Have you ever experienced the stress of putting in many job applications just to get denied by all of them? It can be discouraging when it feels as if employers are skipping over your applications.
Attaching a generic cover letter is the perfect way to catch any employer’s attention, especially if you do so without being asked. They’re simple and easy to create and will benefit you massively in the long run if you get the format right.
What is a Generic Cover Letter?
A generic cover letter is an all-purpose cover letter you use when submitting various job applications or heading to a job fair. They are supposed to apply to multiple job applications without changing the cover letter.
The definition of a CV is a Curriculum Vitae or “Course of Life”, usually a 2-12 page academic document describing your academic & professional career.
Is a Generic Cover Letter Okay?
Generic cover letters are great for college graduates fresh out of school or entry-level positions. As you climb into higher paying jobs, we advise you to write more specific letters. However, a generic cover letter is usually sufficient for most positions.
Why Write a Generic Cover Letter?
You use a generic cover letter when applying for numerous jobs. For example, Bachelor’s Degree students who just graduated and are sending out mass job applications might want to use a generic cover letter.
Generic cover letters make applying for multiple positions easier while maintaining a high-quality application.
What Should a Generic Cover Letter Look Like?
Generic cover letters should only be one page that showcases your top skills or achievements that aren’t on your resume. It must be a universally applicable cover letter so one can use it for multiple applications.
Generic Cover Letter Examples
Below are three handwritten, generic cover letters that can help you get a good start on writing your own. You must tailor your cover letter to accurately depict yourself desirably to the field in which you’re applying. A generic cover letter for a software developer will look very different from a generic cover letter for a retail employee.
Programming Jobs Example
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am excited to be applying for a software engineering position here, as I heard of the role opening through Indeed. I’m interested in working at your company due to its prestige and reputation as one of the leading technology companies in the world.
I started my journey into software engineering about 12 years ago and have worked two jobs in the industry since then. I am proficient in HTML/CSS, Python, and excel in Javascript. I have a passion for programming and enjoy my work, leading me to bring the utmost enthusiasm to the team.
In addition to my professional experience, I have been selling a platform I built to streamers on YouTube and Twitch. I created the code for the projects on my own. I have successfully launched nine different websites for content creators.
I would love to get an interview and discuss a potential future with your company as a software developer. I appreciate your taking the time to consider me for the position, and I hope to hear back soon!
Sincerely,
John Smith
Retail Jobs Example
Dear Hiring Manager,
I’m interested in your opening as a retail associate. I am confident that I can be a helpful addition to your company with my communication, marketing skills, dedication, and passion. I believe in your products, and it would be an exciting opportunity to get involved with great people.
I started working at fourteen as a referee for flag football. I continued my work as a referee for a few years, expanding into all age groups and other sports. At 17, I received a promotion to assistant to the Director of Youth Sports. I learned many skills in that position, from administrative tasks to event planning and payroll.
I have since worked two retail positions at Polo Ralph Lauren and Kohl’s. Working in retail allowed me to improve my sales skills and customer service. I feel confident in all of the duties expected of on-floor sales associates.
My varied background makes me a unique candidate for this position, and I think it would be an excellent fit for me and the company. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Nursing Jobs Example
Dear Hiring Manager,
I’m excited to be applying for a position as a nurse here at your hospital. I recently graduated from Jones University with a Bachelor’s in Nursing, and I am applying for my first post-graduation job.
I chose to apply to your company due to the admirable work you do within our community. I grew up in the area and was even born at this hospital, so it would be amazing to get a nursing position here. I have acquired the skills, knowledge, and training to begin my full-time career as a nurse.
I interned at West Hospital for two years while finishing my degree. In my two years there, I learned a lot of pertinent skills that I believe will directly translate to this position, including: starting IVs, surgery prep for patients, giving shots, and so much more. By the end of my internship there, I could complete all of the duties being asked of the nurses.
I’m confident I will be a great addition to the already fantastic nursing team here at this hospital. I would love the opportunity to get an interview, and I hope to hear back soon.
Sincerely,
John Smith
What is a Generic Cover Letter Greeting?
The most common greeting on cover letters is “Dear Hiring Manager.” For generic cover letters, two greetings work for most positions:
- Dear Hiring Manager: When one is sending out multiple applications and can’t address a specific person or company, this is the default greeting. You can’t go wrong by saying, “Dear Hiring Manager.”
- Dear Human Resources Professional: Similar to the above greeting, this is just another option for generic cover letters.
How Do You Write a Generic Cover Letter?
Follow the next steps, and you will have your own cover letter soon! They are way easier to put together than one might believe.
1. Start With a Professional Greeting
The default greeting is “Dear Hiring Manager.”
2. Include Pleasantries
It can be a big plus if you appear pleasant in your cover letter. Be polite and include things like:
- “I appreciate your time.”
- “I’m excited to be applying.”
- “Thank you for considering me for the position.”
- “I hope you’re doing well.”
3. Summarize Your Experience
Your resume should already have your professional experience on it, so only briefly touch on it in the cover letter. Expand on jobs that taught you a lot or are relevant to the position you’re applying for.
4. Highlight Your Best Qualities and Achievements
Talking about your accomplishments and skills is the main purpose of a generic cover letter. A cover letter allows you to expand on your experiences and everything they’ve taught you.
If you have any personal projects related to the position you’re applying for, make sure to talk about them.
5. Mention the Value You’d Bring to Any Job
Things that anyone can contribute to any job are reliability, dedication, passion, enthusiasm, etc. Make them believe that you’re a better choice than the rest!
6. Close With Gratitude
A gratuitous close makes for the best impressions left on whoever is reading your applications. Thank them for their time and be enthusiastic about getting an interview.
“I appreciate you taking the time to consider me for this position, and I hope to hear back about an interview soon!”
Best Generic Cover Letter Generators
There are plenty of sites and tools out there that can help you put together a generic cover letter. Cover letter creators come in handy, especially for beginners, but I would recommend you always brush it up manually.
- SmartCoverLetter: SmartCoverLetter is an easy-to-use application that allows you to easily generate a custom cover letter personalized to you. Simply pick one of their many templates and fill in the necessary blanks!
- Priwoo: Priwoo is completely free and offers a resume builder in addition to a cover letter generator. The cover letters might feel a little less personalized than other options, but it’s great for a free product.
- Zety: Zety is very similar to SmartCoverLetter, as in you pick one of their many templates and customize it for yourself. In addition, it’s free!
- Kickresume: Kickresume is the most in-depth and effective cover letter generator there is. The application uses AI writing tools to write a brand new cover letter for every user input.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do employers even look at cover letters?
Yes, most employers will look at a cover letter if it’s attached. It’s usually seen as a plus simply due to the effort involved.
Is it better to have a simple cover letter?
Having a tailored cover letter is usually more effective than a simple cover letter, but generic cover letters are far more convenient when applying to a lot of jobs.
Wrapping Up
Generic cover letters are an easy way to get your foot in the door for an interview, as they set you apart from other candidates.
They are quick and easy to create, and even easier to submit along with any job application.
Feel free to use any of the examples or tips given here and if you have any questions, make sure to leave a comment!
