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In a competitive job market, the correct way to open and close a cover letter is by using a formal, personalized salutation and a polished signature with your contact information. This approach immediately conveys professionalism and attention to detail, increasing the likelihood that a hiring manager will read your application thoroughly.
How Do You Address a Cover Letter Correctly? The most professional way to begin a cover letter is with a formal greeting like "Dear Ms. Alvis" or "Dear Mr. Yang." This sets a respectful and polished tone. If you are unsure of the recipient's gender and cannot find out, use their full name: "Dear Chu Li." It is critical to research the correct spelling of the name and identify which part is the surname. For example, in the case of Lenovo's CEO Yang Yuanqing, the surname is Yang. Therefore, the correct salutation is "Dear Mr. Yang," not "Dear Mr. Yuanqing." If, after diligent research, you cannot find a specific contact name, opt for a generic but professional alternative like "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear Recruiting Team." Avoid outdated phrases like "To Whom It May Concern." Always capitalize the first letter of each noun in the salutation and follow it with either a colon (for a very formal tone) or a comma.
What Is the Best Way to Sign Off a Cover Letter? End your message with a standard, formal closing. Common and universally accepted options include "Sincerely," "Regards," or "Best regards." If your closing contains more than one word, only the first word is capitalized, followed by a comma. A common error in business communications is omitting this comma, so double-check your work. On the next line, type your full name. Beneath your name, include your phone number and email address on separate lines. Even if this information is on your resume and in your email signature, including it directly in the cover letter makes it effortlessly easy for the recruiter to contact you.
How Does Your Cover Letter Work with Your Resume? A cover letter and resume form a complete application package. While a well-formatted letter creates a strong first impression, it is your resume that must clearly demonstrate your skills and achievements. Based on our assessment experience, hiring managers are looking for a solution to a business problem, and your application should directly show how you are that solution. To ensure your resume is as strong as your cover letter, consider a professional resume evaluation from a service like OK.com's Resume Writing Service. This can provide an objective prediction of a recruiter's first impression.
To maximize the impact of your job application:
