Knowing who you're writing to is important because it determines so much about your letter. First, it determines which salutation you'll use.

Audience

Salutation

Note

Colleague

Dear __________,

On the Work Keys Assessment, just make up a name. For example: Dear Mr. Johnson,

Superior you know personally

Dear __________,

On the Work Keys Assessment, just make up a name. For example: Dear Ms. Gomez,

Unsure of the specific person

Dear Sir or Madam,

When you don't know the name of the person.

Writing to a department or workplace (generally) AND/OR you don't know who will be reading the letter

To whom it may concern:

When in doubt, use this one.