A general cover letter does not target any specific job or company. Instead, it’s designed to be used for many different situations. The idea is that you can send this generic letter out to lots of different employers and not have to rewrite it every time.
But how do you write a general cover letter? How do you know if it’s effective? In this post, we’ll explore what goes into creating a successful generic cover letter – and whether or not this approach even works!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| A cover letter is an important part of the job application process |
| A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants |
| Customize your cover letter for each job application |
| Highlight your relevant skills and experience |
| Wait until the employer brings up the topic of salary in the hiring process |
What Is A General Cover Letter?
A general cover letter can be used for multiple applications. It’s not specific to a particular job or company but rather written in such a way that highlights your skills, experiences, and achievements in general terms.
As opposed to other types of cover letters (such as the ‘Why me?’ and ‘Letters of introduction’), you should use this type when applying for roles where there aren’t many details on the job description or where they don’t specify what they’re looking for in an applicant.
While some employers may not require cover letters, it’s important to always submit one to ensure you stand out from the crowd. Learn more about the importance of cover letters in our article on are cover letters required?
When Would You Want To Use A General Cover Letter?
So, what kinds of jobs might benefit from a general cover letter? One is when you have applied for several jobs and are sending out multiple resumes. Another would be if you are writing a generic cover letter to include with your resume that applies to many different jobs.
For example, if you’re returning to work after being unemployed or working part-time and want to work in retail management again, then it makes sense to send out one generic letter that could be tailored slightly each time as opposed to customizing each letter as if it were written specifically for a specific position.
Is It Even Possible To Write A General Cover Letter?
Can you even write a general cover letter? If so, how do you go about it?
The short answer to both questions is yes. After all, your goal is to land an interview not get hired on the spot. And if you’re looking for an invitation for job interviews and nothing else, then all you need is a strong cover letter accompanied by a resume and maybe some basic information about yourself (like where you went to school).
In other words, when writing any kind of general cover letter, your focus should be on offering specific details that relate directly back to the job posting in question. This will help ensure that hiring managers realize just how much they need someone like YOU!
Is There A Single Way To Organize A General Cover Letter?
A general cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume. It’s often used when you’re applying for a job that doesn’t specify any specific requirements.
It’s also common to use a general cover letter if you’ve recently graduated from school and don’t have any work experience yet. A lot of people are confused about how to organize their general cover letters, so here are some guidelines:
The most common way to organize your general cover letter is by addressing the reader by name and title, then writing “Dear Mr./Ms.” or “To Whom It May Concern” above the salutation line. This is great if you know the name of your hiring manager but what if you don’t?
Well, then it might be best not to address them directly in your first paragraph at all (just like in an informal email).
Another common method for organizing this type of document would be listing off why each item on your resume makes you qualified for this position as well as providing a brief overview about yourself before getting into more detail about each bullet point on page two or three (depending on how long it takes).
This works well especially since many employers won’t read past page one anyway and since they probably aren’t familiar with all those fancy terms from college courses either!
Wondering if you should include a cover letter with your job application? The answer is yes – it’s essential to showcase your skills and experience. Check out our article on are cover letters necessary? for more information.
What Are The Key Points That Should Be Covered In A Generic Cover Letter?
A general cover letter is a good choice for job seekers who have been in the workforce for several years and are applying for positions at companies they don’t know well. A general cover letter can be tailored to each new employer, with just a few alterations, such as name and contact information.
General Cover Letter Tips
Be sure to include your name and contact information at the top of the document. Also indicate how long it will take you to respond if contacted by phone or email this is particularly important if you’re applying for a position that requires quick responses since you want your prospective employer to know how quickly they can reach you during business hours (or at any other time).
Write about why you’re writing this particular letter and what position(s) interest you most among those listed on the company website or advertised elsewhere (e.g., job boards).
If no jobs seem especially suited to your skillset but some might be interesting given some additional training or experience that would benefit either party involved? Then mention those options as well!
If you’re applying to multiple jobs at the same company, it may be tempting to use the same cover letter for each application. However, taking the time to tailor your cover letter to each specific job can make all the difference. Check out our article on using the same cover letter for every job to learn more.
Would You Need To Write A Separate Cover Letter For Different Types Of Jobs And Applications?
