Cover Letter Smackdown: Generic vs Specific

April 17th, 2009

Recently I was asked to put together a cover letter for a customer. “Can you please supply the contact details and address of the employer?” I emailed.

The reply came back shortly thereafter: “None - it’s a general cover letter I’ll send to everyone.”

Ulp.

It got me thinking. My first response is pretty simple, and strong: generic = wrong. I know in my years running a graphic design consultancy, I intensely disliked receiving letters begging for work addressed to ‘To Whom It May Concern’. I mean, if you can’t spend 5 minutes online or on the phone to find out who I am or what my company is about, what makes you think you’re right for my business?

Moreover, what does this say to ME about YOU? For me, it says you’re the opposite of the kind of person I’d like to work with: it says you cut corners, lack initiative, and might even be downright lazy.

But then I wondered - is this just my own stubborn belief, or do employers really think the same thing? So I’m going on a wee mission to find out. I’m going to talk to my usual suspects and find out what THEY think of the generic cover letter.

As of now, I’m sticking with my original opinion: if you can possibly avoid it, DO NOT send out generic cover letters. Take the time to call HR for a name and address. Look online. Do what you can to get specific.

And check back in a couple of weeks to see the survey results. Meanwhile, happy job hunting!

>> Kristin

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