Sample generic cover letter. It is always advisable to personalize your general cover letter for the target job opportunity. However, there are situations when it is appropriate to use a general cover letter. These are usually instances where you are not submitting your resume in response to a job posting or to a specific employer.
You can use a general cover letter when you go to a job fair and you are giving your resume and cover letter to a number of potential employers for different jobs.
You can also make use of the generic cover letter when you upload your resume and cover letter to a general job board or submit your resume to an employment agency to help you find a job.
If you are respond to an online job posting or networking with a specific potential employer it is important to customize your cover letter to each employer and each job opportunity to show how you fit the job and company requirements.
When you have to use a generic greeting there a number of suitable options.
Dear Employer
Dear Sir or Madam
To Whom it May Concern
Some people use the salutation Dear Hiring Manager. This can be an issue if the person who reads the letter does not have that title.
In an all purpose cover letter the first section of your cover letter should include all the information on how the employer can contact you.
Date
Dear Sir or Madam
I am a hard-working and determined professional seeking an opportunity to succeed in a dynamic company such as yours. I am confident that my knowledge, ability and experience allow me to deliver successful results for any company in a range of administrative positions
Please allow me to highlight my key skills:
I am convinced that I can be an asset in any position requiring hard work, enthusiasm and reliability and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
The enclosed resume expands on my qualifications and experience.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Janet Smith
Enclosure
When writing a general cover letter for your job application it is best to focus on transferable skills and core competencies that ensure success in a range of jobs and companies.
You can use phrases like these to describe general skills and competencies in your generic cover letter.
Motivation - I am an enthusiastic and self-directed worker looking to join a reputable company who would benefit from an employee who is ready to give his/her all to succeed
Problem solving - able to collect and analyze information to find workable solutions to problems
Planning and Organizing - My focus on efficiently planning and organizing my work has proven successful in prioritizing and handling multiple tasks
Communication - Proven ability to effectively communicate with a diverse range of people
Teamwork - I enjoy working as part of a team and positively contributing to group achievement
Reliability - I approach all my work with focus and commitment to complete the task on time and to standard
Stress Tolerance - I am accustomed to a fast-paced environment and work well under pressure
We provide over 50 job-winning cover letters. Use these sample cover letters for different jobs.
Writing an entry level cover letter can be a real challenge. Use this entry level cover letter sample to get the results you want.
Your cover letter introduction should compel the reader to continue to read your cover letter with interest and your closing should compel the reader to continue on to read your resume with serious attention.
Your cover letter intro - good examples
Cover letter closing paragraph - good examples
Over 50 Cover Letters for Employment