Replace “Dear Sir or Madam” in a cover letter for a US employer. It sounds dated, it assumes a gender binary, and it is longer than the alternatives that work better. “Dear Hiring Manager” and “Dear Hiring Team” cover the same situation in fewer words, and a name does it better still.
Is “Dear Sir or Madam” appropriate?
In US corporate hiring it is out of step with current usage. Many readers see it as a sign of a template letter, and some find the wording exclusionary. Applications in other regions may still use it, so adjust to the employer’s country and sector.
What should you use in place of “Dear Sir or Madam”?
| Situation | Better greeting |
|---|---|
| You know the name | Dear [Full name] |
| The posting names a team | Dear [Team] Hiring Team |
| You know nothing | Dear Hiring Manager |
| Formal government or legal letter | Dear Sir or Madam may still appear, so follow the employer’s own style |
Where does it still appear?
- Legal and official correspondence in some countries.
- Employers that write their own postings in a formal register.
- Older templates that applicants copy from the internet.
If the employer’s own posting uses formal language, mirror it with care, and prefer a gender-neutral greeting with a job title.
What does the swap look like?
Dear Sir or Madam,
I wish to apply for the position of Marketing Coordinator.
becomes
Dear Marketing Hiring Team,
I am applying for the Marketing Coordinator role posted on October 14, and I bring three years of campaign reporting experience.
The new version names the team, the role and the date.
Frequently asked questions
Is “Dear Sir or Madam” offensive?
Readers tend to find it dated, and it assumes only two genders. Neutral alternatives avoid the question.
Can I use “Dear Sir/Madam” or “Dear Sirs”?
“Dear Sirs” is the older form and reads as more exclusionary. Skip both for US applications.
What if the job is in the UK or elsewhere?
British and Commonwealth employers sometimes expect “Dear Sir or Madam” in formal letters, though “Dear Hiring Manager” is widely accepted. Follow the style of the employer’s own posting.
