Cover letters are a tricky business. Talking about all your accomplishments without just rehashing your entire résumé while still showing some personality and expressing genuine interest in a specific position is a delicate balance.

The process becomes even more exhausting when you know you have to write a new cover letter for every. single. application. Employers can tell when they’re reading a bland, generic letter sent to a dozen or more companies.

Luckily, most cover letters follow the same basic pattern. It’s actually very easy to use and will help you consistently write a strong cover letter every time.

Step one: create a heading

The heading of your cover letter can be the exact same heading on your résumé, with information such as your name, email, phone number, and current location. This will make things easier for you, but it also keeps your profile consistent and strengthens your personal brand. A win-win!

Step two: address your letter properly

The address of the company to which you are applying will go at the top of the page a line or two under the date. Be sure to take the extra step of including the name of the individual who will review your cover letter!

This will give you an edge by making it look like you did a bit of research into the company and really invested your time in your application. Plus, you’ll be able to use this name when you address the letter, instead of a bland “To whom it may concern” (yuck!).

If you’re having trouble finding the name of a hiring manager or human resources manager online, you can always call the company and simply ask who would be the appropriate person to address in a cover letter.

Step three: begin your cover letter with an introduction

The content of your letter is generally broken down into three sections – which usually amount to about three or four paragraphs. Your first paragraph should serve as a brief introduction and explanation.

This can be just three or four sentences introducing yourself, explaining why you are writing, and telling the employer how you found the job opening.

Keep this part short and sweet but make it memorable. You want your first paragraph to give employers a solid idea of what you’re interested in and why.

For example, an opening like that reads “As an aspiring entrepreneur interested in pursuing the finance industry…” is a much more powerful line than “I am an accounting student who…”

Step four: build on your experiences

The next paragraph or two in your cover letter can go a little more in depth and expand on how your experiences and skillset qualify you as the right person for the job.

This is where you really get to shine. You can use this part of the cover letter to further explain your passion for the field, detail a little backstory if it’s relevant, and elaborate on a couple of the most relevant experiences and skills from your résumé.

Step five: end the letter with gratitude and confidence

The last paragraph of your letter can be short and should generally reiterate your interest in the position, restate your contact information, and thank the reader for their time.

This will likely take up only two-three lines. Along with restating your contact information, you can assure the employer that they are welcome to get in touch with any questions or concerns.

Step six: include a signature

Even though most cover letters are now submitted virtually, you can still incorporate a personal signature to close your letter.

If you are using an e-signature for the first time, simply sign a blank piece of paper and either scan it or take a photo and use a scanning app to download it to your laptop. Once you have the signature on file, you can crop it and resize it to be used for every cover letter you submit.

Taking this extra step is the perfect way to add an extra flair to your letter and shows employers that you put time and effort into your application.

Wrapping it all up

There are lot of things to consider when writing a new cover letter from scratch, but most importantly, remember to showcase your personality and tell your story.

You want the job, but not if the job requires you to change who you are.