How to Write a General Cover Letter [Samples & Templates]

Applying for jobs can be time-consuming and draining, especially when you need so much mental bandwidth to write a unique cover letter for each application.

But, a well-written generic cover letter can save you time and effort, providing a solid foundation you can easily customize every time you hit apply.

But how do you write a generic cover letter that actually stands out?

Below, you'll learn how to create a compelling general cover letter, understand its advantages and disadvantages, and get access to general cover letter samples, examples, and templates to help you get started.

Struggling to write a cover letter for every job? Sign up for Teal's AI Resume Builder and try the Cover Letter Generator for free.

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What is a general cover letter?

Sometimes called a generic cover letter, a general cover letter is one that can be adapted and customized for multiple job applications. Unlike a specific cover letter tailored to a particular job opening, your generic cover letter will showcase transferable skills, qualifications, and experience in a way that is easily applicable across various industries and multiple jobs. 

When sending out multiple job applications, an ideal general cover letter can be quickly repurposed many times over, saving you time and energy.

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What is the purpose of a generic cover letter?

A generic cover letter is designed to serve multiple job applications by showcasing a broad range of skills and experiences. Its primary purpose is to provide a flexible template that highlights your qualifications in a way that can be easily adapted for a variety of positions and industries.

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Key purposes of a generic cover letter include:

• Highlighting transferable skills
• Demonstrating adaptability
• Streamlining applications
• Providing a broad overview

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How to write a general cover letter 

Creating a general cover letter highlighting your skills and experiences can streamline your job search. Here's a step-by-step guide for crafting a versatile letter that you can adapt for multiple opportunities.

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1. Use a general cover letter format

By formatting a cover letter professionally, you ensure it provides a clear and organized presentation of your skills and qualifications. This structure helps hiring managers gain valuable insights into your background—quickly.

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The general format of a cover letter includes:

1. Greeting: Address the hiring manager by name as often as possible.
2. Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and state the position you are applying for.
3. Body paragraph: Detail your qualifications, relevant experiences, and skills.
4. Closing paragraph: Express your interest in the position, thank the reader, and include a CTA for the next steps.
5. Professional closing: End with your name and the best way to reach you.

While using a warm and friendly tone is important, maintaining professionalism is crucial. Employers are looking for evidence that you approach your work earnestly and take your responsibilities seriously.

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2. Include the date and contact information

Start your cover letter by including your contact information at the top. This makes it clear and easy for the hiring manager to identify who you are. Including the date on your letter is also a good practice for record-keeping, but if you think you might forget to update it, it's better to leave it off.

If you can find the hiring manager's contact information, include it as well. This adds a personal touch and ensures your letter is directed to the right person.

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3. Address your cover letter

It’s important to know how to address a cover letter properly. You can keep this aspect static while customizing other portions of each application to save time. When the aim is efficiency, you don’t want to stress over something as simple as your greeting.

Whenever possible, greet the hiring manager by name. Personalizing your cover letter in this way can make a positive impression. If you have a contact person’s name, address the cover letter as follows:

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Example:

Dear Fran Fine,

However, some companies may prefer not to disclose the hiring manager’s name. In this case, use a generic greeting:

Example:

Dear Hiring Manager,

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Pro Tip: When a job posting doesn’t identify the hiring manager, try to find out who it is. LinkedIn is a great resource for digging; you can also explore the company website or call the company directly and ask to speak to HR.

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4. Create a strong introduction

Start your general cover letter with a brief snapshot of your professional background and explain what drew you to the role. A cover letter introduction can be customized with more detail later to fit each specific job application better.

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5. Summarize your experience

In the middle paragraph of your generic cover letter, provide a concise summary of your career history. Highlight your key achievements and relevant experiences that showcase your skills and expertise.

Even in a generic cover letter, you can touch on how your background has prepared you for a variety of roles. This is your chance to connect the dots for the hiring manager, demonstrating how your past experiences make you a strong candidate for any position you pursue.

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Pro Tip: A passionate cover letter will stand out more than all-purpose cover letters that only show mild interest. Highlight a few aspects you enjoy about work that would apply to multiple positions.