Yes, you can have one generic cover letter for all job applications.
But it’s up to you. You can write a separate cover letter for each application, or you can use the same general cover letter for all of them. The choice is yours, but if you do choose to write a custom approach for each position or company that interests you, be sure that the content in your letters is tailored appropriately (that means paying attention to detail).
Always customize your information based on who the recipient is and what their needs are at this time (e.g., “Dear Mr./Ms./Mrs.”). Don’t forget about these two steps!
Make sure there aren’t any mistakes in grammar/spelling/punctuation by using spellcheck software before sending out an email application or hard copy resume with a cover letter attached via snail mail (or even better yet uploading it directly onto an applicant tracking system platform where they’ll receive notifications).
What Should You Do If You Like Parts Of Different Cover Letters?
You can use parts of different cover letters to create a new one. This is especially helpful if you have a lot of cover letters on hand, but don’t have time to write another one from scratch.
Using a template is also an option! Templates are premade examples that will give you the basic structure and flow of what a good cover letter looks like.
A template could be something as simple as “Dear [insert name here], I am applying for [name] position at [company].” If this sounds like something that would work for you, check out this guide to creating your template in Microsoft Word or Google Docs!
Finally, there’s always the option of using a generator service like this one: HTTPS:// coverlettergenerator.com/.
These services allow users to select different templates based on their needs and preferences everything from industry type (e.g., technology/finance) down to more specific fields such as company size or whether they need an email address included in the final document itself (which saves time when completing applications!).
Despite some opinions that cover letters are outdated, they still serve as an important tool for job seekers to showcase their skills and qualifications. Learn more about the relevance of cover letters in our article on are cover letters outdated?
So What About Writing Multiple Cover Letters For Different Jobs?
While it may seem like a good idea to write a cover letter for each job, there are some downsides. First, it takes longer to write multiple cover letters than one general cover letter. Second, you don’t want to get caught up in the details of one job when another employer is looking for something different from you.
Third, if an employer likes your cover letter but isn’t hiring at the time, he or she might forget about it when they do need help and won’t contact you again until months later by which time someone else may have taken their place!
For these reasons (and others), I strongly recommend writing one general cover letter that addresses the specific requirements of any position you apply for. This will save both yourself and employers time in reviewing applications while also allowing them all access to your best skills and abilities as an employee candidate.”
Transitioning to a new career can be challenging, but with the right cover letter, you can showcase your transferable skills and make a great impression on potential employers. Read our guide on changing fields with a cover letter for tips on how to make the most of your cover letter during a career change.
Conclusion
As you can see, there isn’t a simple answer to the question of whether it’s possible to write a general cover letter. The best way forward is probably going to be to try out different approaches and see what works for you.
If you find yourself struggling with finding the right tone or organization style, then I would recommend going back over your old letters and looking at them again. This will help identify what worked well in previous applications so that we can apply those lessons learned when writing new ones!
Further Reading
Investopedia: Cover Letter Definition: An overview of what a cover letter is and its purpose in the job application process.
Indeed: Writing a General Purpose Cover Letter: Tips for writing an effective general cover letter that can be customized for different job applications.
Michael Page: Why Cover Letters are Important: A discussion of the importance of cover letters in the job search process and how they can set candidates apart from other applicants.
FAQs
What should a cover letter include?
A cover letter should include an introduction, a brief summary of the applicant’s qualifications and experience, and a closing statement expressing interest in the position and requesting an interview.
Should I submit a cover letter with my job application even if it’s not required?
Yes, it’s always a good idea to submit a cover letter even if it’s not required. A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and showcase your skills and experience.
How can I make my cover letter stand out?
To make your cover letter stand out, make sure to customize it to the job you’re applying for, use clear and concise language, and highlight your relevant skills and experience.
Can I use the same cover letter for multiple job applications?
While it may be tempting to use the same cover letter for multiple job applications, it’s best to customize your cover letter for each job you apply to. This shows that you have put in the effort to tailor your application to the specific requirements of each position.
Should I include salary requirements in my cover letter?
It’s generally not recommended to include salary requirements in your cover letter, as this can limit your negotiating power later on in the hiring process. Instead, wait until the employer brings up the topic of salary.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.