However, there are certain instances where it is considered entirely appropriate to use this phrase. Though using the phrase may be considered standard practice, some hiring managers might view it as laziness on behalf of the applicant. Here you will be able to find the information you need. Most businesses or corporations have an entire section dedicated to their staff. Now, however, having information about any company is as simple as clicking a button. There was no easy way for you to gain access to this information - therefore, people would address the letters to whomever the letters concerned, hence the phrase. It was highly uncommon for them to list the hiring manager’s name.

It is generally used to speak to someone whose name you do not know but would like to address in the message.Īs mentioned above, this is now considered outdated.īack in the day, when a company posted a job, all you had access to was the company’s name and a brief description of the position you were applying to at the company. The phrase “To Whom It May Concern” is typically used at the beginning of a letter or email as a salutation. What Does the Phrase “To Whom It May Concern” Mean? Here you will learn the meaning behind the phrase “To Whom It May Concern,” when you should use it and when you should avoid it, and some alternatives you can use in its place. It shows initiative and demonstrates that you are willing to put in some work and go the extra mile. Taking the time and searching for the name of the person you are trying to contact can go a long way in the hiring process. This makes it even more convenient for people to know who they will be addressing when writing a letter or an email. “To Whom It May Concern” is one of the most traditional ways of addressing someone you might not know, but it is also archaic.Įver since the turn of the century, today’s technological advances have made it easier for people to access information about one another. In that case, you will always want to keep things as professional as possible and use a proper greeting. Suppose you are thinking about reaching out to a hiring manager at a major company. Your greeting will set the tone for the entire message and determine whether it is informal, formal, or neutral.

When writing a letter or an email, people tend to start by greeting the recipient.

Instead of to whom it may concern