Contrary to what you may read from some of your Google searches, the cover letter isn’t dead. In fact, it is the second most important document after your resume, and it can be the difference in whether or not you get a response for the job or internship that you’ve always wanted.

If you ever see “optional” next to a cover letter submission button, just pretend like it’s not. Every time you choose not to add a cover letter to your application, you’re missing out on a chance to highlight your unique skill set, distinguish yourself from other applicants, and help provide a personal touch to your application.

If you’re reading this and the thought of writing a cover letter is stressing you out—take a deep breath,  keep calm, and read on to learn how you can craft a great cover letter.

Step 1: Format the Document  

The overall format of your cover letter is simple (it’s in the name.) Just like an email or letter you’d send in the mail, put the address and contact information of the potential employer at the top of the document, like this:

Date
Hiring Manager’s Name
Company Address
City, State, Zip

This information should be preceded by the heading of your letter, which should have your contact information. To see variations in cover letter designs, check out the cover letter templates in Microsoft Word to add style or designs if you wish.

Don’t go too crazy with graphics though, neat and professional is key as you don’t want to distract the reader from the content itself. In addition, stay between 0.5-1 inch margins and keep your font simple and readable.

Step 2: Introduce Yourself

Your first paragraph should contain the following basic information:

• What job are you applying for?
• Where did you find this job?
• If you were referred (if you weren’t don’t mention this)

On top of this basic information, try to hook the reader with an attention grabbing sentence that clearly shows your interest and why you think you are a qualified fit for the company and role.

Step 3: What Can You Do For The Company?

The second paragraph is all about you! You are more than just your resume, and a cover letter is your chance to tell the hiring manager stories about how you’ve applied your skills and experience in the past, and how they are relevant to the duties of the role you’re applying to.

For example, imagine you worked at a fast food chain. The demands of this fast-paced environment taught you how to balance multiple obligations under pressure while simultaneously providing outstanding customer service. Translated to a service representative role, you can say that you can work with multiple clients at once without sacrificing quality customer service.  

This is a example of recognizing your transferable skills. Showcasing and highlighting these skills are especially important when applying to internships or—for you recent graduates—your first job.

Don’t back down from an internship or a job just because you may not have direct experience. When it comes to cover letters, it’s all about making your relevant experience count!

For a bonus, use words from the company’s actual job posting description. This part of your cover letter is a great opportunity to brag a little bit and showcase your accomplishments and skills. Make sure you don’t repeat the information found in your resume–your cover letter is an extension of your resume, not a copy.

Step 4: Why Do You Want To Work Here?

The answer to this question is not ”I want to get paid.” It’s also not “This company can do ________ for me.” For example, don’t say  you want to work at Microsoft because it’s going to look great on your resume. This is your opportunity to show that you’ve researched the company and the position you’re applying for.

Your cover letter should be tailored specifically for the job, and it shouldn’t look like a generic cover letter that you’ve sent en masse to every other company. This is a chance to make a lasting impression on the recruiter. Show them that you know about their company, the industry, and what makes them stand out. Of course you should really want to work there! Check out the company website and read their mission statement.

Are you passionate about what they are doing? Were they in the news for something you thought was great? Is there something unique about the company or its culture that makes you excited? Use this paragraph to mention what you like about the company and why it makes you excited to work there.

Step 5: Your Conclusion

These are the credits to your masterpiece; it’s your call to action. Add a sentence about how you would really be interested in working here and would like to speak more about how you can help. Your call to action is bringing up the next step that you want to see happen—an interview.

Make sure to thank the hiring manager for taking the time to read your letter. While screening applicants is part of their job,  hiring managers are human too, and a little bit of and acknowledgement can go a long way.

Example of a Conclusion:

I believe that my skills are a great match for what you are seeking for this position. My enclosed resume will provide more details about my skills and accomplishments. I am very flexible and welcome an interview at your earliest convenience. I may be reached by phone or email at example@email.com. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you (hiring manager’s name) for your time.

Step 6: Edit, Edit, Edit!

Before you hit submit, make sure you look over everything you have written. Make sure your cover letter is clearly written and free of any grammatical errors or spelling mistakes. Don’t be afraid to have another set of eyes look over it either.

Ask a friend or see if your university’s career center offers the service. If you are not a university student, don’t fret, there are plenty of professional editors online that can edit your work such as LinkedIn or Monster.com.

So as you apply for internships or jobs this year, arm yourself with a great cover letter that gives employers a clear picture of who you are, the skills you bring to the company, and why you’d be a great fit. This is your chance to let the company get to know you as a person and highlight areas that aren’t visible on your resume.