How to use title in salutation, when recepient's name is unknown

Question

I'm sending a formal letter to an adjudicator but do not know his or her name. What would be the most appropriate salutation?

Dear Adjudicator:
Dear adjudicator:
Dear sir or madam:
To whom it may concern:

Sir and madam focus on gender when that has nothing to do with the role the person plays. Go with Dear Adjudicator. — bib, Jun 24 '15 at 23:29
related: http://english.stackexchange.com/questions/2112/dear-sir-or-madam-versus-to-whom-it-may-concern — dwjohnston, Jun 25 '15 at 00:01

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered Jun 24 '15 at 23:43

1

unknown gender
To whom it may concern - unknown post (Adjudicator in this case)

[from address]

[date]

The Adjudicator
[to address]

Dear Sir or Madam

Preferably, Dear [name with title]

answered Jun 24 '15 at 23:43

Jimmy

2,392

It's worth noting that 'To whom it make concern' is considered by some at least, to be a bit pointed, and should be reserved for writing complaint letters. – dwjohnston Jun 24 '15 at 23:59

score 1 · Answer 2 · edited Jun 30 '15 at 09:14

1

I would address it

To the Adjudicator.

This is nice and specific and lets the recipient know that the letter is specifically intended for them, as opposed to a general 'Dear Sir/Madam' or 'To whom it may concern' which could be received by anybody.

edited Jun 30 '15 at 09:14

brasshat

4,329

answered Jun 25 '15 at 00:03

dwjohnston

10,945

How to use title in salutation, when recepient's name is unknown

2 Answers2

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