A general cover letter is a flexible job application document written for an entire field of work that you can easily modify and tailor to a specific job. On the other hand, a generic cover letter stays the same regardless of the job you’re applying for, making it ineffective and often forgettable.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between a general and a generic cover letter. You’ll learn how and when to use the first one and why to avoid the second. We’ll also give you concrete examples of what a good general cover letter should look like.
Key Takeaways
A general cover letter needs only slight modifications before it can be effectively submitted when applying for many different jobs.
A generic cover letter is an ineffective attempt to make a one-size-fits-all document that you don’t change when applying for a job.
General cover letters are great when you’re applying for multiple similar positions, going to job fairs or networking events, or applying through a referral.
An effective cover letter should have a catchy introduction, an information-packed middle, and an ending with a call to action.
General vs. Generic Cover Letter
While general and generic cover letters sound and look similar, there are stark differences between the two.
A general cover letter is adaptable and written in a template-like manner so that the key parts can be changed and tailored to the role you’re applying for. Its design allows you to modify specific details depending on who you’re submitting your letter to.
This makes a general cover letter a versatile document you can easily use when applying to multiple different positions while ensuring your application is tailored and personalized.
On the flip side, a generic cover letter is one that you write once and don’t plan on customizing further. It stays the same regardless of the position you’re applying for.
As such, they are far less likely to impress hiring managers. Whether you want to write a generic cover letter for a teacher job, an IT role, or something in between, you’ll most likely get a bland and indistinct document that offers nothing personalized or memorable.
Ultimately, while a general cover letter can help you be more efficient when looking for a job, a generic one will likely hinder your progress. It’s always recommended to make sure your cover letter matches the role you’re after.
While a general cover letter is much better than a generic one, you should still not use it all the time. Here are some instances when you should opt for this document:
When Should You Use a General Cover Letter?
When you’re applying for multiple similar positions. In this case, a general cover letter can save you the time and effort you’d spend writing a new letter from scratch every time. It allows you to emphasize your key skills and most notable accomplishments and customize the rest of the letter when needed.
When attending a recruitment event or job fair. These are dynamic settings where you’ll likely interact with many potential employers in a short period of time. Having a general cover letter that matches the industry you’re in helps you highlight your strengths and make a strong first impression.
During informational interviews and networking events. Similarly to job fairs, these events connect you with multiple organizations and potential employers in short time frames. A well-written general cover letter can give them your professional summary and help you get a job down the road.
When you’re applying through a referral. If you’re not applying based on the job ad but using your network, you likely won’t have enough information to tailor your cover letter. In that case, you can use a general cover letter with essential information, such as the company’s name, your notable qualifications, and the referral’s name.
What to Include in a General Cover Letter: 7 Main Elements
The best way to learn how to write a general cover letter is through each of the seven key sections. Here’s a visual guide to help you follow along the way:
#1. Heading
The heading of your cover letter is the place for contact information.
You should start with your details and include the following:
Heading Mandatory Details
Name
Job title
Phone number
Email address
Optional details to list include your mailing address, LinkedIn profile, other relevant social media profiles, personal website, portfolio, etc.
Following that, you want to date the letter and include the location of writing before listing the recipient’s contact information.
#2. Salutation
The salutation should be brief and polite, and it should address the recipient by their name. That way, instead of using a generic cover letter greeting, you’re personalizing your letter and making it more impactful on the reader. A simple “Dear” followed by the name of the hiring manager will do the trick.
If you researched the company and could not find the name, you can still make your letter personal by addressing them by their professional title or department name. What you want to avoid is a generic cover letter opening like “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam,” as these are too cold and impersonal.
#3. Opening Paragraph
The opening paragraph is your cover letter’s elevator pitch. Since this is the first thing hiring managers read, it should grab their attention with your biggest strengths. This includes your notable skills and most impressive accomplishments. You should also mention the role that you’re after, and if you have a referral, you can include their name,
#4. Skills, Qualifications, & Experiences
The central part of your general cover letter should emphasize your skills, qualifications, and experiences relevant to the role you’re applying for. By giving hiring managers what they want to see instead of a random list of abilities and accomplishments, you portray yourself as the right person for the job.
#5. Reasons for Applying
When you emphasize the exact reasons for applying for the position, you highlight your drive and motivation. This can help you get ahead of the competition, as employers always look for candidates who are enthusiastic about their work.
One of the best ways to write this part is to mention something specific about the company, indicating that you’ve been following their work for a while. This further helps your case as it shows that you’re likely to better integrate into the organization and be a good cultural fit.
#6. Call to Action
A call to action is a simple but effective method of evoking a response from the hiring manager. It’s most effective toward the end of your general cover letter. By adding it to the final paragraph, right after a thank-you note, you significantly increase the chances of getting called for an interview.
#7. Sign-Off
A sign-off is a courteous and professional way to end your general cover letter. The established way to do it is by including a polite closing statement followed by your name. If you’re submitting a hard copy of a cover letter, you can also sign it by hand.
2 Professional General Cover Letter Examples
Let’s put everything that we’ve learned about general cover letters into practice by examining two complete examples.
#1. General Cover Letter for Freshers
Here’s a complete example of a general cover letter with no experience written by a college fresher:
#2. General Cover Letter for a Career Change
Here’s what a general cover letter for a career change can look like:
Here are five expert tips that will help you write the best general cover letter for any position:
5 Best Tips for Writing a Versatile General Cover Letter
Include numbers and statistics when talking about your professional achievements and obtained results. This adds measurable value to your work, making those accomplishments stand out as concrete and credible.
Use action verbs and power words to make your writing more impactful and memorable. These catchy synonyms are much better for your cover letter instead of overused terms that everyone uses in their writing.
Don’t forget about soft skills in addition to mentioning your job-specific hard skills. Since these skills are transferable between professions, they are perfect for a general cover letter. They are also highly valuable in most professions, and many employers make decisions based on the candidate’s soft skills alone.
Research the company and the job to best tailor your general cover letter to them. In addition to finding the hiring manager’s name, this can help you figure out which skills and experiences are needed for the role so that you can add them while removing less relevant ones.
Proofread with care to get a spotless cover letter. This shows precision and attention to detail, helping you leave a lasting good impression.
Final Thoughts
Writing a general cover letter is a great way to save time when applying for multiple similar positions. With slight modifications, you can customize the document to fit the role you’re after and maximize your chances of success. You can also bring a well-written general cover letter for no specific job when attending job fairs or networking events.
On the flip side, you should avoid generic cover letters. It’s impossible to write a universal cover letter that matches every job. In the vast majority of cases, you won’t give hiring managers what they want, and your letter will convey a lack of diligence and enthusiasm.
General Cover Letter FAQ
#1. Should I send a generic cover letter?
You should not send a generic cover letter when applying for a job. Generic cover letters are bland and forgettable. They usually aren’t tailored to the role you’re applying for and don’t create a personalized experience for the reader, reducing your chances of impressing them.
#2. What is the general structure of a cover letter?
The general structure of a cover letter should include contact information in the header, a cordial greeting, a catchy introduction, an informative body, and a polite closing. This orderly arrangement is typical for business letters. It creates a clean and professional document that is easy to skim through and read.
#3. How do I address a general cover letter?
The best way to address a general cover letter is by using the recipient's name. To build rapport from the get-go, you want to address the reader personally. This includes adding their name and job title to the contact information section of your general cover letter.
