While the Internet is full of helpful cover letter tips, most advice is generic – use good grammar, show off your strengths, etc. This information is helpful, but will it really make your cover letter stand out? A cover letter could make all the difference in getting you hired and for this to happen it will need to be more than just generic.

Craft a cover letter that not only follows proper etiquette, but also demonstrates your competency for the job with these golden rules:

1. Don’t ramble.

When re-reading your cover letter ask yourself: ‘Would I stay interested reading this?’ If your own cover letter doesn’t get you excited then it sure isn’t going to spark the interest of an employer. Try cutting out everything that is repetitive or unnecessary and replacing it with material designed to hook your reader.

2. Don’t Summarize Your Resume.

Employers ask for both resumes and cover letters for a reason. They each serve a different purpose. A cover letter is your chance to shine. Use it to convince the reader why you’re perfect for the apartment job you want.

If you want to work in leasing, don’t just list your relevant skills. Instead, paint a picture of how your skills, passion, and determination combine to make you a leasing professional who gets the job done.

3. Do make it specific.

One of the biggest cover letter turnoffs for employers is a letter that could apply to almost any apartment job. A generic cover letter tells employers you aren’t willing to put in the effort to write something unique. It also suggests you may not truly want the position.

On the other hand, showing how your strengths match the job requirements will make a strong impression. It can put you one step closer to your first day working at a new property.

4. Do Finish with a Closer

While your entire cover letter should be designed to convince an employer why you are right for a job, the very end of your letter should close the deal. A simple summary sentence—something short and sweet—that drives home the way you would benefit the hiring employer, will leave them with a good impression.

The most persuasive cover letters don’t just sell your skills. They clearly communicate how you will benefit an employer and why you deserve the job. Employers don’t want to read the same standard cover letter again and again. They want to know why they should hire you. Your cover letter is your chance to show them by following these four golden rules.