Cover Letter Salutations

When you're writing a cover letter or sending an email message to apply for a job, it's important to include an appropriate salutation at the beginning of the cover letter or message. If you have a contact person for your letter, be sure to include their name in your letter.

The following is a list of letter salutation examples that are appropriate for cover letters and other employment-related correspondence.

Cover Letter Salutation Examples

• Dear Mr. Jones
• Dear Ms. Jones
• Dear Jane Doe
• Dear Dr. Haven

Follow the salutation with a colon or comma, a space, and then start the first paragraph of your letter. For example:

Dear Mr. Smith:

First paragraph of letter.

When You Don't Have a Contact Person

Many companies don't list a contact person when they post jobs, because they don't want to be contacted by candidates.

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 use a general salutation.

General Salutations for Cover Letters

• Dear Hiring Manager
• To whom it may concern
• Dear Human Resources Manager
• Dear Sir or Madam

How to Write a Cover Letter
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Cover Letter Articles and Advice

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• Sample Cover Letters
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