Dear Cindy – Generic Cover Letters

How do I write a cover letter when it's not tailored to any specific job?

Sincerely,

F

Since most people apply for a certain type of job, e.g., medical laboratory technologist, ICU nurse, paramedic, clerical, there's a limit to how generic even a generic cover letter would be.

So you should have a "generic" blurb selling yourself, and showing how you have the education, experience, and skills relevant to the field to which you're applying. But, before emailing your cover letter and résumé, you should also spend a few minutes adding information specific to the employer's job requirements.

After all, if your cover letter is too general, you may appear unqualified, and so find your emailed cover and résumé overlooked.