Generic HR inboxes like hr@company.com exist, but they're rarely monitored closely. A named person on the People or Talent team is far more likely to read and reply.
Step 1: Find the company's email format
Look at any employee email you already have, or search “[company] email format.” Once you know the pattern — usually firstname.lastname@company.com — you can build any employee's address from their name.
Step 2: Find a specific HR person
Search LinkedIn for “[company] recruiter,” “[company] talent,” or “[company] people operations.” Avoid blasting shared inboxes; pick one person who owns recruiting for your role or department.
Step 3: Get the verified address (~60 seconds)
Paste the job URL into DearHiringManager.io and it returns the right person's verified email — skipping manual format-guessing.
Works with LinkedIn, Indeed, Greenhouse, Lever, and company career pages.
When emailing HR is the wrong move
HR screens; it rarely decides. If your goal is to make a case for your candidacy, the hiring manager is the better target. Email HR for process questions (application status, logistics) and the hiring manager to actually sell yourself. More on hiring manager vs recruiter.
When you need the decision-maker, use our guide on how to find a hiring manager's email.
FAQ
What is the most common company email format?
firstname.lastname@company.com is the most common, followed by firstinitiallastname@company.com (e.g. jdoe@company.com).
Should I email hr@company.com or a specific person?
A specific person, almost always. Shared inboxes like hr@ are monitored loosely and your message can sit unread for weeks.
Is it unprofessional to email HR directly?
No — as long as the message is short, polite, and relevant. A concise question about your application status is perfectly appropriate.