To Whom It May Concern - Cover Letter

A cover letter is an introductory letter that is attached with the resume or curriculum vitae. It explains in brief, why the employer should be interested in your profile and it would make it easy for them to decide to go ahead with you and give you a chance to prove that you are best suited for the job. That is what the basic purpose of attaching a cover letter with your resume. A to whom it may concern cover letter is nothing but, a cover letter that is not addressed to a particular/ specific person, where you don't know the name of the contact person and therefore you address it generally. Although,this cover letter is associated with hiring and job interviews, the salutation; it could also be a part of other business writings wherein you require to draft a letter to a company or a government organization. It could either be to seek some information or it could be to address an issue and where along with the cover letter you also attach the documents relating to the content of the cover letter.

I don't intend to deviate from the topic and will focus on the cover letter format and content. However, it is important to know the general rule that needs to be followed when writing a business letter. When you address the letter as; to whom it may concern, it leaves an impression on the person who is reading the letter and most of the time it suggests that you are not really keen or interested in the purpose of writing the letter, it would not be considered sincere and important sometimes. Hence, it is imperative that you try all the possible ways of acquiring or finding out the name of the concerned person who actually needs to be contacted for the reason you are writing the letter. In cases where it is not at all possible to find out the name, it is essential to address it with to whom it may concern.

Cover Letter Template

Demonstrated below is an example of how to draft a 'to whom it may concern' cover letter sample, where in the name of the specific person is unknown.

Name of the Addressee Designation of the Addressee Name of the Organization (It could also be a personal address) Date Name of the Department Name of the Organization Address of the Organization Subject/ Reference: In brief, state the purpose of writing this letter Salutation: As you don't know the name of the specific person to whom you should ideally address the letter, the salutation should be to whom it may concern. Another salutation that you could use is Dear Sir/ Madam but, as it sounds more confusing, using such a salutation is not advisable. Stick with to whom it may concern, you are not assuming here but, actually meaning that whoever is supposed to be read by, it is written for them. First Paragraph: First paragraph is always an introductory paragraph where you need to introduce yourself followed by specifying the reason of writing the letter. Also state how did you come to know about the job openings or from where did you come to know about the organization. Second Paragraph: The second paragraph should state your qualifications, skill and experience. State the reasons why should the company hire you or how would you prove to be an asset to the company if given an opportunity. Last Paragraph: This is where you thank and appreciate the addressee for their valuable time in reading your letter. Do remember to state the name of the documents enclosed with this cover letter. For example: CV, copy of certificates etc. Yours sincerely, Your Full Name Your Signature

I hope by now you have a fair idea on when and why we need to write a to whom it may concern cover letter and also, how to write it. Remember to sound professional when writing such business letters and include all the business letter writing etiquette as it has a crucial role in letter writing and leaves the right impression on the reader.