Do recruiters and hiring managers really read cover letters? Our resume writing experts hear this question frequently, and the simple answer is yes, they definitely do. A well-crafted cover letter offers a brief and clear insight into the resume and aids recruiters in deciding if it’s worthwhile to look deeper into the job candidate.

But wait. You’ll notice we said something about cover letters done right. Not all of them are, and a bad cover letter can hurt your case more than it helps it. So how can you be sure your cover letter is crafted to get results?

Make it short.

There are four recommendations we’ll offer, and the first is to keep it concise. Remember that the cover letter is a summary of your resume, so it doesn’t need to be as long as the resume itself! What we recommend:

  • Keep it under a page.
  • Write an introductory paragraph, then a paragraph or so of career summary—basically explaining why you’re the right person for the job.
  • Include three or four bullet points, highlighting your biggest career accomplishments.
  • Wrap it up with a conclusion and a signature.

Make it specific.

Remember that classic writing advice, show, don’t tell? This is especially important when writing a cover letter. Instead of just saying you’re dedicated, hard-working, or energetic—those are just overused phrases—provide specific achievements that make you stand out. Include stats and numbers whenever possible. You won’t cover your entire career in the cover letter, but you can highlight a few key accomplishments.

Make it personalized.

Most of the time, you should be able to avoid the general To Whom It May Concern greeting, addressing your cover letter to the specific recruiter you’re meeting with. If you don’t have the name handy, some social media research or a call to the company’s HR department can often give you what you need. Keep it personal if at all possible.

Make it job-specific.

You can’t afford to have just one go-to, generic cover letter in your arsenal. You should be customizing it to fit each position you apply for, honing in on the skill and accomplishments that best fit the job description.