Finding that next edge when competing for a job can be difficult; what you may already know — but may have put to the side — is just how important a cover letter can be.

A cover letter accompanies your resume and/or job application and gets sent directly to the person filling the position. It's a chance for you to give more details about yourself and your skills.

According to the Online Writing Lab at Purdue University, the cover letter "is the first document an employer sees, so it is often the first impression you will make." This first impression could be your last if they decide not to look at your attached resume to even consider you as a potential employee.

So take the time to sit down and write that cover letter. Need some ideas on what to do? Here are five tips that will not only help you write a cover letter, but succeed and potentially land that career you've been craving.

Don't repeat your resume

Cover letters help introduce why you are a good candidate for the company. You may wonder, isn't that what your resume is for? Yes and no. Your cover letter should describe in-depth what the employers said they were seeking in a candidate, and how you fit into that company.

If you apply for a position in accounting, you wouldn't highlight in your cover letter how great you are at customer service. You'd explain, for example, your love of numbers and how you frequently have helped others file their taxes.

Know the company

Just as you should know how you fit into what the company is asking for in their job posting, you should also know how you fit into the company as a whole.

The Owl at Purdue University says you'll be able to impress prospective employers "learn more about the company itself — and what they value."

If the company you are applying to values trust and honesty, you may want to include a short example of how you've been honest in a workplace, and what it means to you as a person. Standing out is all about putting yourself and your attributes out there, and aligning them to the prospective company.

Show your best cards first

Contrary to the belief of "not showing all of your cards," in the game of job hunting not only should you show your cards, but elaborate on your best cards, or skills, first.

When you present your best skills first, a job recruiter may not even need to read the rest of your cover letter before they add your resume to the pile to look at further. Better yet, they may be more interested in your resume and take the time right then to peruse your other business accomplishments. Putting your best assets first could place you ahead of the game.

Keep it short

While it's best to highlight your strengths, employers don't have time to wade through a book of your successes and why you are good for their company.

Think hard about what positive strengths you have that will contribute to the company and highlight those. Save the rest for the interview process, and the awards section on your resume.

Three main paragraphs (one page maximum) will do wonders. Let your concise work speak for you. You'll be surprised at how much you can say about yourself in a confined amount of space. This, however, is only accomplished when thought out and revised. Don't expect to write a perfect cover letter in 10 minutes.

Focus on organization and grammar

The importance of organization and correct grammar is not lost in the business world. A lack of organization in your letter could mean you are disorganized in other parts of your work. A mistake in spelling could show an employer you are too lackadaisical in your work to care about the details.

Make sure to include your contact information, their contact information, and maintain good paragraph format. Include your conclusion and proper salutation.

Go back and proofread your letter, even after a few days. Fresh eyes can help spot mistakes you may not have seen after reading it the same day. Even better, ask a friend to read through you letter to see if they can find any mistakes. After that, your cover letter should be golden.

Take these tips to heart and you may find that your next cover letter has landed you an interview.

Now put your skills to the test by visiting KSL Jobs to find thousands of job opportunities waiting for someone like you.

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