What is one factor that can make the difference between a job seeker being notified that he or she is being asked to schedule an interview and that same job seeker receiving a form letter that says, "Thanks, but no thanks"? What might be the difference between receiving a letter that indicates that the firm to which one has applied is interested in meeting the job seeker in the flesh, as opposed to opening a letter that states, "...while we do not feel that your qualifications are in consonance with those required for the advertised position, we will keep your resume on file"?

One essential factor in terms of applying for a new job or attempting to rise in the ranks of one's present place of employment is the all-important resume and the accompanying resume cover letter. Without these essential documents, the attempt to land a job is virtually impossible.

A well-written resume cover letter and a properly constructed, professional resume are generally the first contacts between the job aspirant and the employer. They are formal introductions which often dictate whether or not the applicant will be invited for an interview. Just as an individual who is applying for a job in person would not appear in a sweat suit and sneakers, neither should he or she submit a resume and a resume cover letter that have the written appearance of careless, weekend apparel.

How does one create a resume and a resume cover letter that are succinct and polished? How can a serious job seeker produce these important employment related documents so that they have just the right appearance and contain exactly the right kind of information?

A well-written resume cover letter should introduce the individual to the person who is reading it. The cover letter should outline the job seeker's goals and aspirations, as well as his or her skills and aptitudes. The cover letter should be written in such a way that the reader would want to read the accompanying resume.

A properly constructed resume should contain, besides identifying information about the applicant, complete educational and employment histories and a listing of degrees, licenses, and certifications held by the applicant. Besides that information, a well-written resume should exhibit the applicant's skills and strengths, as well as mentioning organizations and associations with which the job seeker has been affiliated. A professional resume should also point out leisure time activities of the applicant.

How is the serious job seeker to create a resume and a resume cover letter which contain all of the essential elements that have been outlined above in a professional, polished, and succinct manner? Using resume template can help the individual to accomplish this all-important activity quickly and easily. Resume template, which can be downloaded free, is an essential, simple to use tool that can help to produce resumes and resume cover letters that motivate job placement officers to read further. More importantly, these professional documents might be the edge that opens doors for the job seeker. Using resume template, which can be downloaded for free, can help the applicant to cut down on the time required to produce these essential documents.

Being armed with a well written resume cover letter and a properly constructed professional resume can make the difference between receiving a "Thanks, but no thanks" letter in the mail and being asked to schedule an interview for that all important new job.

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