How to Write a Cover Letter Without a Job in Mind
When you're getting a jump-start on the job-seeking process, crafting a detailed, persuasive resume and cover letter is likely the No. 1 item on your agenda. While it's fine to draft a generic cover letter that doesn't pertain to just one specific job, ideally, you'll eventually want to customize and tailor the letter to the employer you're sending it to.
All-Purpose Introduction
The introductory portion of your cover letter should indicate the type of job you're applying for, where you heard about the company and why you think you'd be a good fit. Example:
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I was very excited to learn that COMPANY NAME is hiring for the position of BLANK. I became aware of your opening from BLANK, and I feel I'd be a great fit, as I've been working in BLANK industry for five years.
All-Purpose Credentials
The next section of your cover letter should detail your work experience, using care to reference the key elements of the job description, and touch on the main hiring criteria the employer lays out in the listing. These will vary from job to job, but your all-purpose cover letter template should follow this basic format. Here are some things to include:
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- Your experience
- Specialized skills
- Significant achievements
I've worked as a department store manager for 15 years. I have experience in merchandising, handling vendors, hiring and training and overall operational functions. In my last role, I oversaw an expansion effort that doubled the size of our company.
Soft Skills
Regardless of the type of job you're applying for, many of the same soft skills will apply. These include your ability to collaborate, think critically, make decisions and be detail oriented. Use this type of verbiage:
I consider myself to have exceptional time management skills, and I enjoy working both independently and as part of a team. I have a good temperament for management, and I strive to ensure my staff is happy, trained and fulfilled in their roles.
Again, reference individual job listings to tweak this verbiage based on the requirements of the particular position you eventually use it for.
Finish Strong
One of the key ways to customize your all-purpose cover letter to an individual employer is to close with a strong statement that outlines why you want the job and why you're the right candidate.
I've always held this organization in high regard and would love the chance to be part of such a respected business. I believe you'll find my dedication, work ethic and loyalty is well in line with the high standards you've established for your company.
When you're drafting a somewhat generic cover letter to alter and use in different circumstances, use extra care in proofreading it before you send. You don't want to inadvertently reference Company A in a letter you're sending to Company B.
- Forbes: I've Read More Than 300 Cover Letters, And This Is How I Decide If They're Good Or Bad Within Three Minutes
- CNN Money: How to Write a Killer Cover Letter
- Use your word processing application's mail merge feature to create letters for several different addressees. Include the name of the company, the recruiter's name if you have access to it, and the street address, city, state and zip for each letter. Don't address letters "to whom it may concern." It's an impersonal greeting that tells the reader right away that it's probably just a form letter. If you cannot access the name of the recruiter or hiring manager, address the letter to "Dear XYZ Corporation Recruiter."
Lisa McQuerrey has been a business writer since 1987. In 1994, she launched a full-service marketing and communications firm. McQuerrey's work has garnered awards from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the International Association of Business Communicators and the Associated Press. She is also the author of several nonfiction trade publications, and, in 2012, had her first young-adult novel published by Glass Page Books.
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