Why A Generic Cover Letter Simply Would Not Work

The key to a successful cover letter is specifics; that is why a generic cover letter simply won't work. Too many people make the mistake of going for quantity over quality. It seems easier and far less time consuming to send out bulk resumes and cover letters to high number of potential employers. The reality is this kind of cover letter does not convert in results. You may be reaching a wider audience but your message is getting lost in the cover letter.

Many employers won't go past the first sentence of a generic cover letter. Why should they take the time to get to know you when you haven't taken the time to address them specifically? Generic cover letters outline generalized skills, attributes and experiences without relating them to the specific company or role. This is a big mistake; a potential employer wants to know how your abilities relate to their company, business goals and specific positional requirements.

Generic cover letters are not targeted towards any specific person or position they are generally about you. Employers aren't really all that interested in you; they are interested in what you can do for them. Whereas a specific letter links your abilities to the position a generic letter merely outlines these abilities. The purpose of a cover letter is to capture the attention of the reader in order to present a viable candidate for a position. A generic letter might capture attention initially but it won't hold it for long and inevitably it will do more damage than good.

There are a number of attributes you can present to potential employers in the way you present your cover letter. A specific letter portrays professionalism, attention to detail, research skills and knowledge. A generic letter portrays disinterest, lack of commitment and an overall feeling that the job and company are not that important to you. After all if they were you would have taken the time to gather the basic information, address the employer personally and demonstrate why you are a match for the position.

Tailoring your cover letter to suit the position might be as simple as using a few of the keywords that are present in the advertisement. Generic letters don't do this and therefore you are on the back foot straight away. Employers want to know you have really thought about the role and how you could best fill it. Using their words to describe you is a good way to connect with the reader. For example, if the job description asks for "project management experience and a high level of communication skills" you can write something like "I have extensive knowledge of project management methodologies and experience communicating these concepts to achieve project objectives"

Specific cover letters have a personal touch that might just capture the attention of the right person. Generic letters don't work because the reader knows they are getting what 20 other employers are getting from you. Employers want to know the person they hire is willing to go the extra mile for them. So, start out like you mean to continue. Show your potential employers that you have already taken a step in their direction. Generic letters are more likely to line the rubbish bin than they are to make it to the employer's desk.

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