You have two master keys that can help you open a possible employer's mind to the fact that you are a likely candidate for a job interview: your resume (often referred to as a curriculum vitae) and the cover letter.

The following ten extremely valuable tips are ideal for any individual who is writing their own resume or has contracted someone to write it for them.

1. Make sure that it is focused and businesslike.

Avoid clever comments and cute graphics: the resume should be specific to the position and professional. You are, after all, endeavoring to convince this employer that you are the best person for the job and well worth any investment. An employer will want to know if you have the appropriate qualifications and experience and if you can actually do the job.

2. If you are writing more than two pages, you have written too much!

If you are a student or a recent graduate, or you only have a few years of experience, your resume should really only be about one page in length. For those with extensive experience, it must never exceed three pages: two is better. If it is really necessary to have more, choose the option of mentioning lists of references "available upon request".

3. Make sure that your word usage and punctuation are perfect.

This is not the place for mistakes as they will undermine your credibility. It is best to keep the language clear and straightforward. When you are drafting your own resume, ask someone who has excellent writing skills to edit it for you. If the resume is to be written by a professional, it is their responsibility to get it right. When in doubt about word usage and punctuation, refer to a guide for assistance.

4. Read between the lines

Take care to customize your resume to fit in with the requisites of specific job, but avoid misleading statements. Study the advertisement carefully, taking note of the key qualifications, skills and abilities that are required. Identify any key words or terms and make sure that your sequence and wording of the points in your resume are in tune with these "corporate terminologies" and "code words". If you can, analyze the company's annual report and website and incorporate the terms and themes used in these in your resume and cover letter.

5. Does the resume look the part?

It is best to opt for a clean and simple presentation format if you want your resume to look professional. Standard word processing software is all that is required to achieve some simple line work or shading. If you don't feel that you can "do it yourself", there are organizations that offer these services, or perhaps a friend can help you out. Professionally presented resumes are not that expensive and are often worth the investment, especially if it gets you the job.

6. What you are doing now is what counts.

Your most recent experience is the most relevant and should be first on the list. You may decide to summarize in point form or even eliminate more outdated experience. Any prospective employer is interested in what you are doing now: your recent experience and how this fits with the job requisites.

7. Honesty is the best policy.

Be truthful in everything that you include in the resume. If you bend the truth, you are most likely to be caught out. Do you really want to get a job based on a lie, or have to worry about the possibility of being found out? It is not a good situation to be in.

8. Follow any instructions given.

Make sure that your resume is in precisely the format that is requested. If it is acceptable to fax or email, then do so: if they ask for it to be mailed, then send it this way. There are always reasons for such requests: usually it is a processing issue. Make sure that regardless of the way it is sent, that you have the correct address to avoid the possibility of the resume going astray.

9. Don't allow your resume to be "missed".

There may be certain conventions that the employer requests: respect them. One example is that the cover letter must include the exact name of the position and when applicable the job number. Other employers may ask that you include the job title and/or number on the envelope. It would be most unfortunate if you were to miss an opportunity for a job interview simply because you couldn't follow instructions.

10. The cover note should be short and sweet.

The cover letter should not repeat what is contained in the resume. It has to be concise and relevant. You should first introduce yourself and provide a brief summary of the reasons why you believe you are the most qualified and experienced person for the position. Indicate your enthusiasm regarding the job and the company before concluding with a statement to the effect that you are anticipating a reply.

This check list can be used when you are preparing your resume and when you are checking it prior to submission.

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