A covering letter is now considered a must for any job application.  It is your first impression, first chance to sell yourself and can make or break your chances of progressing to interview.  Here are a list of important things that you should look to include in your covering letter:

10 Covering Letter Hints and Tips - What to include:

1.  The hint is in the title - LETTER.  It should take on the form, style and visual effect of a letter.  Include standard features such as addresses, names, contact numbers etc.  Keep the letter formal and concise.

2.  Get to the point.  Say why you are applying, the reason you are interested in the role and company and why your skills make you the most desireable candidate.

3.  Tailor each covering letter to each individual job.  Recruiters can spot copy and paste attempts, and have a keen eye for recycled "standard template" applications.  A good covering letter can embody standard features, but personalise them to you and the job you want.

4.  Know the name of the person you are writing to.  Not only does it show a level of research, but it also makes the covering letter more person.  To 'Whom It May Concern' and 'Dear Sir/Madam' are to be avoided.  Most company websites or corporate brochures/leaflets list a direct person to contact.

5.  Print the letter off and mail it together with the rest of your application rather than email (if possible or unless otherwise specified).

6.  Keep in mind when writing your covering letter that it should be a demonstration of why you want the job.  Your CV tells the recruiter your skills and qualifications, this is your opportunity to demonstrate your desire to fulfill the role.

7.  Keep it limited to one page.  Avoid waffly pointless content, repeating yourself or information contained in your CV.  Be concise, direct and convincing.  Resist begging.

8.   Spelling and grammar checks are vitally important.  Get someone else to read through it before sending, and at the least allow a word processing program to check it for obvious errors.

9.  Encourage the recruiter to interview you with loaded content.  This can be done by referring in your letter to your willingness to expand upon your suitability, applicable skills, experience and qualifications at the interview stage.

10.  Have professional contacts?  Inform the recruiter that you could bring these contacts and their knowledge with you for the benefit of the firm.

Your CV/Resume is the key to getting an interview. You could well be the best candidate for the job, but if what's written down in black and white isn't up to scratch, you might as well not bother. Here are 10 things you should have on your resume / cv - so check yours, and don't let basic errors stop you from getting your dream job!

1.  Resist titling with the words 'Curriculum Vitae' or 'Resume'.  This is obvious to any recruiter - use this space to insert your name clearly.

2.  Include contact details where you can actually be contacted.  Use appropriate and active email addresses and phone numbers you don't mind being called on.

3.  Gaps in employment?  Fill them with information about voluntary work undertaken, or having taken the opportunity to travel etc.  Don't leave it blank and open to awkward questions.

4.  If you have included a covering letter, consider whether a personal profile section is necessary should you have one as an opening to your CV or resume.

5.  Include only the most relevant education and achievements for the job you are applying for.  Don't waste the recruiters time with pointless information that will be overlooked in any event.

6.  Emphasise skills such as I.T., languages or niche interests that you believe make you stand out.

7.  If your CV looks crowded to you, then it will to a potential employer as well.  Keep it concise, relevant to the job you are applying for an under 2 pages long.

8.  Never include a photo (unless a model of course!), you will risk being judged on looks rather than your skills.

9.  Talk yourself up if you have achieved something of note.  Resist making a meal of something that isn't all that impressive, as if tested in interview, you will be exposed.

10.  Resist including information that isn't relevant such as date of birth, marital status - you should aim to get judged on the merits of your experience and skills.