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6. Highlight relevant skills demonstrated in previous roles

In this section, emphasize the relevant skills you've developed in your previous roles across various positions. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've applied these skills successfully (your proven track record) in different contexts. Try to incorporate the most common hard skills you find in JDs for the positions you're applying for.

And when it comes to soft skills, whether leadership, communication, or problem-solving, showcasing these transferable skills will demonstrate your versatility and preparedness for a wide range of positions.

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7. Write a closing paragraph

In your closing paragraph, you want to leave a strong final impression and summarize your key points effectively.

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A good cover letter closing:

• Provides a clear and concise summary of your key points.
• Reiterates your enthusiasm for the role—especially if it's your dream job.
• Highlights your most relevant qualifications and experiences.
• Thanks the hiring manager for considering your application.
• Expresses eagerness to discuss how you can contribute to their team.
• Includes a call to action, such as inviting them to contact you for an interview.

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General cover letter best practices

General cover letters need to be effective and professional. Below are key strategies to help you create a great cover letter that stands out to hiring managers.

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Demonstrate enthusiasm and motivation

Employers want to hire candidates who are motivated to contribute in meaningful ways. Expressing your enthusiasm professionally can help you stand out from others who may have similar qualifications but lack passion for the work. Showcasing your excitement about the role gives you an edge in the hiring process.

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Example:

"I'm genuinely excited about the opportunity to join [Company Name] as a [Job Title]. Your company's innovative approach to [specific industry aspect or project] aligns perfectly with my passion for [related field or interest]. I'm eager to bring my energy and commitment to your team—contributing to [specific goal or project] and driving success for [Company Name]."

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Keep it brief and error-free

Your general cover letter should be brief yet thorough, and most importantly, error-free.

A concise cover letter without grammatical or spelling mistakes demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail. Utilize tools like Grammarly or spell-check features to ensure accuracy. By keeping the letter concise, you provide a focused look at your candidacy while respecting the hiring manager’s time.

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Use a professional tone

Maintain a professional tone throughout your cover letter to convey your serious interest in the job. A professional demeanor shows that you are dedicated and have put careful thought into your application. While it’s important to be warm and friendly, avoid overly casual terms or colloquial expressions.

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Leave room for customization 

Include sections in your cover letter that can be easily customized for each application. This allows you to tailor your letter to specific roles and reminds you to do so.

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Use the cover letter template below as a guide:

"I'm thrilled to apply for [ROLE] at [COMPANY]. I appreciate the way [COMPANY] addresses [specific market challenge or problem] to provide consumers with [notable value]. I'm a sales professional with 10 years of experience in outbound sales, inbound sales, renewals, and business development. My experience in [applicable experiences] would provide substantial value to [COMPANY] due to my demonstrated ability to [specific skills found in the JD]."

Leaving space for customization ensures your cover letter remains relevant and impactful for each job application.

Write your general cover letter with Teal

Want to skip the steps and write a cover letter in seconds?

Give Teal a try. Teal's Cover Letter Builder combines your work experience with the details of any job description to write an AI-generated cover letter in less than 30 seconds.

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General cover letter templates 

Below, you'll find general cover letter templates designed to help you create a strong and versatile cover letter.

Using a cover letter template can provide a solid foundation you can customize to fit various job applications—ensuring you highlight your most relevant skills and experiences.

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For more, check out our free cover letter template library to explore various layouts and designs.

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Generic cover letter template - any position

Dear [First Name] [Last Name],
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I'm thrilled to express my interest in the [Position] role at [Company]. As an experienced [Industry] professional with [X] years of experience, I’m confident my skill set and qualifications would provide considerable value to this position.

In my current role at [Current Company], I have gained valuable experience in [relevant skill or experience]. I'm particularly proud of [accomplishment or project], which demonstrates my ability to [skill or trait related to the position].

I'm drawn to [Company] because of its reputation for [company values or mission]. I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to a company that shares my passion for [industry or field].

In addition to my experience, I possess excellent [skill relevant to the position], as well as [soft skill or trait]. I'm a quick learner and team player, and I can work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.

Thank you for considering my application and enclosed resume. Please let me know a time and day that works best with your schedule to further discuss my qualifications and the role. I’d love to learn more about what you’re seeking in a [Position], and I’m happy to work around any time constraints.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

You can use AI technology like ChatGPT to generate cover letters or try Teal's AI Cover Letter Builder for different positions and multiple applications.

