It’s a good time to be a job seeker: U.S. job growth is strong, unemployment is on a steady decline, and openings are at an all-time high. That doesn’t make the search any less daunting. Differentiating yourself from every other job seeker on the market is no small feat, and the monotony of filling out online applications can make the task downright exhausting. That’s where a killer cover letter comes in. 

Done right, a great cover letter is like a secret weapon for catching a hiring manager’s attention. Next to your resume, it’s one of the most important, underutilized tools at your disposal.

Time.com has created a five-point checklist to ensure your cover letter is executing on all cylinders and putting you ahead of your competition:

Personalize – Every cover letter you write should be tailored to the job you’re applying for – just like your resume. Study the job posting carefully, and make a quick list of essential qualifications

Tell a Story – To grab a recruiter’s attention, a good narrative – with a killer opening line – is everything

Use Bullet Points to Show Impact – Hiring managers are usually slammed with applications, so short, quick cover letters are preferable to bloated ones.

Highlight Culture Fit – It’s often overlooked, but a major function of the cover letter is to show a company how well you’d mesh with their culture

End with an Ask – The goal of a cover letter is to convince the person reading it to make the next move in the hiring process – with a phone call, interview, or otherwise. Ending on a question opens that door without groveling for it.

Once you’ve taken the time to craft a great resume and cover letter, the hard part is over. Partner with AccruePartners, a team of subject matter experts who know the market, have connections and can find you the perfect opportunity that matches your skillset. Let us do the heavy lifting!