Writing the General Cover Letter

Cover letters serve as a crucial component of job applications, providing candidates with an opportunity to go beyond the confines of their resumes. These documents allow applicants to showcase their qualifications, experiences, and enthusiasm for a position. In this article, we will explore the nuances of a general-purpose cover letter – one that is versatile and applicable to various job opportunities. We’ll provide a detailed cover letter template, offer tips for effective writing, and present a real-life example. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the tools to create a compelling cover letter that enhances your job application.

Understanding the General Purpose Cover Letter

A general-purpose cover letter, as opposed to a position-specific one, contains generalized information about an applicant’s qualifications. It serves as a tool to highlight key points from a resume, discuss education and skills, and promote qualifications to potential employers. This type of cover letter is particularly useful when attending job fairs or applying to multiple positions simultaneously.

Crafting Your General Cover Letter: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Begin with a Professional Heading

Start your cover letter with a professional heading that includes your contact information, the date, and the recipient’s contact details. This section should encompass your mailing address, email address, phone number, and optionally, a link to your online professional profile.

2. Open with a Salutation

Whenever possible, address the cover letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager or recruiter. Even if the letter is generic, addressing it to a particular individual demonstrates attention to detail. Use a formal salutation, such as “Dear Mr. Cortez,” or opt for “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern” if the direct recipient is unknown.

3. Summarize Your Career

The body of your cover letter should primarily focus on your achievements and experiences. Use two or three paragraphs to expand on the information in your resume, providing specific examples of skills gained on the job and major accomplishments.

4. Highlight Your Qualities

Rather than emphasizing why you want the job, concentrate on why you are the right fit for the position. Discuss your motivation, willingness to work, and highlight skills relevant to the job. If you’re transitioning careers, briefly explain the reasons behind the shift.

5. Close with a Thank You

Conclude your cover letter by expressing gratitude for the hiring manager’s time. Use the closing as an opportunity to reiterate why you are the ideal candidate and express interest in the next steps of the hiring process. Include your printed name and signature.

General Purpose Cover Letter Template

Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State and Zip Code
Your Phone Number
Your Email

Date

Hiring Manager’s or Recruiter’s Name
Hiring Manager’s or Recruiter’s Title
Company or Organization Name
Address
City, State and Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms. [Hiring Manager’s/Recruiter’s Last Name],

[In the first paragraph of your cover letter, introduce yourself to the hiring manager and talk about why you are interested in the job. You may discuss an achievement in detail and include results to explain how your current or most recent position makes you the right choice for the role.]

[Your second paragraph should state further detail about your experience to highlight the reasons you match the job description. A general cover letter might contain a bulleted list of specific results and achievements within your position:

• List management or leadership experience.
• Discuss a specific improvement or goal met.
• State innovations or ideas that moved the business forward.
• List technical skills or abilities.
• State one or two key strengths.

[The third paragraph is a summary of your accomplishments and should reiterate why you are right for the job. Add a call-to-action to prompt the hiring manager to take the next step in the hiring process. Follow this paragraph with your closing and contact information.]

Sincerely/Best regards/Thank you,
Your Signature
Your Typed Full Name

Example: Jane Chi

Jane Chi

1. When is it OK to use a general-purpose cover letter?

A general-purpose cover letter is suitable when applying to multiple positions without prior preparation, such as during a job fair. It also serves as a template for multiple applications, allowing for slight modifications to tailor it to each specific job.

2. Do employers really care about cover letters?

While not all recruiters may read cover letters, including one can help you stand out from other qualified candidates. It demonstrates effort and a genuine interest in the job, potentially increasing your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.

3. Are there any words or phrases to avoid in a cover letter?

Avoid criticism, redundancy, bragging, and overly informal language in your cover letter. Maintain a positive tone, provide context to your resume, and be personal while remaining professional.

Conclusion

Crafting an effective cover letter is an essential skill for job seekers. By following the tips and utilizing the template provided, you can create a general-purpose cover letter that impresses hiring managers and increases your chances of securing interviews. Remember, each cover letter should be tailored to the specific job while maintaining a professional and engaging tone.