A General Cover Letter that Isn't Generic: Sample for Any Position [Tips]

So many job applications to send, so little time. You need a general cover letter—

An all-purpose cover letter for no specific position. Bah, a job application letter for multiple positions.

All of them!

You found it. You’re a scroll away from it.

But here’s the twist—

We’ll show you how to write a general cover letter that doesn’t feel generic.

Recruiters hate copy-paste-templated job application letters.

Annoy them and all the jobs you found will slip by.

This guide will show you:

• Examples of a general cover letter for multiple positions sure to get you hired.
• How to write a generic cover letter for multiple positions.
• How to make a general cover letter look personalized and keep the employer happy.
• Successful samples and templates of all-purpose cover letters for no specific job.

The job posting read: cover letter optional. Or required.

Maybe you’re attending a job fair and you feel the right letter will help you.

You’re pressed for time, so, you want a universal cover letter.

Something that would work for any job and position—

Problem is: if you make a general cover letter too generic, you’ll hurt your chances of getting the job.

A bad cover letter will cost you your dream job.

And a bad cover letter is a generic cover letter:

• One-size-fits-all fits no one.
• Make it too generic and it looks lazy.
• You’re missing out on showing how great a match you are for this specific employer.

A generic cover letter feels like a timesaver, but it’s an opportunity killer. The good news is, we’ll show you how to make any general cover letter read like a custom cover letter

Yes, writing specific cover letters for individual job openings takes time.

So here’s a strategy to speed things up:

Make a “master” cover letter to use as a template.

Good cover letter templates do the heavy lifting for you.

You’ll still tailor it for each company and position you apply to.

But it will take no more than 5 minutes per letter—

A perfect generic cover letter template is like playing Mad Libs: the main components of a story are already there—just fill in the blanks to make it unique.

For our ultimate guide on writing a good cover letter for job applications, check out this post: Cover Letter for a Job Application: Write One in 8 Simple Steps

Here are some free cover letter examples for you to copy and paste to use for yourself.

Example of Cover Letter for General Use

Well, how about that?

This example cover letter template is enthusiastic, short, and damn compelling. It gives them some key achievements and accomplishments from your current job to show how well you’d do in the new one.

It easily allows them to picture you as the perfect candidate for the job.

Pro Tip: In your cover letter use the name of the company you’re applying to. It adds oomph and shows you took the time to write specifically to them.

We won’t talk about the cover letter header here, because we want to cut straight to the chase. See this post: How to Start a Cover Letter: Sample & Complete Guide [20+ Examples]

If you’re a fresh graduate or applying for your first job ever, writing a cover letter is a must.

It is a chance for you to properly introduce yourself and show what value you can bring to the company (though you don’t have the experience, you have transferable skills, achievements, and relevant education).

Check this example out:

Basic Sample Cover Letter for Job Without Experience

In this one, even though Jane is giving in a cover letter with no experience, she transferred some skills and achievements from her college years which fit the position.

Also, see that she called the HR manager by name in her simple cover letter examples? This personalization shows the employer she did her homework and immediately puts her in front of other generic cover letters.

Pro Tip: Even if the rest of it is a generic cover letter, avoid the general intro statement, “To whom it may concern.” Whether it is in basic cover letter correspondence, emails, or when you’re waiting for your grande soy latte at Starbucks, it rarely works.

But, what if you can’t find a name and need a more generic cover letter greeting? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered: How to Address a Cover Letter: Sample & Guide [20+ Examples]

If you’re not sure how to explain in your resume why you’re switching between careers, a cover letter is the right place to do it.

So show your motivation, willingness, and enthusiasm and make it work to your advantage: present how your previously-acquired skills can translate to the new position.

Here’s an example of a cover letter for a career changer:

Generic Cover Letter for Career Changer

This general cover letter shows you that you might have more experience than you’d previously thought.

A graphic designer applying for a furniture sales job didn’t seem too related, but our buddy Jacob here highlighted some transferable skills and accomplishments to show them he’s more than capable.

Pro Tip: Did you notice this one has a postscript at the end? A P.S. at the end of a general cover letter is a great little hack. It grabs their eye at the beginning, even if they don’t read the rest of it.

If you want more general examples of cover letters for specific professions, we got ‘em! Check them out here: Cover Letter Examples for Every Profession

Unless the employer specifically says in the job add not to—

—you must include a cover letter.

Here are the basics on how to write a general cover letter for multiple jobs:

1. Use a template provided above and adjust it.
2. Start with “Dear” and the name of the hiring manager (“Dear Hiring Manager” is a last resort.)
3. Use the company’s name throughout your cover letter to make it non-generic.
4. Add achievements, accomplishments, experience, and skills relevant to the job.
5. End your cover letter with a call to action that makes them reach out.
6. Optionally, include a postscript to intrigue them even if the rest of the letter doesn’t get read.

Remember: a cover letter should never reiterate a resume. Rather, it should complement the resume by adding supporting details and explaining certain items (such as a resume gap in employment).

Got any questions on how to write a generic cover letter? Don’t know how to replace any general cover letter parts with something more tailored? Get at us in the comments below, and thanks for reading!