Before you send off your cover letter and résumé, take a minute to make sure you are making the best impression.

Your résumé and cover letter are usually your first impression. You don't get a second chance to make a first impression so make it a good one. These checklists will help you make sure your résumé and cover letter are doing the job.

Résumé

• No more than one page.
• Your objective matches the job.
• Use bullets and indents to make your résumé easy to read.
• Use a functional résumé if your experience does not match the job.
• Your work experience goes back 10 years and includes any other relevant experience beyond that date.
• In each work experience, you have included the skills applicable to this job.
• Use action verbs like "handled," "repaired," or "reconciled."
• Include volunteer or unpaid experience that is pertinent to the job.
• Check for spelling and typographical errors.
•  Your telephone number or e-mail is on the résumé in case it gets separated from your cover letter.

Cover letter

• Keep it short.
• Address it to a specific person.
• Use bullet points where possible.
• Use a conversational tone rather than big words.
• Go easy on the use of "I" or "me" by restating sentences where necessary.
• Check for spelling and typographical errors.
• Focus on what the company needs and explain how you can help.
• Don't restate your résumé. Instead summarize, explain or show how skills in another type of job apply.
• Explain any gaps in employment or other questions that might be raised.
• Follow up.