📖 “To Whom It May Concern” is a formal greeting used when the recipient’s name is unknown.
✍️ Teens can use it in job applications, recommendation letters, or other formal documents.
🙅 Whenever possible, using a personalized greeting shows extra effort and professionalism.
If you’re a teen applying for your first job, you might come across the phrase "to whom it may concern" in application forms or formal letters. It’s a classic way to address a letter when you don’t know the recipient’s name. This guide will explain what it means, when and how to use it correctly, and answer common questions about the phrase, all in simple terms perfect for teens.
"To whom it may concern" is a formal greeting used in letters or documents when you don’t know the specific person who will read it. It’s a respectful way to address the recipient, whether it’s a hiring manager, school official, or company representative.
You might see it in to whom it may concern letters such as recommendation letters, application letters, or reference letters.
This phrase is typically used:
For teens applying for their first jobs, it can be helpful when you don’t have a specific contact person. However, whenever possible, it’s better to find out the person’s name and use it instead. This shows extra effort and professionalism.
Yes, "to whom it may concern" is grammatically correct. The word "whom" is the proper object form of "who" here, because the phrase refers to the person receiving the letter.
The correct phrase is "to whom it may concern", not "to who it may concern".
Using "who" instead of "whom" is grammatically incorrect in formal writing. Even though it may sound natural in casual conversation, in professional contexts, "whom" is the proper form.
"To who it may concern": ❌ Incorrect, wrong grammatical structure.
"To whom may concern" is also incorrect, it’s missing the word "it", which makes the phrase incomplete and ungrammatical.
"To whom may concern": ❌ Incorrect, incomplete and not standard English.
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"To whomsoever it may concern" is grammatically correct but very formal and old-fashioned. While it follows the rules of grammar, it's rarely used in modern business writing. Most people and companies prefer the simpler, more widely recognized "to whom it may concern".
"To whomsoever it may concern": ✅ Correct, but outdated, not commonly used today.
Yes, when using it as the opening salutation in a letter, you capitalize each word:
If the phrase appears in the middle of a sentence, use lowercase unless it’s part of a title.
To whom It may concern,
I am writing to express my interest in the [Job title] position at [Company name]. As a motivated teen eager to learn and grow, I believe I would be a great fit for this role.
[Add a brief paragraph about your skills, experiences, or school achievements.]
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Whenever you can, try to use a more specific greeting. Some examples include:
These alternatives help your message feel more direct and personalized.
If you're new to the job market, knowing how to write formal letters is part of the process. Understanding when and how to use “to whom it may concern” will make your communication feel more polished and professional.
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Yes, it's a proper and formal way to address a letter when the recipient is unknown.
It is grammatically correct, but extremely formal and rarely used.
Yes, though whenever possible, opt for a more personalized greeting.
Try: "Dear Hiring Manager", "Dear [Company] Recruitment Team", or “Dear [Department] Team”.
