A generic cover letter that could be sent to any company rarely helps an application, and it can sometimes hurt it by signaling a lack of genuine interest in the specific role.
The strongest cover letters open with a specific, relevant reason for interest in the role or company, rather than a generic opening line about being 'excited to apply.' Reference something concrete: a project the company is known for, a challenge the role is clearly meant to solve, or a specific alignment between your background and their needs.
The body of the letter should not repeat the CV. Instead, use it to tell a short, focused story that demonstrates one or two of your strongest, most relevant achievements in more narrative detail than bullet points allow.
Close with a confident, specific statement about what you would bring to the role, rather than a passive request to "be considered." A cover letter is your chance to add context the CV cannot provide — use it deliberately.