Whenever possible, include a cover letter with your resume. If not, be sure you have included some form of objective or summary at the top of your resume, giving the reader (recruiter or hiring manager) some idea of what you are looking for. If you don't do this, your resume could get shuffled to the bottom, while those stating some direction are getting more prompt attention.

When relying on your answering machine or voice mail to take messages from potential employers, be sure your own outgoing message is courteous and professional rather than your children stating your cause, or other 'cutesy' message, crude music or commentary. If a recruiter is calling, they want to be able to quickly leave a message for you. If they can't, they may just hang up and that opportunity could knock on someone else's door.

If sending your resume by e-mail to an employer, it's best to state within the subject line the title of the position your are interested in, and your name. This is helpful to recruiters who get hundreds of e-mails daily, especially when they need to backtrack or review your resume online once again.

Do not place personal contact information in a header/footer. It doesn't appear in the normal view to the recipient when most are reviewing resumes online, and only printing those that they may want to review further or even contact.

The incorrect spelling of the company you are addressing is a serious error. If you don't know the accurate spelling, or pronunciation, figure that out before you address this employer in writing, or by phone. A prospective employer may presume that you've done your homework in anticipation of an interview, or while researching for employment opportunities. Addressing the organization by the wrong name or spelling of it, could prove that you have not.

Be sure to list the cities of all your employers. It does not need to be as specific of a headquarters, but at the least -- be sure to list the city that you worked in for the employers listed.

When sending your resume by e-mail, it is usually best sent as a Microsoft Word document attachment. Word is the most widely used program, and your resume can easily be copied or forwarded to a hiring manager. This saves time for both the employer and you. If the organization has a specified a link in which to submit resumes into their own custom database, then be sure to use it. Avoid PDF file resumes as they not be as welcome or easily shared with others involved in the hiring process, or even imported into the company's job seeker database.

If sending your resume by fax, make sure it is on white or at least a light colored paper, so the fax will transmit clearly. Make sure you have aligned it straight in the fax machine, so the outcome is not crooked or difficult to read.

Do not include your salary history within the body of your resume. When requested, include that information within your cover letter or on a separate piece of paper. Too many others might be copied on your resume, including a peer interviewers. Your current salary or expectations should not be made known to anyone but those who are doing the hiring.

Do not submit pages and pages of information; such as educational certificates, special projects, letters of reference etc. This is cumbersome and often too time consuming for the recruiter or HR department to have to deal with at this point. If needed to reinforce your credentials later, then just have these items on hand at the time of the interview, or upon a specific request for references.

If sending your resume by U.S. Mail, make sure it gets to the right department or person. And yes, corporate recruiters still welcome mailed resumes. We are opening many less envelopes these days, but an envelope with a formal resume on nice quality paper inside, is a welcome sight. You can definitely count on that one standing out in the midst of all those faxed or e-mailed resumes copies. Covering all your bases well likey ensure your resume getting to the right area.

When sending your resume to multiple companies, keep a handy list of the employers' names and the job title you have inquired about. Weeks or even months later you may get a call which can become awkward if the recruiter has to explain who they are, where they are located, and what job "you" inquired about. By being prepared, you are showing genuine interest in the organization and that you are sincere in your inquiry.

If you plan on attending a career fair, find out in advance which employers will be present to recruit. Be sure you have enough clean copies of your resume on hand to distribute to these employers. Dress in the same way that you might go in and apply for a position. You certainly want to be noticed here at a career fair, among the hundreds of others that might be in attendance. If you show up in jeans, you'll be noticed, but not for the right reasons. Job Fairs are a great way to distribute your resume to many employers at once, while making face to face contact with people. Get business cards where you can. If you are seriously interested in a job discussed at the fair, follow up the very next day at the latest, with a note referencing your meeting.