Should You Use the Same Cover Letter When Applying for Multiple Jobs?

Writing a strong cover letter can make a huge difference. A personalized cover letter can enhance your job application, helping you land a desired job interview. On the other hand, customizing cover letters is time-consuming, so many job-seekers send generic letters.

Today, we will explain if using the same cover letter for several jobs is acceptable and what exactly you should customize in your letter to make an irresistible first impression.

Is It Bad to Apply to Multiple Jobs at the Same Company?

No, it isn't considered bad to apply for multiple job openings in the same organization! The company might have more than one job advertised at the same time. There might be similar positions within different departments, and different hiring managers doing the screening. Thus, you can apply for multiple positions as long as you are qualified. However, make sure to customize your job application for each position.

Sending a personalized cover letter can enhance your application and set you apart from other job-seekers with similar skill sets and experience. It shows how your qualifications align with a particular job requirements and demonstrate your real interest. However, many job-seekers wonder if it's okay to reuse your cover letter for multiple positions. Keep reading for the answer.

When Reusing a Cover Letter is Acceptable

Ideally, you should always customize a cover letter for each advertised job. A generic cover letter shows laziness and low interest in the company or the opportunity. Yet, there are situations when using the same cover letter for multiple job applications can be excused:

• You're applying for similar roles in the same industry. Same job seniority level, same industry, very similar responsibilities. In this case, you can reuse the same cover letter for each job posting by making minor updates and changing contact details.
• You're applying for multiple jobs in one company. If similar jobs are advertised in one company, you can save time on your job search by submitting the same letter. Make sure to highlight relevant skills and experience that presents you well for each position.
• You have a strong cover letter template. When you have a great base cover letter (for example, written for you by a professional resume writing expert), you can only make a few minor tweaks every time you apply for a new job.

Why You Should Avoid Using the Same Cover Letter for Different Jobs

By customizing the cover letter, you can effectively present your professional background to the hiring team. You handpick specific projects and accomplishments that prove your qualifications for the specific position, thus increasing your chances of getting hired. Whether you're applying for a digital marketing specialist or a teaching position, here's why experts don't recommend using the same cover letter:

They're easy to spot

Human resources department has seen hundreds of cover letters before. They can quickly say if the candidate made an effort to personalize their letter, or they sent the same letter to everyone. They can spot an AI-generated cover letter, too. A presonalized letter sparks more interest and helps you move further in the hiring process.

Missed interview opportunities

In a cover letter, you can discuss your unique qualifications, key skills, and success in the past jobs, all of which can set you apart from the competition. By not bringing up your unique experiences for the position, you miss the chance to stand out to potential employers and come across as the right person. As a result, you get fewer interview calls than you could've had if you took an effort to personalize your application materials.

Lack of genuine interest in the role

A personalized cover letter signals that you're genuinely interested in the role. A hiring manager sees your effort as a desire to go an extra mile to join the organization. Such dedication and interest pays off, especially if you emphasize the required skills and leadership experience persuasively.

All of the above, however, doesn't mean that you should write your letter from scratch every time! You can save time by reusing some elements of your letter and only making small tweaks. Here's how you can do this.

What Parts of a Cover Letter Can Be Reused

Here are the elements of your cover letter that you can reuse when applying for similar jobs:

• Introduction - feel free to reuse an intro where you briefly explain your qualificaitons and what inspired you to apply. Be sure to personalize the job title and company name.
• Relevant experience and skills - you can keep the same skills and credentials when applying for several jobs.
• Interests and career goals - a brief explanation of your professional goals and values can be reused for future opportunities.
• Personal projects or hobbies - if relevant for the role, it's okay to reuse them.
• Closing paragraph - reiterate your enthusiasm, thank the hiring manager, and add a call to action.
• Letter structure - no matter for how many jobs you apply, cover letter structure remains unchanged.

What You Should Always Customize in Your Cover Letter

No matter if you apply on a job board or a company website - always make sure to customize as follows:

• Salutation - address the specific person by name. If you don't know their name, use Dear Hiring Manager.
• Company name and job title - make sure you've updated these details for every single job. Double-check these details, as mistakes can be costly!
• Keywords - read the job posting and use keywords that appear frequently in your resume and cover letter to pass ATS filters.
• Achievements and experience - to come across as an ideal candidate, pick achievements relevant to the target company's requirements and goals. Say, if they're looking for a marketer to grow websites organically, focus on this type of experience.
• Connection with the company - if you have a reference in the company or a pesonal story connected with it, personalize it for every single position.

Tip: 59% of recruiters reject applications with grammar and punctuation mistakes. Take the time to proofread your letter so that it showcases perfect writing skills. It will strengthen your first impression on a hiring manager.

Cover Letter Example for Applying to Multiple Jobs

Here's an example of a generic cover letter for any position and industry. You can use it to apply for several positions in one company or similar jobs in different organizations.

Image source: https://www.tealhq.com/post/how-to-write-a-general-cover-letter

Free Download: Customizable Cover Letter Template

To create professional cover letters effortlessly, use our free downloadable cover letter templates in Google Docs. Copy any template you like, customize it with your skills and accomplishments, and apply to any job listing, making an impression as a strong candidate!

Need further help writing a custom cover letter for a new position? At ResumePerk, you can hire an experienced cover letter writer. The writer works one-on-one with you to craft a compelling letter that will present your qualifications and achievements to employers. Chat with us to get a discount!

Frequently Asked Questions

H3 Should I Write a New Cover Letter for Every Job?

Yes, because tailoring your cover letter to each job shows effort and increases your chances of standing out. Reusing one letter without customization often feels generic to hiring managers.

Can I Reuse a Cover Letter at the Same Company?

You can reuse parts of your cover letter, but you should always tweak it to reflect the specific role and department. Recruiters can easily spot generic submissions.

Is It Bad to Apply to Multiple Jobs at the Same Company?

It's not bad if you are qualified for each role. Just make sure to tailor your applications and explain why you're interested in different positions to avoid looking unfocused.

Can You Use the Same Cover Letter for Different Jobs?

No, it's better to customize your letter for each job to match the job description and company values.

What Parts of a Cover Letter Can Be Reused?

You can reuse general elements like your contact information, core skills summary, and closing statements, but avoid reusing job-specific content.

Is It Okay to Send the Same Cover Letter to Different Companies?

No, every company has unique values and needs. A tailored letter makes a stronger impression than a one-size-fits-all message.

Do I Need to Change the Cover Letter If Applying to Similar Roles?

Even for similar roles, you should customize the company name, job title, and reasons for applying to show you've done your research.

Can You Submit the Same Cover Letter for Different Positions at the Same Company?

It's better to write separate letters, highlighting why you're fit for each specific role, even if it's within the same company.

What Happens If You Apply to Multiple Jobs With the Same Cover Letter?

You risk looking lazy or unfocused, reducing your chances of getting called for an interview.

Can I Write One Cover Letter for All Jobs I Apply to?

While tempting, this strategy rarely works. Recruiters appreciate effort and relevance, so it's worth customizing each letter.