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Generic cover letter template - Executive assistant

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I'm excited to apply for the Executive Assistant position at [Company]. With over [number of years] of experience as an executive assistant, I'm confident in my ability to provide comprehensive support to senior executives and make a positive impact on your organization.

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I worked closely with the CEO and other senior leaders to manage their calendars, arrange travel, and coordinate meetings and events. I also played a key role in managing projects, preparing reports and presentations, and handling confidential information.

My strong organizational and communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment have enabled me to consistently deliver high-quality work and build positive relationships with colleagues and clients alike.

I'm excited about the opportunity to bring my experience and skills to your team and contribute to your organization's success. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

For more examples, check out these executive assistant cover letter samples.

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Generic cover letter template - Marketing manager

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I'm excited to apply for the Marketing Manager position at [Company]. With my extensive experience in marketing strategy and execution, I'm confident that I can lead your team in achieving your marketing goals and driving growth for the company.

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I successfully managed a team of marketing professionals to develop and implement effective marketing campaigns that increased brand awareness and drove sales. I'm experienced in market research, consumer behavior analysis, and developing comprehensive marketing plans that align with company objectives.

In addition to my strategic skills, I have strong project management skills and experience working cross-functionally with teams such as product, sales, and design. I'm also proficient in marketing automation tools, CRM systems, and data analytics software.

I'm passionate about marketing and am excited about the opportunity to bring my experience and skills to your team. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Pro-tip: Explore Teal's Microsoft Word cover letter templates to help you create a generic cover letter.

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Generic cover letter template - Human resources coordinator

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I'm excited to apply for the Human Resources Coordinator position at [Company]. With my strong organizational skills and experience in HR administration, I'm confident in my ability to provide valuable support to your team and contribute to the success of your organization.

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I managed HR processes such as onboarding, benefits administration, and employee records management. I also supported recruitment efforts by screening resumes, scheduling interviews, and assisting with the hiring process.

I'm proficient in HRIS systems and have a deep understanding of HR compliance and regulations. Additionally, my strong communication skills and ability to build positive relationships have enabled me to effectively support employees and management.

I'm passionate about HR and am excited about the opportunity to bring my experience and skills to your team. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

See more examples of cover letters in these human resources cover letter examples.

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Generic cover letter template - Accountant

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I'm excited to apply for the Accountant position at [Company]. With my extensive experience in accounting and financial analysis, I'm confident in my ability to contribute to your organization's success.

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I managed general accounting processes, prepared financial statements, and provided analysis to support strategic decision-making. I'm also experienced in tax planning and compliance, payroll processing, and internal controls.

I'm proficient in accounting software such as QuickBooks and have strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Additionally, my attention to detail and ability to work collaboratively with colleagues have enabled me to consistently deliver high-quality work.

I'm passionate about accounting and am excited about the opportunity to bring my experience and skills to your team. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

For more cover letter inspiration, explore these example cover letters for accountants.

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Generic cover letter template - Project manager

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I'm excited to apply for the Project Manager position at [Company]. With my extensive experience in project management and leadership, I'm confident in my ability to deliver successful projects and drive growth for your organization.

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I managed complex projects from conception to completion, utilizing project management methodologies such as Agile and Scrum. I'm experienced in resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder communication, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.

I have strong leadership skills and experience managing cross-functional teams of both internal and external stakeholders. My ability to foster positive relationships and communicate effectively with colleagues and clients has enabled me to deliver successful projects and exceed expectations.

I'm proficient in project management software such as Asana and Trello, and have a deep understanding of project management best practices. Additionally, my problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to change make me a valuable asset to any team.

I'm passionate about project management and am excited about the opportunity to bring my experience and skills to your team. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Explore these example cover letters for project managers for even more general cover letters.

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Generic cover letter template - Software engineer

Dear [First Name] [Last Name],
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I'm excited to apply for the Software Engineer position at [Company]. With my extensive experience in software development and programming languages, I'm confident in my ability to contribute to your organization's success.

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I designed, developed, and maintained complex software systems utilizing programming languages such as Java, Python, and C++. I'm experienced in the full software development life cycle, including requirement gathering, design, development, testing, and deployment.

