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General laborer cover letter example
Related cover letter examples
Cover letter template for a general laborer
Format your general laborer cover letter
How to write a general laborer cover letter
Add a matching resume
Key takeaways
Resources to help prepare for your interview

The work of a general laborer is often manual and physically taxing. If you’re passionate about contributing to various tasks and taking on challenges in a hands-on environment, a career in general labor might be the right fit for you. As a general laborer, you work so hard that the last thing you need is to have to stress about building a cover letter.

With our guide, we’ll take some of the guesswork out of the cover letter-writing process so you can create an application you feel proud of. A strong cover letter is an essential part of any job application, and it doesn’t have to be difficult!

Here’s what our guide provides:

General labor cover letter examples tailored to help you visualize what a successful letter includes.
Customizable cover letter templates designed to make your application stand out.
Step-by-step guidance on developing each section of your cover letter.
Key insights to help your cover letter shine.

Need to build a cover letter ASAP? Give our Cover Letter Generator a try. This user-friendly tool simplifies the writing process, offering professionally formatted templates you can fill with impactful, ready-to-use phrases that perfectly convey the expertise and commitment expected in the field of general labor.

General laborer cover letter example

Sample general laborer cover letter

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What makes this a great cover letter for a general laborer?

Neat formatting
A clean layout that adheres to general formatting standards give this sample cover letter a professional look.
Emphasis on achievements
The body section of this general laborer cover letter focuses on the candidate’s accomplishments throughout the course of his career. This communicates his real-world impact and ability to deliver results.
Polite call to action
This cover letter ends with an invitation to further discuss the candidate’s qualifications. This is a polite way to leave the door open for further contact from the employer.

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:

Font style and sizing: Stick with classic and professional fonts that are easy to read, such as Arial or Times New Roman, to maintain a professional appearance suitable for the general labor industry. Choose an 11- or 12-point font size for clarity and readability.
Spacing: For optimal readability, use 1.15 to 1.5 spacing for your text.
Margins: Keep your cover letter neat with 1-inch margins and left-aligned text, adhering to industry standards for a professional presentation of your general labor qualifications.

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.

Step 1

Study the general labor job description

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.

Step 2

Include your contact information in the header

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:

Your name
City and state
Phone number
Email address
Relevant links to your professional portfolio or LinkedIn, if applicable

Pro tip

Maintain professionalism. If your email address is inappropriate or too casual, it’s probably time to create a new one. Stick to a variation of your name or initials.

Step 3

Address the hiring manager by name

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.

Pro tip

Job listings often provide contact information for a hiring manager or department. If this is not the case, invest a bit of time in researching the organization to identify the individuals responsible for hiring.

Step 4

Introduce yourself in the first paragraph

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.

Entry-level general laborer cover letter example opening paragraph:

I am writing to express my genuine interest in the general laborer position at [Company], as advertised. I recently completed vocational training for several general labor and maintenance responsibilities. I bring a strong commitment to hard work and a dedication to any task I’m given. I am enthusiastic about contributing to the general labor team at your esteemed company.

Experienced general laborer cover letter example opening paragraph:

I am reaching out to convey my sincere interest in the senior general laborer position at [Company], as advertised. With a proven track record in various labor roles, a steadfast commitment to enhancing productivity and a dedication to maintaining the highest standards of safety, I am confident in my ability to contribute to the excellence of your general labor team. I am eager to bring my expertise to your company and further the quality of your work.

Pro tip

Keep your introduction concise and impactful. Aim for no more than three sentences.

Step 5

Explain why you’re the best candidate for the job

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:

Specify relevant general labor experience: Your resume outlines your career, but your cover letter gives you space to provide specific details that emphasize your accomplishments. Share notable achievements related to various labor tasks, collaborating with teams and executing operational procedures. Express your passion for contributing to a productive work environment and enhancing the success of the team.
Showcase transferable skills: A comprehensive general laborer cover letter should highlight both hard and soft skills. Showcase your practical abilities alongside personal traits such as adaptability, problem-solving and teamwork. The strongest cover letters tend to be well-rounded with a balanced blend of technical proficiencies and interpersonal skills.
Address any unique circumstances: Treat your general laborer cover letter as an opportunity to provide context for any unique aspects of your career. If you pursued specialized training, took a hiatus for personal reasons or professional development or transitioned from a different role in the industry, briefly explain the situation. Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and show how your journey has enhanced your skills as a general labor professional.

Example body paragraphs for a general laborer cover letter:

In my role as a general labor professional, I have consistently demonstrated a commitment to hard work and ensuring a productive work environment. During my tenure at [Company], I received commendation for efficiently handling various labor tasks, collaborating seamlessly with the team and fostering a productive environment that garnered positive feedback from both colleagues and supervisors.

During a brief hiatus for specialized training in advanced labor techniques, I dedicated time to enhancing my skills in operational settings. This period of growth reinforced my passion for contributing to a productive work environment, ensuring that I bring both experience and a fresh perspective to the general laborer position.

Step 6

Write your cover letter closing

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.

Example closing paragraph for a general laborer cover letter:

I am genuinely excited about the prospect of leveraging my hands-on experience in various labor tasks, contributing to a productive work environment and upholding the highest standards in general labor at [Company]. Your company’s commitment to excellence in productivity aligns perfectly with my dedication to ensuring a safe and efficient work environment. I am eager to discuss how my general labor skills can contribute to the continued success of your team.

Pro tip

Maintain a professional and enthusiastic tone in your call to action. Avoid wording that may sound demanding or pushy by being both assertive and humble.

Step 7

Sign off

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

Explore general laborer cover letter examples

Inspire your cover letter-writing process by exploring cover letter examples tailored to the general labor role.
Highlight technical skills that general laborers need

A strong application should depict you as an experienced general labor professional with a comprehensive skill set. Emphasize your proficiency in various labor tasks, collaboration with teams and dedication to ensuring a productive work environment, alongside personal traits such as adaptability, problem-solving and a commitment to delivering outstanding work.
Select an appropriate general laborer cover letter template

Explore a range of cover letter styles, from classic to contemporary, to find a template that aligns with the role and with your career story. For general labor professionals, we recommend keeping it simple.
Keep your introductory paragraph short and to the point

Capture the employer’s attention with a brief opening paragraph that offers a glimpse of your qualifications as a general labor professional. Avoid overwhelming the reader with excessive details and focus on introducing yourself as a candidate with enthusiasm and relevant general labor qualifications.
Write detailed body paragraphs

The body paragraphs serve as the substance of your cover letter. Provide detailed examples of your general labor experience, highlighting how your skills align with the responsibilities of the role. This is also the ideal space to showcase any specialized practices or areas in which you excel in the general labor industry.
Ensure proper formatting

Pay attention to the formatting of your cover letter to convey professionalism. Choose an appropriate font style and size, and maintain 1-inch margins throughout the document. Double-check line spacing to ensure a polished presentation that complements the substance of your cover letter.

Resources to help prepare for your interview

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Hailey Brophy is an experienced writer with a diverse career in digital publication. She is passionate about using her unique skills and experiences to help job seekers find the information that they need to succeed.