Quite simply, all you need is attention to detail and a professional approach. As a recruiter for more than ten years, I have seen my fair share of resumes and cover letters, and I have come across some shockers in my time!

It is not difficult to put together a presentable and impressive job application if you apply the appropriate level of care and take the time.

Here are some key tips* -

DO ....

* Spell the name of your prospective employer correctly! Trust me - if you get this wrong, you won't stand a chance!

* A general grammar and spell check. These small things are easy to miss and there is no greater turn-off for a prospective employer than spelling and grammatical mistakes littered throughout a resume and cover letter.

* Send the correct version of your resume and cover letter to the right role, as you

may need to have a different version of your resume and cover letter for each position you apply for. This is called tailoring.

* Have all the relevant supporting documentation accompanying the resume. Certain industries require an academic transcript and a verified copy generally will suffice. If your job application is not complete, you can be almost guaranteed that you will not be chased for the missing documents.

* Keep your language concise and relevant. Use industry terminology where appropriate.

* Promote yourself in the resume. You are your best advocate. However make sure you can back this up - especially if you are asked to elaborate anything in an interview.

DON'T ...

* Use too many different colours, bright fonts or fancy formatting as this can distract from the substance of the resume, and put off the person reading it. Keep it clean and professional.

* Write an essay. Keep your cover letter to one page in length, and use bullet-points generously throughout your resume as they are easier to read.

* Forget to place your contact details in both your cover letter and resume, including a landline and mobile number, and even better, specify your preferred hours of contact.

- Mimi Fong is the managing director of Amicas Global

Excerpts taken from the Amicas Global Guide to Resume Drafting