I have strong analytical and problem-solving skills and am proficient in software engineering tools such as Git and Jenkins. Additionally, my ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and clients has enabled me to consistently deliver high-quality software solutions.

I'm passionate about software engineering and am excited about the opportunity to bring my experience and skills to your team. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

For more general cover letter templates, check out these software engineer cover letter samples.

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Generic cover letter template -  Graphic designer

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I'm excited to apply for the Graphic Designer position at [Company]. With my strong design skills and experience in visual communication, I'm confident in my ability to create effective and impactful designs for your organization.

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I designed a wide range of marketing collateral, including logos, brochures, social media graphics, and website layouts. I'm proficient in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite and have a deep understanding of design principles such as color theory, typography, and composition.

I have a strong creative vision and am experienced in working collaboratively with clients and colleagues to bring their ideas to life. Additionally, my ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines has enabled me to consistently deliver high-quality work.

I'm passionate about design and am excited about the opportunity to bring my experience and skills to your team. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Pro-tip: Instead of writing a cover letter from scratch, try one of Teal's Google Docs cover letter templates to help you get started!

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Generic cover letter template - Biochemical research assistant

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I'm excited to apply for the Biochemical Research Assistant position at [Company]. With my strong background in biochemistry and experience in laboratory research, I'm confident in my ability to contribute to your organization's scientific research.

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I conducted biochemical assays, performed data analysis, and contributed to research publications. I'm experienced in techniques such as protein purification, gel electrophoresis, and spectrophotometry.

I have a deep understanding of biochemical principles and am proficient in laboratory software such as GraphPad Prism and Excel. Additionally, my attention to detail and ability to work collaboratively with colleagues have enabled me to consistently deliver high-quality work.

I'm passionate about biochemistry and am excited about the opportunity to bring my experience and skills to your team. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

For more inspiration on writing a generic cover letter, check out these cover letter templates.

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Generic cover letter template - Social work case manager

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I'm excited to apply for the Social Work Case Manager position at [Company]. With my strong background in social work and experience in case management, I'm confident in my ability to provide effective services to your organization's clients.

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I provided case management services to individuals experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges. I conducted assessments, developed treatment plans, and connected clients to necessary services such as housing, mental health treatment, and medical care.

I have a deep understanding of social work principles and am proficient in case management software such as HMIS and ClientTrack. Additionally, my ability to build rapport with clients and work collaboratively with colleagues has enabled me to consistently provide high-quality services.

I'm passionate about social work and am committed to helping vulnerable populations access necessary services and resources. I'm excited about the opportunity to bring my experience and skills to your team. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Click here for more great samples of cover letter examples.

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Generic cover letter examples

Below are examples of generic cover letters that demonstrate how to effectively highlight your skills and experiences. These cover letter examples can serve as a guide to help you craft your own cover letter, ensuring it is adaptable across job applications.

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General cover letter sample 

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General cover letter example 

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Generic cover letter sample

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General cover letter example 

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General cover letter sample

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Disadvantages of using a generic cover letter

While generic cover letters can save time, they come with several drawbacks that can impact your job search effectiveness. Awareness of these potential disadvantages is important to ensure your application stands out.

• Lack of personalization: Generic cover letters may not convey genuine interest in a specific role, making it harder to capture the hiring manager's attention.
• Failure to address specific job requirements: They often don't address the unique requirements of each job, resulting in a less compelling application.
• Less compelling application: A one-size-fits-all approach can make your cover letter feel impersonal and generic, reducing its impact.
• Perception of low commitment: Using a generic cover letter may give the impression that you aren't fully committed to the job search process or the specific role you are applying for.

All in all? If you're going to use a general cover letter, it should be somewhat customized for each job if you want to stand out.

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Craft a better, more customized cover letter with Teal

There is no such thing as a perfect cover letter, but a generic cover letter you can easily edit for each job application can save time and provide a solid start. However, personalizing your cover letter for every application can significantly improve how effective it is because it shows your genuine interest and alignment with the specific role.

If you want to create more tailored cover letters faster, Teal's Cover Letter Generator can help. Teal pulls details from your resume and the job description to generate customized cover letters in less than 30 seconds—no more deleting, rewriting, or reformatting.

Ready to get started?