A good cover letter layout is extremely important in the job search. Besides the subject line of your application and your name, this is the first thing employers see when evaluating your resume. A lot of people actually overlook the importance of a cover letter and focus on just their resume. However a cover letter is a way for a potential employer to view a summary of your qualifications, why you want the job and why you are good enough candidate to continue to view your resume. Pooch the cover letter and you are fighting an uphill battle in the competitive job market. In fact yo uare now competing against the candidate who know how to write a great cover letter. Are you having trouble writing a good cover letter? This article will provide 4 tips on cover letter layouts  and resume writing to help land that job.

Cover Letter Layout Tips: Address Your Cover Letter Email Properly

Whenever possible try and get the name of hr person (s) in charge of reviewing the applicants. This is easier to do for small companies or based on a referal. However the generic "To Whom This May Concern" is too generic and should probably be reserve for your recommendations. If you can at least get the interviewers or HR persons last name, you can show initiative and stand a better chance of getting your resume looked at. Consider using, "Dear Sir or Madam" instead. This may seem like mere semantics but every inch helps in the competitive job market.

Cover Letter Layout Tips #2: Stick the Job Description in Your Cover Letter Email

No, not literally copy and paste the job description. However a nice little secret is to pepper in the terms used in the job description and qualifications in your cover letter and in your resume. Some places used automated systems to filter applications based on their word density in your resume vs the job function/description. If you really want stand a strong chance at getting that interview, try and include terminology from the job description and relate it to your past experience as you summarize your qualifications.

Cover Letter Layout Tips #3: Spell Check Your Cover Letter Email

Misspellings and bad grammar are red flags in the application process. Be sure to spell check your cover letter before applying. You want to put your best foot forward and give yourself the best chance at getting looked at as a potential candidate. The job market is tough, but you don't have to make it even tougher on yourself by not taking a little extra time to make sure you used the word "effect" and "affect" correctly. Take your time and look for jobs your really want in addition to jobs that pay the bills. Your job is out there, don't limit your chances by not taking a little extra time to use MS Office's spell check.

Cover Letter Layout Tips #4: Include Your Phone Number in Your Cover Letter Email

Make it easy for a potential employer to contact you. Include you telephone number in your cover letter email. Don't just say "Thank You" and leave your name. You want your cover letter to say "I'm perfect for this job call me now." Whether or not you include your phone number in the cover letter email isn't make or break. However remember we want to give ourselves the best shot at landing our next job.

Conclusion: Your Cover Letter Email Layout Is Just The First Step

Your cover letter is an important piece to the puzzle, however more important is having a stellar resume. A strong resume, doesn't necessarily have to be strong based of your experience in some cases. Your resume can highlight your management skills, problem-solving capability and your growth in your role and your career. Most people find trouble conveying their strengths in their resume because they haven't updated it in a long time or were unexpectedly displaced. If you want strong resume writing guide to help you make your resume stand out from the crowd I recommend that you click here.

Cover Letter Layout.