How to Address a Cover Letter? (UK & Company Guide)

A cover letter is more than a formality. It introduces you to an employer and explains why you are a strong candidate for a role. Every detail in a cover letter matters, from the structure to the language. One detail that many people overlook is how to address the letter. The salutation is the very first line that a recruiter will see. 

A thoughtful greeting shows respect, professionalism, and attention to detail. A careless or generic one can make your application feel less personal. Knowing how to address a cover letter properly can set the right tone and help you stand out from other applicants.

Why the Salutation Matters?

Addressing a cover letter correctly shows that you value the person who will read it. Employers want to feel that you put effort into tailoring your application. Using someone’s name makes your letter personal and shows that you researched the company. 

A generic greeting is acceptable, but it feels distant. Recruiters read hundreds of applications. A letter that begins with a personal greeting can immediately create a positive impression.

How to Address a Cover Letter When You Know the Name?

Finding the right name should be your first step. A cover letter feels stronger when it is directed at the right person.

Finding the Correct Name

Start with the job description. Sometimes the advert includes the hiring manager’s name. If not, check the company website. Look at sections like “About Us” or “Team.” LinkedIn is also a useful tool. Search for people in the department you want to join. If online research does not help, call the company. Ask politely for the name of the person responsible for the role. This extra step shows commitment.

Using Titles Correctly

Once you know the name, use a professional title. Write “Dear Mr Smith,” or “Dear Ms Johnson,”. If the person has a title like “Dr” or “Professor,” use that. Avoid making assumptions about gender from a first name. If you are unsure, write the full name, such as “Dear Jordan Brown,”. This approach avoids mistakes and demonstrates respect.

Proper Closing with a Name

When you use a name in the UK, close your letter with “Yours sincerely,”. In other regions, “Sincerely,” is enough. Matching your greeting with the right closing shows you understand business standards.

How to Address a Cover Letter Without a Name?

Sometimes you cannot find a name despite your efforts. In these cases, you can still make your greeting professional.

Professional Alternatives

“Dear Hiring Manager,” is widely accepted. You can also use “Dear Recruitment Team,” or “Dear HR Department,”. If you know the department, write “Dear Marketing Department,” or “Dear Customer Service Team,”. These options show thought and professionalism, even without a name.

Greetings to Avoid

Some greetings are outdated or too formal. “To Whom It May Concern” feels impersonal and is no longer preferred. “Dear Sir or Madam” is still accepted in the UK but feels old-fashioned. Avoid casual greetings like “Hi” or “Hello.” These might work in emails but not in formal applications. Your cover letter should always maintain a respectful tone.

Closing Without a Name

If you begin with “Dear Sir or Madam,” close with “Yours faithfully,” in the UK. If you use “Dear Hiring Manager,” or similar greetings, “Yours faithfully,” is also correct. Always match the formality of your greeting with a proper closing.

How to Address a Cover Letter in the UK?

Cover letters in the UK follow specific conventions. Knowing these details shows awareness of professional standards.

Salutation Rules

When you know the name, write “Dear [Title] [Surname],”. Use “Ms” as a default unless you know the person’s preferred title. If you do not know the name, you can still use “Dear Sir or Madam,” though modern alternatives like “Dear Hiring Manager,” are often better.

Closing Rules

UK business letters follow two main rules for closings. If you know the name, use “Yours sincerely,”. If you do not know the name, use “Yours faithfully,”. These pairings are traditional but still widely expected.

Formal Letter Format

In the UK, letters often follow a structured layout. Place your address in the top right corner. Write the company’s address on the left, below the date. Use the correct company name and postal code. This formal format shows organisation and professionalism. It also ensures your application meets business standards.

How to Address a Cover Letter to a Company?

Sometimes you may not be writing to a single individual. Instead, your letter may be directed at a company or a department.

Addressing a Team

If you are applying to a specific department, write directly to that team. For example, “Dear Sales Department,”. This shows you understand where your application belongs. It also avoids sounding too general.

Addressing the Company

When no department is clear, you can address the company as a whole. Write “Dear [Company Name] Recruitment Team,”. For example, “Dear ABC Ltd Recruitment Team,”. This acknowledges the company while keeping the greeting formal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many candidates make simple mistakes when addressing cover letters. These errors can weaken an otherwise strong application.

• Never misspell a name. Always double-check spelling.
• Do not guess gender. Use full names when unsure.
• Never skip the greeting. A cover letter should not start without one.
• Do not use casual greetings. They reduce professionalism.
• Always match greeting and closing. Consistency shows attention to detail.

Summary

Addressing a cover letter correctly is a small detail that makes a large difference. A personal greeting is always the best choice. If you cannot find a name, use a professional alternative. In the UK, follow traditional rules by pairing “Yours sincerely” with a named greeting and “Yours faithfully” with a generic one. 

When writing to a company, focus on a department or the recruitment team. Avoid mistakes like wrong titles, casual language, or mismatched closings. Every detail in your cover letter builds an impression. A correct and thoughtful salutation shows respect, research, and professionalism, which can give you an advantage in a competitive hiring process.