Cover Letters - How personalized?

I decided to focus on the quality of cover letters to stand out more due to various circumstances. I was just curious to know how personalized I should get when writing a CL. Also, should I set aside a sentence or two to offer my best wishes to the the hiring manager (e.g. I hope you’re faring well during these trying times)?

 

Aaleon

My effort feels personally attacked

No that's a generic criticism. This is a personal attack:

"YOUR MOTHER WAS A HAMSTER AND YOUR FATHER SMELT OF ELDERBERRIES!"

The only difference between Asset Management and Investment Research is assets. I generally see somebody I know on TV on Bloomberg/CNBC etc. once or twice a week. This sounds cool, until I remind myself that I see somebody I know on ESPN five days a week.
 

Lots of entry level jobs don’t require a cover letter. But, I’ve written one for a CFO position where I laid out the market and strategic direction of the company. It got me an interview with the CEO. It really depends on the situation.

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 
Aaleon

(e.g. I hope you're faring well during these trying times)?

Don’t say this phrase, especially the ‘trying times.’ Always speak in a positive manner when communicating. 

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

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