Most hiring managers are busy individuals who have a lot on their plate even before the hiring process begins. They have to juggle multiple responsibilities and when it is time to bring new talent on board, they must find a way to balance the recruitment process with their ongoing tasks. To make the process efficient and smooth, hiring managers sometimes collaborate with recruiters or human resource officials. They share a list of attributes and desired skills and the recruiter or HR representative screens the applicants using their resumes, cover letters, referral documents, and social media profiles or through screening interviews.

As someone who has been a hiring manager for 16 years, I have reviewed thousands of cover letters. While most of them have been dull, some have been captivating and inspired me to take a closer look at the candidates. To help you stand out from the crowd and land your dream job, I recommend the following 8 tips for crafting the best cover letter:

1. Read the Application Guidelines
Before crafting your cover letter, carefully read the guidelines or application instructions thoroughly to understand what the employer is looking for. Some positions may require you to document relevant experience, while others expect you to detail how you might approach your initial 90 days with the company. There is no such thing as a standard cover letter, so read the guidelines and tailor your application accordingly.

2. Avoid Making the Letter All About You
While it’s natural to want to highlight your accomplishments, your cover letter should not be solely about you. Strike a balance between telling the recruiter who you are and what you can bring to the table in relation to the company’s needs.

3. Acknowledge Why You’re Interested in the Company, Not Just the Position
Culturally-aware recruiters want to hire people who have a genuine interest in the company’s mission, not just the vacant position. Companies have put a higher premium on mission-alignment than they do on talent because they want to hire someone who will buy into their vision, and not just look for a job. You should also speak to how you believe you can be an asset to the company.

4. Speak to What You can Offer the Company
Focus on what you can bring to the organization instead of just reciting your accomplishments or work history. If the hiring manager wants a list of accomplishments or work history, they can scan the resume. The cover letter should offer an insight into who you are and how you can add value to their company.

5. Mirror the Company’s Language
Take the time to go through your prospective employer’s website and other materials to get a good sense of the company culture, their values and the way they talk about their work. Once you’ve grasped their vernacular, mirror the phrases and words they use to show that you understand the industry you are seeking to enter, and that you’re worth hiring.

6. Customize Your Letter
Take things a step further and customize your cover letter for the company you’re applying to, so it reflects your personality and attitude. Avoid using a standard template, as this could show a lack of effort and interest; serious candidates who take the time to write good, customized letters will undoubtedly have the upper hand.

7. Copy-Edit Your Letter
Before submitting your cover letter, carefully edit it to ensure that there are no errors that could negatively impact your application. Hiring managers or recruiters reviewing multiple candidates look for quick and easy ways to narrow the applicant pool, and often have to se aside candidates who submit applications with glaring errors. Double-check and proofread your cover letter, to be sure it is clear, focused, and free of errors.

8. Include Contact Information
After crafting a compelling cover letter, ensure that the recruiter can easily contact you. Include your phone number and email address in your signature, so the recruiter will not have to go digging for how to find you, just remember to double-check that you have included the correct contact information!

9. Put the Letter Away for a Day or a Few Hours
Once you’ve finished writing the cover letter, put it away for a day or a few hours before submitting it. Go back and check and be sure that it is clear, easy to read, and well-written. Distance yourself from what you have written to review it more objectively, to see if the tone, message, and language, all meet your expectations.

In conclusion, there is a lot to consider when crafting the perfect cover letter. Remember to exercise a great deal of thought, show attention to detail, and customize your letter for each employer you’re targeting. If you follow these 8 tips, you’ll be several steps ahead of the competition and land your dream job with ease.