How To Start A Cover Letter Without Name

You’ve found the perfect role. Your resume is polished. You’re ready to write your cover letter — but there’s one problem: you can’t find the hiring manager’s name anywhere.
Now what?

This is an extremely common situation for job seekers. Using something like "To Whom It May Concern" can feel outdated or impersonal, but you also don’t want to get it wrong. The good news: you can still start your cover letter in a professional, modern way even without a specific name.

At ApplyTrackr, we know how confusing the job search can be. This guide walks you through exactly what to do when there’s no name listed, how to address your cover letter, and how to make a great impression anyway.

The Golden Rule: Always Try to Find a Name First

Before you default to a generic greeting, do a quick search for a real name. When you address someone directly, it shows:

• You’ve done your research
• You care about personalization
• You’re genuinely interested in the role and company

Here are simple ways to try and find the right person:

1. Re-read the Job Posting Carefully

Sometimes the contact person’s name is:

• At the very bottom of the listing
• Hidden in the application instructions
• Mentioned in phrases like “reporting to [Name], Head of Marketing”

Take one more careful look before you move on.

2. Check the Company Website

Visit the company’s website and look at:

• The “Team” or “About Us” page
• The “Careers” or “Join Us” section
• Department pages like “Marketing Team,” “Engineering,” or “Operations” if they exist

If you know the role or department, you may be able to guess who the hiring manager is (for example, Head of Marketing for a marketing role).

3. Use LinkedIn

LinkedIn is one of the best tools for identifying hiring managers:

• Go to the company’s LinkedIn page
• Click on the “People” tab
• Search for titles like “Hiring Manager,” “Recruiter,” “[Department] Manager,” or “[Job Title] Manager”

Even if you don’t find the exact person, you might find someone close enough to address, like “Dear Marketing Manager.”

4. Make a Quick, Polite Phone Call (When Appropriate)

If you feel comfortable and the posting doesn’t say “no phone calls,” you can:

• Call the company’s main number
• Politely ask:

  “Could you please tell me the name of the hiring manager for the [Job Title] position?”

If they’re willing to share, you now have a name to use in your greeting — a big plus.

If you’ve tried these steps and still can’t find a name, don’t worry. There are still excellent, professional options you can use.

The Best Ways to Start a Cover Letter When You Don’t Know the Name

When a specific name truly isn’t available, here are modern, accepted greetings that still feel professional and respectful.

Option 1: Use a Job Title or Department

This is often the best approach because it’s still targeted to the person or team likely reviewing your application.

• "Dear Hiring Manager,"

  • Why it works: It’s one of the most common and widely accepted greetings. Simple, professional, and appropriate when you know one primary manager will review applications.

• "Dear [Department Name] Hiring Manager,"

  • Example: "Dear Marketing Department Hiring Manager,"
  • Why it works: It shows you understand where the role sits in the organization and adds a touch more specificity.

• "Dear Search Committee for [Job Title],"

  • Example: "Dear Senior Software Engineer Search Committee,"
  • Why it works: Ideal for more senior or academic roles where you know a committee (not just one person) is involved.

• "To the Human Resources Team,"

  • Why it works: Use this if it’s clear that applications are managed through HR first. It’s accurate, respectful, and more modern than older phrases.

Option 2: Use a General but Professional Greeting

These greetings work well when you want to address the broader team or company rather than a specific person.

• "To the [Company Name] Team,"

  • Example: "To the ApplyTrackr Team,"
  • Why it works: Friendly, modern, and shows you’re excited about the organization as a whole. Great when you want to emphasize culture fit and enthusiasm.

• "To the Recruitment Team," or "To the Recruitment Team at [Company Name],"

  • Why it works: Clear, professional, and respectful of the recruiting process. It acknowledges the group responsible for screening candidates.

Greetings You Should Avoid (And Why)

Some older or generic greetings can send the wrong message in today’s job market. It’s best to skip these:

• "Dear Sir/Madam,"

  • Why to avoid it: It feels old-fashioned and generic. It doesn’t show any effort to personalize your greeting and can come across as distant.

