Including a cover letter to an unidentifiable recipient: Using ‘To Whom It May Concern’ on your own cover letter when sending out your resume can be acceptable when the information provided by employers includes generic emails without direct contact information for an individual.Particularly when you do not know the nature of the review board or evaluation process, using the standard salutation is expected. Writing a letter of reference or recommendation: If a colleague, friend, or business associate has requested you to serve as a personal reference or provide a letter of recommendation for a position on their behalf, ‘To Whom It May Concern’ or the gender-neutral ‘Dear Hiring Manager,’ depending on the nature of the reference, is admissible.Introducing yourself to a new client: When making initial contact via business letter with a new client whose name is not gender-specific or identity is unknown, it is best to be cautious and use a gender-neutral salutation.In this case, implementing ‘To Whom It May Concern’ at the top of your cover letter is appropriate. Sending a letter to prospective clients: When sending out cold emails to attract new clients you may find it difficult to get the name and contact information of a specific individual charged with making decisions about sales.Additionally, if the review you submit is via email and may be shared with multiple people and departments, using this inclusive salutation is preferred as it lends professionalism to the message. Providing feedback to a company: When you are providing customer feedback and are writing to an unidentified source, or an automated service, using ‘To Whom It May Concern’ to officially address the recipient is acceptable as you don’t want to make assumptions.Below are some appropriate situations when you should use ‘To Whom it May Concern.’ The standard salutation might be viewed as antiquated for most cover letters, but there are some instances when using ‘To Whom It May Concern’ is appropriate.

To whom it may concern