As a job seeker, you should not overlook the importance of a cover letter. When strategically written, it increases your chances of being considered and provides an opportunity to highlight your individuality.

A cover letter is much more than saying, “I’ve read the job ad on ABC Job Board, please accept this letter as a request for interest.” It is a statement that tells the reader what to expect from you if you are hired, while also providing the 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 would add substance to your qualifications?

Keep in mind that the resume and the cover letter have different purposes. A resume demonstrates that you can do the job, highlights your past accomplishments, while a cover letter points out 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 provides another opportunity to showcase your experience and qualifications.

The basics of the cover letter can be mastered by following the tips below.

Sell! Sell! Sell!

A cover letter is more than just a business letter; It’s a sales letter. Start with a strong presentation, present the benefits you offer, and establish credibility by showing your accomplishments.

Write while you talk.

Use a professional conversational tone, but sound like a real person wrote it. Many people fall into the trap of using long words to communicate and the writing turns out to be forced. Instead, write in a direct way that will entice the reader to review the 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 the most sentences with a powerful word. Don’t use a passive voice. Since it’s a cover letter, it will be impossible to avoid using “I” as a sentence start from time to time, but be aware of its usage and limit it to a few. If you have four sentences in a row that begin with the letter “I,” mix them up.

Don’t repeat your resume.

Be creative when presenting your grades and achievements. You don’t want to bore the reader by simply repeating the information you included in your resume. Find different ways to communicate the same message. The best way to do this is by selecting three to five important 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 just as much consideration as a resume.