• "Dear Sir or Madam,"

  • Why to avoid it: Similar issue — it’s outdated and assumes gender, which can feel tone-deaf. In modern workplaces, gender-neutral and more specific greetings are much better choices.

• "To Whom It May Concern,"

  • Why to avoid it: Very broad, very formal, and often interpreted as a sign that you didn’t bother to research who might be reading your letter. There are almost always better options.

When in doubt, go with "Dear Hiring Manager" or a department-specific greeting — both are safe, modern choices.

How to Write a Great Cover Letter Even Without a Name

Once you’ve chosen the right greeting, the next step is making sure the rest of your cover letter is strong. Here’s how to keep it effective:

• Focus on the company and role (not just you)
  Show that you understand their needs and challenges, and explain how you can help solve them. Make it clear you’re not just looking for any job — you’re interested in this job.

• Match the job description
  Use relevant keywords and phrases from the job posting. Highlight the skills and experiences that align most closely with what they’re asking for.

• Show your enthusiasm
  Let your genuine interest in the role and company come through. A warm, confident tone goes a long way in making up for not having a specific name.

• Be clear and concise
  Keep your cover letter to one page. Busy hiring managers appreciate short, focused letters that get to the point.

• Proofread carefully
  Even one small typo can create a poor impression. Read your letter out loud, and if possible, ask a friend to review it as well.

• Highlight your unique experience
  Include a short example or story that demonstrates your skills in action. This helps you stand out from other candidates with similar backgrounds.

• End with a strong call to action
  Close by thanking them for their time, briefly reinforcing your fit, and expressing your interest in an interview.

Remember, a great cover letter isn’t just about the greeting — it’s about the overall message and clarity you deliver.

Keep Your Search Organized with ApplyTrackr

Writing multiple tailored cover letters can get overwhelming, especially when you’re applying to several roles at once.
With ApplyTrackr, you can:

• Save and organize every version of your cover letter
• Link specific letters to each job application
• Track statuses and follow-ups in one place

That way, you always know which greeting and version you used for each employer — and you never lose track of your hard work.

Conclusion: Confidence Is Key

Not knowing the hiring manager’s name doesn’t have to hold you back from writing a strong, professional cover letter.
By:

• Trying first to find a name
• Using a modern, specific greeting when a name isn’t available
• Focusing on your skills, value, and enthusiasm

…you’ll still make an excellent first impression.

Now go ahead and write that cover letter — greet them confidently, showcase your best self, and take the next step forward in your job search.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is "Dear Hiring Manager" always okay to use?

A1: Yes, "Dear Hiring Manager" is widely accepted and considered professional when you cannot find a specific name. It’s a safe, modern, and respectful choice, especially when you know one primary manager or recruiter is likely reviewing applications.

Q2: What if the job posting says "no phone calls"? Can I still call to ask for a name?

A2: If a job posting specifically states "no phone calls," it’s important to respect that instruction. In that case, rely on online research — like the company website and LinkedIn — to look for a name. If you still can’t find one, choose a professional general greeting such as "Dear Hiring Manager" or "To the [Company Name] Team."

Q3: Should I use the company name in the greeting if I don't have a specific person's name?

A3: Yes, absolutely. Using greetings like "To the [Company Name] Team" or "To the Recruitment Team at [Company Name]" is a great way to personalize your letter even without an individual name. It shows that you’re speaking directly to their organization, not sending a generic letter.

Q4: Does using a general greeting like "Dear Hiring Manager" make my cover letter less effective?

A4: Not if the rest of your cover letter is strong and tailored. While addressing a specific person is ideal, a general but professional greeting is perfectly acceptable when a name isn’t available. What matters most is that your letter clearly demonstrates your fit for the role, your enthusiasm for the company, and your relevant skills and results.

Q5: What's the biggest mistake people make when they don't know the hiring manager's name?

A5: The biggest mistake is either using outdated greetings like "To Whom It May Concern" or not trying at all to find a name or department. Always make a quick effort to research, and if that doesn’t work, choose a modern, specific greeting such as "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Department Name] Hiring Team." This approach shows professionalism and effort, even without a specific name.