As a job seeker, you shouldn’t overlook the importance of a cover letter. When you write strategically, you increase your chances of being considerate and provide an opportunity to highlight your individuality.

A cover letter is much more than just saying, “I read the job posting on ABC Job Board, please accept this letter as an application for interest.” It is a statement that tells the reader what to expect from you if you are hired, while also giving you reasons why you are interested in working specifically for your organization.

The challenging part is determining what information to include. After all, all the juicy information is described in the resume. What could you add to the cover letter that adds substance to your qualifications?

Keep in mind that the resume and the letter serve different purposes. A resume shows that you can get the job done, highlights your past accomplishments, while a cover letter outlines how well you meet the job requirements for a specific company and how you will fit in.

A well-written letter gives you an edge over your competition because it gives you another opportunity to show your experience and qualifications.

Cover letter basics can be mastered by following the tips below.

To sell! To sell! To sell!

A cover letter is more than just a business letter; it is a sales letter. Start with a solid introduction, design the benefits you offer, and establish credibility by showing your accomplishments.

Write as you speak.

Use a professional conversational tone, but sound like it was written by a real person. Many people fall into the trap of using big words to communicate and writing is forced. Instead, write in a simple way that entices the reader to review your resume. The words you choose should demonstrate enthusiasm for the position, the company, and the industry.

Write from the reader’s perspective.

Action words should not be reserved for the resume. Start as many sentences with one powerful word. Don’t use a passive voice. Since it is a cover letter, it will be impossible to avoid using “I” as a sentence starter from time to time, but be aware of its use and limit it to a few. If you have four sentences in a row that start with the letter “I”, mix them up.

Don’t repeat your resume.

Be creative when presenting your qualifications and achievements. You don’t want to bore the reader by simply repeating the information you included on your resume. Find different ways to communicate the same message. The best way to do this is by selecting three to five main selling points and highlighting them in the body of the cover letter. Doing so will entice the reader to do more than just take a look at your resume.

You must use all the tools at your disposal to secure an interview. Specific cover letters add to your portfolio of qualifications and deserve as much consideration as a resume.