The primary purpose of an application letter and resume is to get an interview. A resume is a personal advertisement that should focus on the employer's needs and highlight the applicant's abilities. Effective resumes are concise, well-constructed, and focus on making the applicant stand out as the perfect candidate. Common resume sections include headings, objectives, work experience, skills, education, and achievements. Cover letters should be addressed to a specific person, brief, grab attention, be personalized, use a positive tone, and be free of errors.