Once you are out of school or college, your writing skills are more critical than ever, particularly when it comes to finding a new or better job. Here's what you should put in a résumé, how to answer a want ad and cover letter formats.

Probably nobody ever won a job solely through a letter of application or a printed résumé of his experience. But a well-written letter can help to point out your qualifications to an interested employer. What's more, when applying for a job opening, a well-written résumé can create a strong impression that may prejudice the interviewer in your favor.

First, we will discuss job résumés since they are usually essential when you are applying for a job. A résumé should be precise, straightforward, and clear. It should put out your best qualities and tell the most important things about you that a prospective employer might want to know.

The most common type of résumé is the chronological form that gives a list of your previous jobs, starting with the most recent and going back to the beginning of your working life. If you haven't had much working experience and it can fit everything on one page, then do so.

Let’s study this résumé line by line for its key components.

Name, Address, Telephone: Always put this information at the top, on the left or right side, where it can be noticed right away. It's acceptable to write your name on the left and your address on the right. But keeping all of this information in one place seems to be easier.

Title: One of the options is "Resumé of Working Experience."

Even "Résumé" by itself is sufficient. Some experts advise adding this title above the name and adding the following text below it.

Job Description: Before you write the final draft, it is worthwhile to give it some proofreading and serious thought. Your objective is to show yourself in the best light possible by highlighting your advantages and not highlighting your shortcomings.

In preparing the job description, ask yourself: What did I do in this job that would impress a prospective employer? Or you might ask: If I were hiring somebody for the job I want to get, what sort of experience would I look for? This is the kind of information you should try to get into your job description.

Education: List the name and address of the school you attended during college. The degrees you've obtained and the dates on which you did so. Indicate your high school graduation date if you did not go to college. There's no need to go into detail about your college activities unless you're a recent graduate.

Personal: The information listed in the letter is usually expected. Avoid putting in excessive details that the employer might not need.

References: Since the potential employer will not use the references until after speaking with you, and he might not want to speak with the references you provide on your resume, there is little purpose in including them on your résumé. However, be ready to provide him with contact information for persons who can refer you to others.

Salary: You'll see that this point is not mentioned at all because it is irrelevant. You are underestimating yourself if you specify a salary that is lower than the gentleman is ready to offer. Before you have the opportunity to let him speak to you, you instantly disqualify yourself if the price is higher than what he is willing to pay. He might be willing to increase his pay if you are good enough, but first, let him communicate with you.