to write one for yourself . 

No need to stress; just follow the upcoming steps, and you'll be on your way to creating a cover letter that lands you your dream job.

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

When crafting your team leader cover letter, kick things off with your contact details neatly organized in the header, just like on your resume. Here's what you should have:

• Full Name. Ensure your complete name takes the top spot on the page.
• Professional Title. Align your professional title with the specific job you're pursuing. Clarity about the exact position you're interested in streamlines the process for everyone.
• Email Address. Opt for a professional and straightforward email address, ideally a combination of your first and last name. Those quirky high school email addresses won't cut it. (e.g., [email protected] is great, but [email protected] isn't)
• Phone Number. Provide an accurate contact number for easy reach. If you're applying for an international role, include the appropriate dialing code.
• Location. Typically, your city and state or country are sufficient. However, if you're applying for a remote position or considering relocation, make that clear in your cover letter.
• Relevant Links (Optional): You can include links to relevant websites or social media profiles, such as your LinkedIn.

Next, it's time to include the hiring manager's contact information :

• Company Name. Mention the name of the company you're applying to.
• Hiring Manager's Name. If possible, identify the hiring manager for the department you're targeting. You can check the job listing, the company's website, or their LinkedIn page to discover this information.
• Hiring Manager's Title. If you find the hiring manager for this specific job listing and notice they're the head of the department, use that as their title instead of "Hiring Manager."
• Location. Specify the city, state, or country, particularly for globally operating companies. Optionally, you can add the company's precise street address.
• Email Address (Optional): If available, include the hiring manager's email address.
• Date of Writing (Optional): Consider adding the exact date when you wrote your cover letter for a professional touch.

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you've listed the essential contact details, it’s time to address your cover letter to the person who'll be reviewing it.

How you kick off your cover letter can truly set the stage for a great impression with the hiring team, if you do it right. The age-old "To Whom It May Concern" just won’t be good enough for that.

Kick things off by doing a bit of homework. Browse through the job advertisement, the company's official website, or their LinkedIn page to pinpoint the hiring manager for the team leader role you have your sights on. This way, you can grab their name and maybe even their email address.

Once you have their name, respectfully greet them. We suggest using “Ms.” or “Mr.”, followed by their surname. If you’re uncertain about their gender or marital status, no problem—just use their full name. Like so:

• Dear Ms. Kent
• Dear Debra Kent

If you hit a roadblock while looking for the hiring manager's or department leader’s name, don’t worry. You can just address your letter to the department or company as a whole:

• Dear Management Department
• Dear Human Resources
• Dear HR Team
• Dear XYZ Company

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

Hiring managers often take just about seven seconds to skim a candidate’s application before deciding if it’s worth a comprehensive read.

So, it’s essential to immediately strike a chord when writing your team leader cover letter.

Your introductory paragraph should start by explaining who you are and what your motivation for applying is. Conveying your enthusiasm for leadership or the specific team leader role can pique a hiring manager's interest in discovering more about you.

Depending on your career milestones, you might want to start your cover letter by highlighting a significant managerial accomplishment or the skills that distinguish you for the role.

A bit of homework on the company can also make a significant difference. The deeper your understanding of the organization's mission and values, the more effectively you can emphasize your alignment with their ethos.

This shows the hiring manager that you’re not just haphazardly applying to every opportunity. You’re genuinely interested in this particular job.

But keep this introduction brief. You just want to make the hiring manager curious enough to read the full content of your team leader cover letter in depth.

Not sure how long your cover letter should be? Read this article to find out!

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

The heart of your team leader cover letter is the stage to elaborate on what sets you apart as the ideal candidate for the role.

It's essential to do more than repeat what’s already on your resume. This section is your chance to dig deep into your leadership skills and accomplishments. You want the hiring manager to know that you stand head and shoulders above the competition.

Use this section to highlight any notable achievements in your previous jobs, and always reference the job ad. This way, you can pinpoint specific skills and experiences that the company is looking for and add what applies to you to your cover letter.

The more you know about the organization’s goals, structure, or past endeavors, the more it can make you a more appealing candidate. If you're aware of the company's milestones or specific management strategies they've employed, mention that in your cover letter.

This shows you’ve done your homework and that you understand and can contribute to the company's mission and ethos. Don’t hold back on your enthusiasm, either. Emphasize your eagerness to embrace the team leader role and your confidence that you can bring value to the organization with your distinct skills and insights.

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Putting a polished conclusion on your cover letter can determine what's next.

Make sure that your cover letter’s closing paragraph leaves the hiring manager feeling confident in your leadership capabilities and doesn't overshadow the key points you've laid out so far. 

In your closing remarks, briefly recap why you believe you're the ideal team leader candidate and even touch on some leadership qualities or experiences that qualify you for the role.

Then, incorporate a call to action. Encouraging the hiring manager to discuss your application in greater detail shows initiative and can enhance your chances of securing an interview down the line.

As you finish your cover letter, your sign-off should be just as professional as everything so far. Choose an appropriate signature line, and follow it with your full name. Here’s how:

Please contact me at your convenience by email or phone so that we may discuss my qualifications further. I look forward to exploring how I can contribute to your team.

Warm regards,

Emily Johnson

If "Warm regards" doesn't resonate with you, here are some alternatives to consider:

• Yours truly,
• With appreciation,
• In gratitude,
• Thank you for your time and consideration,

Need more inspiration? Check out these 60+ cover letter examples.

10 Essential Team Leader Cover Letter Tips

You've got the cover letter basics down pat!

Now, let's elevate your game with some specialized cover letter tips for team leaders:

• Use a Matching Template. Give your entire application a uniform look with our free resume templates and matching cover letter templates . They're the perfect tools to help you stand out professionally from a sea of candidates for the same position.
• Customize for the Team Leader Role. Tailor your team leader cover letter to the specific position, showing how your skills meet the job requirements.
• Highlight Leadership Experiences. Focus on instances where you successfully led and motivated a team, regardless of the industry, to demonstrate your leadership capabilities.
• Mention Project Management Skills. Share examples of projects or tasks where your management skills contributed to successful outcomes.
• Discuss Communication and Collaboration. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with team members and other departments.
• Be Clear and Concise. Use straightforward language to clearly communicate your qualifications and experiences.
• Express Your Enthusiasm. Show your passion for leadership and teamwork in your cover letter.
• Proofread Thoroughly. Ensure your cover letter is free from errors, reflecting your attention to detail.
• Include a Call to Action. Invite the hiring manager to discuss your application further, indicating your interest in the role.
• Add a Professional Closing. Finish your cover letter with a polite and professional closing to make a strong, positive impression.

Key Takeaways

And that’s all there is to writing a standout team leader cover letter!

Hopefully, you feel more confident about that job application. We’re sure you can craft a cover letter that showcases your potential as a team leader in any industry.

Let’s quickly go over the main points before we part ways:

• Begin your cover letter by detailing your enthusiasm for the team leader role and highlighting why you’re a great fit.
• In the body of your cover letter, emphasize your leadership experiences, especially those where you effectively managed a team.
• Discuss specific instances of handling group challenges or improving team strategies.
• Conclude with an invitation for further discussion or an interview to demonstrate your eagerness for the job opportunity.
• End with a polite and professional closing line to leave a lasting, positive impression on the hiring manager.

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