“Dear Recruiter” fits when a recruiter owns the posting and you cannot find their name. It speaks to the person who screens applications, and it says nothing to the person who decides. Use a recruiter’s name when it is on the posting, and consider writing to the hiring manager as well.
When is “Dear Recruiter” the right greeting?
- A recruiting agency posted the job and the posting shows no recruiter name.
- The application goes into a recruiter’s inbox, as with a “send your resume to recruiting@” address.
- The posting says a recruiter handles first contact.
When should you use a name instead?
The recruiter’s name usually appears on LinkedIn in the “Meet the hiring team” card on the posting. A named greeting shows research, and the recruiter is more likely to forward a message that names them. The LinkedIn guide explains how to read that card.
Recruiter or hiring manager: who should you write to?
| Person | Role | Write to them when |
|---|---|---|
| Recruiter | Screens, schedules, coordinates | The process runs through them, or you cannot identify the manager |
| Hiring manager | Owns the opening, decides | You can name them and the role is still open |
Many applicants write to both, in two separate short messages. The recruiter message asks about the process, and the hiring manager message states why you fit the role.
What does it look like in practice?
Dear Recruiter,
I applied on October 14 for the Operations Analyst role (requisition 2291). My background in warehouse reporting maps to the responsibilities in the posting, and I would welcome a short conversation about next steps.
The requisition number makes the message easy to match to an opening.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use “Dear Recruiter” if the posting shows a recruiter’s name?
No. Use the name. The generic form is only for postings that hide it.
Is “Dear Recruiter” too casual?
It is neutral. Pair it with a specific first line and the tone stays professional.
Can I address a recruiter and a hiring manager in the same email?
Keep them separate. One email per person lets each reader answer for their part of the process.
