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Having a general cover letter ready to go in your documents is an excellent way to streamline your job-hunting process and keep your most impressive skills in mind. If you’re wondering how to effectively write one, we can help!
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What Is a Generic Cover Letter?
A generic cover letter is a professional business letter that introduces you to a potential employer and presents your qualifications. Unlike a tailored cover letter, a generic cover letter works for any application. It focuses on the industry in general and your career journey.
When to use a generic cover letter
- When attending job fairs and networking events: Include a generic cover letter with your resume to introduce yourself to employers. Focus on the industry. Add the skills and experience relevant to the industry in general.
- When applying to a talent pool: When submitting your resume in the talent pool option companies often offer, including a cover letter can guide the employer. It’ll let them know what type of role you’re seeking and what you can offer them.
- When submitting applications to recruitment agencies: Agencies help employers find qualified candidates. Your generic cover letter should focus on trending and emerging skills you can offer and your career journey.
Generic Cover Letter Template
Use this general cover letter template to help you start writing your cover letter:
[Your Name]
[Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number][Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name] [Company Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name or “Hiring Manager”],
I am writing to express my interest in the [job title] position at [Company Name], as advertised. With a background in [your field or industry] and a strong commitment to [a value or skill relevant to the role or company], I am confident I can contribute effectively to your team.
In my previous role(s), I have developed skills in [two to three key skills or areas of expertise], which I believe align closely with the requirements of this position. My experience in [relevant task or achievement] has equipped me with the ability to [solution you offer or strength you bring]. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of its reputation for [something you admire about the company — values, innovation, leadership, culture, etc.].
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and enthusiasm can contribute to your team’s goals. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of speaking with you further.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Need guidance writing a cover letter for your chosen industry? Browse our cover letter template library to find a professionally written template for your desired role.
How to Write a Generic Cover Letter
To write a cover letter, each of the key elements must work together to showcase you as a well-rounded candidate.
Header and recipient address
Use your resume header to list your contact details. Under your header, to the left side, include the name and address of the company you're applying to. If this is a job fair generic cover letter, you can skip adding the business information.
For example:
John Smith
(555) 555-5555 New York, NY email@email.com
August 1, 2024
ABC Company
123 Street NW
Washington, DC 20010
Salutation
When addressing your cover letter, research the company and find someone you’d like to reach. For example, a hiring manager, a recruiter, or a specific person in the department you’d like to work in. Write their full name.
If this information is unavailable, use “Dear Hiring Manager.”
Opening paragraph
Start with why you’re interested in working for the company. For example, their commitment to the community, the advancements they’ve accomplished in their industry, or the quality and recognition of their work.
If your generic cover letter does not have a particular addressee, explain why you’re interested in the industry and your short-term career goals. Here’s an example:
Body paragraphs
If you are an experienced candidate, include your years working in the industry and use storytelling to present a successful, relevant accomplishment. For example:
I also spearheaded a customer education initiative, with a dedicated team of three UX designers, which received accolades from our colleagues in the year-end recognition event.
If you have no work experience, present your education, skills, and commitment to learning. To highlight your skills, you can include accomplishments from other areas of your life, like a volunteer opportunity.
Closing statement
Reiterate why you’re interested in the role and thank the reader for their attention.
For example:
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General Cover Letters Examples
Customer service
This generic cover letter example shows a candidate expressing their interest in a company, while providing a list of accomplishments and skills that benefit the employer.
Check out our customer service cover letter examples for more inspiration.
Teaching
A special education teacher seeking to switch schools is reaching out to a different institution. There are no positions available, but that won’t deter them from throwing their name into the candidate pool. This generic cover letter helps the candidate stay on the employer’s mind for any future openings.
Check out our teacher cover letter examples to learn more.
Nursing
A nurse practitioner who has already made strides in their community wants to continue their healthcare journey with a new employer. This generic cover letter shows their employer knowledge without applying to any job openings.
Our nursing cover letter examples show different ways to complete a cover letter for the next step in your career.
Explore more tailored cover letter examples written by our career experts and professional resume writers to find one that fits your dream role.
How to Tailor a Generic Cover Letter for Different Scenarios
For a job fair or networking event:
- Include the name of the event and what draws you to it, such as the quality of employers or your experience in the industry.
- Present your skills using the STAR method. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result, and it will show your ability to use your qualifications to support the employer.
For a talent pool:
- Express your interest in the company and your industry knowledge.
- Include an achievement to highlight how you’ve advanced in your career or what you can bring to the employer.
- Show how you’ve used soft skills and interpersonal skills in your previous experiences.
For a recruitment agency:
- Be clear on your career goals and what you’re seeking by joining a recruitment agency.
- Use concise language and bring your point home quickly. Recruiters need clarity to present you as a qualified candidate to their clients.
Tips for Writing a Compelling Generic Cover Letter
- Use the cover letter to expand your resume, not repeat it. For example, if you have an impressive accomplishment, you can use the cover letter to narrate how it was achieved.
- Use keywords from the job description. Research your industry through job openings, news, and professional organizations to learn more about emerging and trending skills and help your application pass the ATS.
- Use a business letter format as your cover letter format. It is the standard and a simple way to show your professionalism.
- Keep it to one page. A complete application should entice the reader to meet with you to discuss your qualifications. At this point, there is no need to include your entire career history.
- Simplify the process with a cover letter generator. Our Cover Letter Generator provides editable suggestions and automatically formats your letter.
Key Takeaways
- A generic cover letter is a great introduction for scenarios where there are no specific roles available but you can contact employers in your desired industry through networking events, talent pools, and recruitment agencies.
- Use a business letter format to create your generic cover letter.
- Choose a generic cover letter template to match your resume and professional persona.
- Find a person or department to address when writing a generic cover letter. If not possible, use “Dear Hiring Manager.”
- Use your cover letter paragraphs to narrate your career story and showcase your impressive achievements and skills.
- Once you find a particular role to apply for, customize a generic cover letter by including information from the job description.
FAQ
How do I write a generic cover letter for multiple jobs?
To write a generic cover letter for multiple jobs:
- Address the letter to “Dear Hiring Manager.”
- Focus on your career goals and current qualifications. If you’re switching industries, emphasize your transferable skills and other emerging industry skills.
- Showcase your soft skills and successful achievements.
- Avoid being too specific. Simply express your interest in the field and what you bring to the table.
How do I title a generic cover letter?
You should always use your name as the file name for cover letters and resumes. For example, YourNameCoverLetter.doc. This shows professionalism and, more importantly, will help recruiters find your information easily.
Who do you address a generic cover letter to?
Addressing a generic cover letter depends on the context:
- If you know the name of the person recruiting, address the letter to them. For example, “Dear John Smith,” “Dear Mr. Smith,” or simply “Mr. Smith.”
- If you’re applying for a talent pool for which the addressee is unknown, use the department name or “Dear Hiring Manager.”
- If your letter does not have an address, use “Dear Hiring Manager.” Using “To Whom It May Concern” is also acceptable in this scenario.
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Generic Cover Letter Examples & Templates
Nilda Melissa is a Certified Professional Resume Writer who has written for The Washington Post and Latina Style Magazine. She has a master's in Journalism from Columbia University and is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
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