General Laborer Cover Letter: Examples, Templates & Writing Tips

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Cover letter template for a general laborer

John Taylor
Glendale Heights, IL 60139
555-555-5555
example@example.com

July 28, 2024

Shirley Baker, Recruiter
FFE Transportation
587 6th Drive
Glendale Heights, IL 60139

Dear Ms. Baker,

I am writing to express my interest in the general laborer position at FFE Transportation, as advertised. With over 17 years of hands-on experience in various aspects of general labor, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team while upholding the high standards of FFE Transportation.

In my previous role at Advocate Construction, I demonstrated a strong commitment to efficiency and safety, consistently exceeding performance targets. I am proud to highlight the following achievements:

Implemented a streamlined workflow that resulted in a 20% increase in overall efficiency, contributing to the timely completion of projects.
Maintained an exemplary safety record with zero reportable incidents or accidents throughout my 17-year career. Instituted and enforced safety protocols, reducing workplace injuries by 15%.
Led a team of general laborers, fostering a collaborative and results-driven environment. Achieved a 25% reduction in project completion time by implementing cross-training initiatives and optimizing resource allocation.

I am particularly drawn to FFE Transportation’s reputation for excellence and dedication to maintaining a safe and efficient work environment. My extensive experience and proven track record align with the values and goals of your organization.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my skills and experiences align with your needs.

Sincerely,
John Taylor

Format your general laborer cover letter

Your cover letter should highlight your technical skills as a worker while showcasing attributes such as adaptability, physical capability, teamwork and a positive attitude that allows you to deliver under pressure.

To clearly communicate your value as a candidate, your cover letter needs to avoid unnecessary distractions so employers can focus on the content instead of the form. This means that you should follow standard formatting rules to present a polished document.

Consider the following formatting recommendations for your general labor cover letter:

Cover letter templates for general laborers:

Create your cover letter

Just as your formatting needs to be neat and professional, a cover letter for a general labor role should be styled appropriately. Your cover letter serves as your introduction to employers, so you want the style you choose to project capability and confidence.

Choose a general labor cover letter template that both resonates with the expectations of the industry and complements your professional style. We suggest sticking with a classic professional template and avoiding more experimental elements that might be found in cover letters for creative careers.

Explore our collection of cover letter templates to ensure your application presents your general labor experience in the best possible light.

Additionally, coordinate your cover letter template with your resume template to create a cohesive and professional application. A matching resume and cover letter creates an impression of thoroughness.

How to write a general laborer cover letter

Research indicates that 83% of hiring managers consider cover letters to be an essential part of the hiring process. So, why do many candidates avoid them? Writing a cover letter isn’t always a fun activity, but it is a crucial step toward achieving the general labor role you’re after.

But writing a cover letter doesn’t have to be a frustrating chore. By following a few straightforward steps, you can streamline the cover letter writing process, eliminate guesswork and build a general labor cover letter with confidence.

A successful general laborer cover letter should be customized for each position you apply for. Tailoring your cover letter to align with the specifics of each job shows that you’re really interested in the specific role and allows you to prove that your skills and experience align with what the employer is looking for.

Using a generic cover letter for multiple applications might convey a lack of interest in the specific role. Customization demonstrates that you are attentive, enthusiastic and thorough.

What’s more, in today’s competitive job market, many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to streamline candidate screening. These systems scan for keywords that represent the qualifications outlined in the job description.

You can make your general laborer cover letter ATS-friendly by incorporating terms used in the job description. Customizing each cover letter to align with the unique requirements of each role not only enhances the quality of your application but also positions you for success during ATS screening.

While it might seem like the simplest section of your cover letter, the contact information in your header may also be the most important. After all, the purpose of a cover letter is to convince the hiring manager to give you a follow-up phone call or email.

To facilitate this, ensure your contact details are easily accessible and accurate by placing them in the header, and confirm that they match the information on your resume.

Include:

Personalize the salutation of your general laborer cover letter by addressing it directly to the hiring manager. Directly addressing your letter to the person in charge of hiring shows commitment and initiative.

If you cannot find the names or details of the hiring manager, addressing the letter to the hiring team of the organization is an appropriate alternative.

Whether you’re working on building an entry-level general laborer cover letter or one for a seasoned senior laborer, the opening paragraph is a key opportunity to introduce yourself and quickly summarize your value as a candidate.

The body paragraphs of your general laborer cover letter provide an opportunity to highlight the major qualifications that have prepared you for the role. Focus on the following key points:

The conclusion of your general laborer cover letter should reiterate your enthusiasm for the position and once again explain why you’re an ideal fit for the role.

Avoid repeating information already covered in the body of your cover letter. Instead, conclude with a statement that highlights your value and extends an open invitation for an interview or further discussion.

Every letter concludes with a signature, and your cover letter is no exception. Ensure your cover letter concludes with a professional signoff suitable for a formal letter. 

“Sincerely” and “Best regards” are always safe choices. Avoid unprofessional signoffs like “Love” or “Cheers,” as these choices may come across as overly familiar or inappropriate for a professional document.

Add a matching resume

Create your resume

A cover letter is just one piece of your application puzzle. Your resume must also be written for success if you want to land the right general laborer role.

Learn to write a resume that highlights your experience in general labor and your commitment to maintaining a safe and efficient work environment. For help visualizing an effective resume, explore some general laborer resume examples.

For a professionally formatted general laborer resume completed in just a few minutes, consider our AI Resume Builder. This tool provides ready-to-use skills and phrases specific to a general labor role, along with expert formatting to help you build an effective resume that complements your cover letter seamlessly. You can even choose a template that matches your cover letter for a cohesive application package.

Key takeaways