Cover Letter Dear Sir Or Madam. Dear Sir or Dear Madam may offend your recipient if you're unsure of their gender or get it wrong. I would tend to use Dear Sirs, if writing to a company in general, and Dear Sir/Madam, if I was writing to a specific job title within that company.(e.g. the Managing Director).
I don't like "Ladies and Gentlemen" because it sounds like something you'd say at If you don't know the gender of the person to whom you are writing, then "Dear Sir/Madam" is still appropriate as far as I'm concerned. "Dear Sir or Madam" and "Dear Sir/Madam" are binarist and therefore problematic. If this is covering your application, it would be best if you could find a name to use - or at least to find out for sure whether Dear Sir, or Dear Madam would be appropriate. Using templates will ensure that your resume or cover letter is perfect before you send it out.
This should only be used on letters of reference, certificates etc.
Make an effort to address your letter to an individual in a hiring capacity (ideally, not "Dear Sir or Madam" or "To Whom It May Concern").
Should I start a cover letter with 'Dear Sir' or 'Dear Madam' - or is that too formal? However, in some cases it's Avoid using out-of-date greetings like "To Whom It May Concern" or "Dear Sir or Madam" on your cover letter, because they come across as overly formal. How do you even start your cover letter?