When you arrive for an interview for a job, one of the most important things to make an impression (apart from your turn out, comportment and confidence) is your Resume. There are certain things that one needs to keep in mind when drafting an ideal resume. Once you have your resume sample in place, you can then make modifications in the form of deletions or additions as per any particular requirement. Submitting that perfect resume therefore becomes easy when you already have a generic resume sample in place that highlights all your qualifications, abilities and experience. There are certain dos and don'ts that it pays to keep in mind when preparing your sample resume.

Make it concise: Remember, no one has the time to go through a meandering and longwinded resume; the average time taken to scan a resume (most people will quickly skim through a resume rather than actually read every word and every line) is about 30 seconds. So, if your resume is concise and to the point, you are better able to convey to the reader all that you want to. This is why old fashioned and conventional styles of prose should be avoided. Instead try and convey what you want to by using the minimum number of words; the quickest way to put across to the reader what you want to convey. Flowery language and long words as well as unnecessary verbiage have no place on your resume, save that for some future project where good language will help you create a good impression.

Use requisite technical terminology but avoid unnecessary jargon: You should of course use technical terms and industrial keywords in your resume; it communicates the precise information that you want to get across and also gives the impression that you are fully conversant with technical terminology of your field. Avoid unnecessary use of jargon though; this detracts from the substance of the matter and also seems a bit like showing off, which you should of course, avoid. Buzzwords or current terminology is useful to include because it shows that you are up to date with the advancements made in the particular sphere or space.

Also your future employer does not really want to know about what your hobbies and interests are if they are wholly unrelated to the job at hand. However, include those if relevant or connected. If, for instance you are applying for a position with a recoding label, you may want to talk about your hobbies related to music.

Proof Read: Check and recheck your resume for spelling errors, grammatical mistakes or errors of syntax. It gives a bad impression if an ill-drafted resume littered with mistakes is presented. It gives the feeling of a negligent and unprofessional attitude. If required, have an experienced and knowledgeable co-worker or friend review your resume for you. It is worthwhile to make the extra effort to create a sample resume which gives an impression of professionalism and efficiency.

Many people overlook cover letters. They may even wonder if they really need one. So, DO you really need one? Of course! Cover letters not only tell the hiring manager which position you're applying for, but also provide the first impression of you and your skills. Use it to sell yourself and your skills. So, how do you write an unforgettable cover letter?

Use business writing style. That means use short words, short sentences, and short paragraphs. Make your writing clear, concise, and easy to understand.

Address your cover letter to a specific person. If you don't know who the hiring manager is, find out before you send your letter and resume. The internet is a wonderful tool that you have at your fingertips. Use it to your advantage!

Use the same high quality paper that you write your resume on.

Stick to only one font and size. Use 10, 11, or 12 point Arial or Times New Roman when possible; but, definitely match the font of your cover letter to the font on your resume.

Tailor your cover letter to the specific job you're applying for. This is where you let the hiring manager know which job you're applying for, where you found out about the position, and why you are the best candidate for the job.

Have at least three body paragraphs; the introduction, discussion, and conclusion.

In your introduction, state the position for which you're applying, tell how you found out about it, and ask for consideration for the job. It should be 2-3 sentences.

Your discussion paragraph is 3-5 sentences that explain how you're the best candidate for the job. Focus on skills, education, experience, and character. Mention the good things that your managers and teachers have to say about you.

In your conclusion, restate your interest in the position. Remind the reader of your contact information. You might tell them that you'll initiate follow-up (be sure to make contact if you say you will!). Thank the reader for his or her time.

Remember to sign it! Nine out of ten of my business students forget to sign their cover letters before they turn them in. If you can't remember to sign your name, how will you remember to do your tasks on the job?

Network! If you know someone who works for the company, mention their name in your cover letter. Be sure to ask them if it's all right with them; but if it is, you should use every possible in!

Use adjectives. This is your chance to use lots of specific adjectives to describe yourself. Match them with the ones in the job posting if possible. You are highly motivated, energetic, friendly, outgoing, etc.

Be polite and friendly, but not casual. Remember that you are not writing a letter to your potential employer. They want to know that you will be an excellent employee, but also that you will be easy to work with. The attitude you present in your cover letter tells a lot about you and your personality.

Check for spelling and typing errors. These errors are so easy to fix. However, unless you are an exceptional author, you will have to print out your draft and edit it with a pen. Computers don't know everything, and they won't catch typing errors or other simple mistakes that make you look careless.

I've been teaching college level business writing for the past 5 years. During that time, I've taught hundreds of students how to write effective cover letters. Their drafts are often filled with mistakes that would cause potential employers to throw both their cover letter and resume straight into the trash.
Here is a list of the top ten mistakes made by novice cover letter writers:

1. Spelling and Typing Errors. This simple mistake makes you look careless and/or ignorant, both are cover letter killers.

2. Using Long Paragraphs. Your cover letter must be easy to read, skim, and scan; so, write it in "business style." In other words, use short paragraphs, sentences, and words.

3. Not Matching the Resume. Your cover letter is the introduction to your resume and provides the first impression of you. So, use the same high quality paper that you write your resume on. Also, match the font and style of your resume. You want to create an easy transition between the two.

4. Addressing it "To Whom it May Concern". Do you like getting junk mail that's addressed to "current resident"? Of course not! Neither does the hiring manager of the company you're applying with. Take the time to learn about the company and who does the hiring for them. Then, include their name and title in the cover letter.

5. Writing a Generic Cover Letter. Your cover letter should be tailored to match each specific position that you are applying for. Remember that it tells the hiring manager which position you're applying for; and it is the introduction to you and your resume.

6. Writing Vague Statements. Your cover letter is the place to make yourself stand out from the crowd. Pick specific achievements to highlight. Use lots of specific adjectives to describe yourself. Match them with the ones in the job posting if possible. If they want a "highly motivated and outgoing person," be sure to use those words in your cover letter.

7. Too Short. Most cover letters should be one full page. Many people make them too short because they think that cover letters don't really matter. But, keep in mind that the point of the cover letter is to make the hiring manager want to read your resume. If they don't like your cover letter, they will throw it and your resume in the trash!

8. Too Casual. Remember that you are not writing a letter to your friend, but to your potential employer. Be polite and friendly, but not casual. Use formal business letter style.

9. Using Graphics and Pictures. Do not include any graphics or pictures that might distract the reader

10. Not following up. If you say in your conclusion that you will contact the hiring manager on a specific day and time, make sure you do it! Not following through makes you look irresponsible. Who would hire an irresponsible employee? I hope these tips will help you write a cover letter that will get you noticed. But, if it seems too hard to write a quality cover letter, let me WRITE FOR YOU. I'll write a cover letter and resume that will make you stand out in the crowd. My writing service is both professional and affordable.