[Mikey_M]

ok iv recently moved and am now looking for a job i am not sure of an exact job so i want to make a cover letter that i could just put out with my resumes i have experiance in lots of areas from drilling and blasting to working for LaidLaw.. any advice for make a general cover letter?

[Lauren Elder]

Hi Mikey_M,

We actually have a http://www.officearrow.com/forums/te...tter-word.html template here on OfficeArrow, so it may be helpful to look there first to get started.

To give my 2 cents on your question, I would not recommend sending a general cover letter to any company. In order to get noticed, it's best to devote the extra 10-20 minutes customizing your cover letter so that the company knows you're truly interested. Tell them why you want to work for them specifically and explain why you'd be a good match according to what they're looking for in the job description.

Best of luck to you!

[Karen Loughman]

I agree with Lauren. I would customize the cover letter to the position you are applying for. It would be ok to start with a template that you find somewhere, but the cover letter is supposed to make the person making the hiring decisions want to talk to you in person. A generic cover letter wouldn't give a good enough impression without some of the job specific details you would comment on.

[KeriForsythe]

Yes, I agree with both Lauren and Karen. You should always send a personalized cover letter to a potential employer..after all, you want them to think that they're your No. 1 employer of choice - not just one of the many companies that you're applying to.

[Chrissy Scivicque]

Ok, it appears I'm going against the grain here but I think a general cover letter is ALSO a good thing to have on hand. When searching for a job, yes, customized is the BEST way to go. But, let's say you're out and about around town and you bump into an old friend who might have a position for you...or knows of someone else who might. If you have quick access to a resume and general "letter of introduction" type of cover letter, it's a great way to get the ball rolling right then and there - especially if you're not certain what company/position you'd be in the market for. This is also a great way to approach recruiters who work with several companies. Your generic letter introduces yourself and your background but doesn't lock you into a particular company or job. Again, use this IN ADDITION to the customized one. For any position that you're applying for that you know the job description and the company, do as Lauren says and take the extra 20 minutes to tell them why you're the perfect match for their needs.

Good luck!