The lack of a proper business format and knowing when to indent and double space are common mistakes on cover letters.

Use the acceptable right and left margins of 0.75 to 1. Also, add an additional amount of flair to your letter by using the same font, margins, and header as your resume. Check out Ready Aim Hired for more tips such as these.

“Think creatively about how you can meet the needs of your family as well as your employer,” said Bill Temple, Senior Executive Client Campaign Consultant at SC&C. “With today’s technology, an 8am to 5pm day at the office is getting significant competition from telecommuting and flex schedules.”

Negotiating flexible scheduling, part-time employment, and/or the ability to work from home will be much easier with a company that claims to want to allow employees equal time for work and life obligations.

You should be collecting information about the company and forming your negotiation strategy as you are going through the interview process.

By being prepared you will most likely reduce negotiation time and receive a significant amount more than accepting their initial offer. For more tips on how to have a successful job search, log on to Stewart, Cooper & Coon, Inc.

Keywords and phrases specific to a particular industry or profession should be sprinkled throughout your resume in order to establish your knowledge and value.

“We all have skills and experiences that convey our credibility to employers,” said Fred Coon, CEO of Stewart, Cooper & Coon Inc. “The hard part is analyzing yourself to figure out what they are. Don’t be afraid to ask colleagues for their help on this.”

Let your areas of skill be the foundation for incorporating your accomplishments and keywords, thereby building an effective resume.

You will probably have dozens of rejections from potential employers before you land a position. This constant barrage of negative responses can have a damaging effect on even the most optimistic person.

“When you don’t get a response from a resume or interview, it’s okay to take a few moments to mourn the loss of an opportunity,” said Judy Reeves, Executive Career Consultant at Stewart, Cooper and Coon, Inc. “However, you must then boost yourself back up by believing that there is something better waiting for you.”

Keep in mind that not matching a certain company's criteria doesn't mean you're not worthy. You're still a talented professional with the ability to contribute a wealth of knowledge and ideas.