Your résumé should be specific to the job you are applying for. Employers want to know if you are qualified and experienced for that specific job, so you will want to show them why you are skilled right up front. It is probably not a good idea to be “cheeky,” sarcastic or humourous. After all, you are asking an employer to invest significant time and money by choosing you over many other similarly qualified people. Save the fact that you are "cool" for your new colleagues after you get the job.

As a student with just a few years of experience, you should keep your résumé to one page (two pages should be the absolute maximum).

This is a biggy...there is no better way to demonstrate your attention to detail than providing a prospective employer with a grammatically perfect résumé. On the flip side, mistakes on your résumé hurt your credibility. Also, be sure to keep the language clear and simple. If you draft it yourself, have someone with excellent writing skills do an editorial review and a careful proofread.

You should customize the résumé to match the stated requirements of the job that you are applying for, without being misleading. Review and analyze the job advertisement carefully. Look for, and itemize the key qualifications, skills and abilities the employer is seeking. Then identify certain key words that are usually repeated throughout the ad. When possible, research and study the company's web site, and weave the themes and terms found there into your résumé and cover letter.

Use a crisp, clean, simple presentation format for a professional looking résumé. Just a bit of simple line work and/or shading, done with standard word processing software will do the trick. If you don't think you can produce a simple and professional looking résumé, then find someone who can help you.

Focus on your most recent and relevant experience related to the position you are applying for. You may want to eliminate or summarize less relevant and/or dated experience.

If you lie or “creatively” exaggerate on your résumé, chances are you will get caught eventually. Besides, do you really want to get a job based on a lie(s) and then have to live in fear of eventually being found out? It will also be awfully hard to get a reference from that employer after you leave or get dismissed.

When an employer advertises a job, it usually comes with a set of instructions about how to apply for that specific position...you should follow those instructions exactly. Following instructions is something your employer will want you to do once you are hired, so it is best to start off on the right foot.

You will want to take steps to make sure you résumé and cover letter get to the person who will be making decisions about the position you are applying for. Address your résumé and cover letter properly (also on the cover envelope) and ensure you have the proper address, e-mail or fax number. If you are mailing the document, you may want to pay for a tracking service, like Express Post.

Don't use your cover letter to repeat what is already detailed in your résumé. It is a cover letter. Your cover letter should be short and to the point. Introduce yourself first, and then briefly summarize why you believe that you have the qualifications and experience to fulfill the duties of the position better than anyone else. Express enthusiasm about the job and the company. Close by stating how you are looking forward to hearing from them soon, and that you will follow-up if necessary.