Your resume and cover letter are the two most essential elements of searching for a job that will either get you a job interview, or a rejection letter. They are your introduction to your potential employer and when the employer finishes reading your resume, he or she will know whether or not you are going to be contacted for an interview. It is the resume and cover letter that are the keys to job search success.

With the current down turn in the economy, jobs have become increasingly more competitive. Your resume must stand apart from all of the others in the resume pile. If you are currently out of work and looking for a new job, or you are tired of your current job and are seeking a change, creating a stellar resume is a key factor to getting the job of your dreams.

A resume should contain your newest skills, education, and experience. It should also be professional, well organized, and accurate. Make sure you note any awards, certificates, community awards and experience, and job promotions. As well, you can tailor all of your skills, experiences, and education, to fit the job in which you are applying. You should note any conferences and work shops you completed, which includes leadership and management training. Remember, an employer only wants to see what is relevant to the position that you are seeking.

A resume is your best tool to finding a better job and a well-written resume makes all the difference in getting a call for a job interview. Because employers receive hundreds of resumes, a poor or unprofessional resume will only result in missed career opportunities. Poor Grammar and spelling mistakes, poor organization, irrelevant information, and poorly structured and formatted resumes, will not impress an employer. You should also know what makes a valuable employee to the company and if you are qualified for the job which you are applying. Employers are busy and do not want to read resumes that have nothing to do with the position.

In your cover letter, make sure you state the position in which you are applying and important points that will cause the employer to want to read through the resume. Many times, a poor cover letter will result in the employer tossing the entire resume in the waste basket. A professional cover letter will give you a competitive edge over the other resumes that do not have a cover letter. Cover letters are supposed to draw attention to your most important qualities that will make you a valuable employee.

It is important to follow up a couple of weeks after you submit a resume if you do not hear from the company. If there is no email, address, or a phone number listed, you should not contact them.

The resume and cover letter are essential tools to getting the job interview. It is vital to sell your qualifications and talents. It is essential to emphasize your education, skills, work experiences, and achievements. A well-written and well-rounded resume will play a major role in securing your dream job.