When applying for jobs, requesting references, or writing professional communications, you may come across the need for a “To Whom It May Concern” letter. While some argue that this phrase feels outdated, it still plays a role in formal correspondence — especially when you don’t know the recipient’s name or job title.
You may have seen guides like this one from multiple sources, and, while useful, it’s important to know when this phrase is appropriate, how to structure your letter, and modern alternatives you can use. At Leveraged Resume, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to write a professional and effective letter.
Steps to Organize a Professional “To Whom It May Concern” Letter
A “To Whom It May Concern” letter is a formal type of correspondence used when the exact recipient’s name or title is not known. It is often written for:
- Employment references or verification letters
- Formal complaints or recommendations
- Company-wide announcements
- General business correspondence
The phrase is interchangeable with “To Whomsoever It May Concern” or “To Whom This May Concern Letter.” While traditional, it still conveys professionalism when used in the right context.
When to Use (and Not Use) a To Whom It May Concern Letter
Appropriate Uses:
- Reference letters where the recipient is unknown
- Certificates of employment or internship verification
- General recommendation letters
- Formal acknowledgments for official purposes
Better Alternatives:
- For job applications: Whenever possible, do your research and address your letter directly to the hiring manager, as this adds a personal touch and shows initiative.
- Networking emails: Personalization is more effective
- Client communications: Addressing a specific department or role adds impact
Organising Your “To Whom It May Concern” Letter the Right Way
Like any professional document, a To Whom It May Concern letter should be clear, structured, and respectful. Here’s a simple format to follow:
- Contact Information
Your name, title, and contact details at the top.
- Date
The date you’re writing the letter.
- Greeting
Use:
To Whom It May Concern:
or
To Whomsoever It May Concern:
Always include a colon (:) rather than a comma for formality.
- Body of the Letter
Your letter should be concise, well-structured, and easy to follow. Focus on delivering your purpose clearly while maintaining a polished and businesslike tone from start to finish.
Example:
“To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to verify that John Smith was employed with our company from March 2019 to July 2023 as a Senior Security Officer. During his tenure, he consistently demonstrated professionalism, reliability, and strong leadership skills.”
- Closing
Use a professional sign-off such as:
- Sincerely
- Kind regards
- Respectfully
Tips for Writing an Effective To Whom It May Concern Letter
- Keep it concise: Stick to the facts and avoid unnecessary details.
- Maintain professionalism: This is an official document, so keep the tone formal.
- Use simple formatting: Avoid decorative fonts or casual layouts.
- Check accuracy: Ensure all names, dates, and details are correct.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t fall back on “To Whom It May Concern” if you already have the name of the intended recipient. Using a specific name is always more impactful.
- Forgetting to add a colon after the greeting
- Writing overly long paragraphs that dilute the message
- Using vague or generic wording instead of specific examples
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Ready to Get Started?
While some consider it old-fashioned, a To Whom It May Concern letter is still relevant in certain professional and official contexts. Whether you use “To Whomsoever It May Concern” or “To Whom This May Concern Letter,” the key is to keep your document professional, clear, and purposeful.
From tailored resumes to formal letters that meet industry standards, at Leveraged Resume, we help clients craft professional correspondence.
Need Expert Guidance?
If you’d like help creating a polished and professional “To Whom It May Concern” letter that makes the right impression, our team is here to assist. Contact Leveraged Resume today and let our experts create a professional document that reflects your credibility.


