Cover letters are a constant struggle for many job seekers today. So much emphasis is placed on the importance of cover letters that job candidates simply choke and ruin a perfect opportunity to set themselves apart from the dozens (if not hundreds) of other candidates.

As a motivated job seeker, it’s important to follow these great tips to use your cover letter strategically.

#1 – Keep Your Focus Firmly Planted

You should have one very narrowly defined goal with your cover letter. It’s easy to get swept away by the enormity of the job search process. However, if you focus on writing one killer cover letter for every job type you apply for, you’ll be able to make it personable, specific to the job at hand, and relevant to the position for which you are applying. This will go a long way towards helping you achieve the eventual goal of landing the job you seek.

#2 – Present Accomplishments as Benefits

It’s up to you to use the cover letter as an opportunity to “toot your own horn.” You’re the only one who can do it and this may be your best chance to become memorable enough to warrant a long hard look (or in this case interview). Let them know what you’ve accomplished already and turn it around so that they know how it can benefit them as a business.

Be specific and explain how your accomplishments can benefit them in the future. Don’t leave it open-ended and hope they’ll draw the right conclusion. Set the stage, tell the story, sink the hook, and then reel them in. Don’t leave out any of the important steps though or you risk letting the big one get away.

# 3  – Note Your Strengths

Your cover letter is the most appropriate place for you to do this. Believe it or not, however, by doing this you’ll be in a very small percentage of job candidates. This gives you a slight advantage before your cover letter has even been opened—much less read. The problem with cover letters is that they are still such a small, albeit important, opportunity to show perspective employers the best there is about you and what you have to offer them.

It’s not a matter of writing the most inventive cover letter, having a bigger imagination, or even following a certain template for your cover letter that will make all the difference in the world. When it comes to your cover letter, the one thing that matters most is that you offer honest insights into who you are today and what you have to offer their company right away. When you accomplish that in your cover letter, it’s a combination that’s difficult for a savvy business owner to ignore.

Enjoy a previous post on successful job hunting here. If you are looking for more temp jobs in Chicago, contact Davis Staffing Today!