Before you type "references on request" at the end of your resumé, make sure that this is indeed the case. Make a list of all your possible references and contact them to ask if they're still willing and available to vouch for you. Also, don't be afraid to step outside of the traditional box -- a new way of dealing with references is to ask former colleagues and bosses for testimonials on LinkedIn and to include a link to your LinkedIn profile on your resumé.

Do you really know how to speak four languages fluently? Can you actually build and design websites, fly airplanes and assist in surgery? No? It's never a good idea to say that you are good at something when in reality your experience is limited or nonexistent. When it comes to resumés and cover letters list the skills that you have and feel confident in. Mention your language proficiency but be honest about your skill level and you won't have to panic when the time comes -- and it will -- to back up your claim.

You just got a call back from that company you had the interview with and…you didn't get the job. Although you may be bummed out, transform this rejection into an opportunity for self-improvement. Politely ask the caller for feedback on your application and interview skills and the overall impression you made. Many employers will be happy to (briefly) discuss your strengths, weaknesses and suitability for the position. Use that feedback to make changes to your resumé, cover letter and interview behaviour so the next time you answer the phone, it's to say "yes" to a job offer.

Do you keep not getting a job? Have another look at your resumé. Yes, you might have enough experience and just the experience that employers are looking for but perhaps there's something about the way you present it that makes them overlook your masterpiece. Our suggestion: go online to read about the types of resumés that are "in." It could be something as small as reformatting it and changing the order of sections listed. Maybe too many jobs are listed or maybe your resumé is just outdated. Keep it fresh.

Is the elephant you're about to attach with your resumé saved in the right format? Will the recipient be able to download it once he or she receives it? If you're not sure, paste the elephant -- or whatever you're sending with your resumé – into the actual body of the email. Endless back-and-forth emails explaining how to open corrupted files is annoying and certainly won't make the employer look favourably on your application.

Everyone and their dog knows how to use the Internet but do indicate on your resumé if you have special technical skills such as software programming and knowledge of HTML. Any skill that's unique gives you an advantage over the competition. You also never know what new opportunities may arise if you let people know that you're a Photoshop genius or can operate professional video equipment.

It takes a few blinks for an employee to scan your resumé -- especially if there's a huge pile, so your novella may not get the accolades you think it deserves. With resumés, keep it as short and sweet as possible -- describe what you did with one or two sentences and describe only relevant tasks. During the interview you can fill in the blanks in if necessary, but on paper always keep it brief.

Don't list all -- or any -- of your references on your resumé but have a list prepared with names and contact information. Also, get hold of your references prior to the job interview to double-check with them that it's okay to give out their name. Bring the reference list with you in case the employer asks for it right there and then. Two work-related references and one character reference should be enough, by the way.

Your resumé shouldn't be treated like wallpaper in a nursery. Forget decorative borders, soft-focus fluffy kittens in the background and playful font. Use the simplest resumé format, two fonts maximum (one for headings, one for the body), and make sure to align the margins. Divide the sections into easy-to-find categories and stick to black and white in terms of colours -- anything beyond that looks tacky.

You don't need to be a modern-day Picasso to boast an excellent portfolio. These days, anyone can have one. To build a portfolio, collect certificates, positive feedback, samples or photographs of your work, letters of recommendation, awards and any other materials that will show you off. Don't wait until you're job hunting to create one -- start today. That way, you'll have things ready when you need them. With a record of your accomplishments in hand, you'll have something concrete to show on your next job hunt.

In the age of astronomical education costs, learning for free is a real score. But how many workers take advantage of workplace professional development? Be it an Excel tutorial, a lunch 'n learn or an off-site seminar, these sessions are perks that you should cash into. Not only will you learn something new, you may even be able to beef up your resumé with additional skills and credentials. Taking part in professional development also shows that you're motivated to learn and improve yourself -- a real attribute for someone who's looking to move up the ladder.

Are your resumés and cover letters as lifeless as an old teddy bear whose stuffing has been pulled out? Take heart, you can learn to breathe life into your applications by working with the language. Put a human voice into your resumé and cover letters, using strong, unusual verbs and avoiding bloated sentences at all costs. Don't try to impress employers with big words and trendy business speak. Remember: jargony resumés that use phrases like "results-oriented team player" do not stand out from the pack.

You might think that knowing more than one language is not such a big deal -- but it is. The same goes for your ability to airbrush photos, lay out pages or sew. Almost any little skill can be used as an advantage over your competition when it comes to applying for a job. If there is a way that you can demonstrate how one skill actually means that you have a quality that meets a particular job requirement, don't hesitate to do it. Read up on transferable skills and become an expert at unveiling yourself.

So you've cat sat, picked grapes in Greece and obtained a certificate in early childhood education? Great! But how does all of that relate to the administrative position you're applying for? A successful resumé specifically targets the job you're applying for. Don't include your hobbies and religious affiliations unless you are specifically asked to write about them. The golden rule of resumé writing is that every word counts and should help to compose a picture of a candidate with ideal skills, education and experience.

If you can't make it to an Employment Resource Centre and have to rely on the Internet for job seeking techniques, don't panic. Lots of career-related sites (like poss.ca) not only offer job postings but also have many useful and up-to-date articles on writing resumés, acing interviews and networking. While you're out there surfing, make sure that the site and the article you are learning from is current and has been uploaded in the past couple of years.

"Hello, hire me please! I'll do anything. Anything. Please?!" That's nice, but maybe the opening line of your cover letter should be slightly catchier. Actually, it should be as catchy as it is well-written -- the opener should hook the employer in right away. Too cute or too dull ("I would like to apply for the position of an administrative assistant") will land your cover letter and your resumé in a pile. The one in the garbage, that is. You have about 20 seconds to impress so make sure you start impressing right from the start.

Beyond your resumé and your business card, lies a combination of the two: an information card. Slightly bigger than a business card, you can hand out this little beauty while networking. It lets potential employers know your name and phone number and your key skills, such as fluency in two languages or web site design skills. Keep your information card professional looking with a clean background and a standard font, such as Arial.

"My objective is to find a job in the hospitality industry" is not a good objective when applying to a job in a particular restaurant. What does it say about you? Nothing. Your objective section should give an idea of who you are and let the employer know why you deserve the job. Cater it to the position. So what is your objective now? "A full-time server position at the Gladstone that will allow me contribute three years of experience as a waitress, a Smart Serve certificate and a healthy dose of cheerful personality."

You know that saying, "paint a picture with your resumé?" It doesn't mean "send a picture with your resumé." (Unless you are specifically asked to do so.) Your appearance has nothing to do with what you do. When you include your pic, you may invite unintentional assumptions. Employers are forbidden by law to discriminate job seekers based on their age, ethnicity, sex and any other distinguishing characteristics. A resumé with a picture attached to it, poking out of a pile, is much like a hot potato -- it will probably be dropped immediately.

There's more to you than your work history. Discover your hidden talents and give your resumé that winning edge. Transferable skills are what you bring from one life experience to another. They come in handy when you have some gaps in your employment history. Look for the not so obvious skills that may be close enough to what is required for the career you're after. For example, throwing the Sopranos-themed birthday party for your best friend showcases your leadership, creative and organizational skills -- invaluable in management jobs. Or, if you're a stay-at-home parent who has been taking care of the family, you can add budgeting, time management and negotiating skills to your resumé highlights.