You should have a few pieces of your resume packed ready to go at all times.
A generic cover letter. (in case you run into a potential lead any place)
A specific cover letter. (tailored for the job you want and are applying for now.)
A resume. This needs to have your name, address, contact info, career objective, past employment, skills, and degrees or certificates held. The very bottom needs to say: References available upon request.
References. (any past employers or colleagues or friends. Call each person ahead of time to ask to put them down and to let them know what type of job you are going for)
Salary history. (this is a history of your salary earned, It should match the jobs listed on your resume.)
If you don't have a salary history, at the very least, have a piece of paper with your desired salary on it for the job you are applying. You may list if you are flexible or not.
Have everything on the same colored paper or grain of paper. (I like using the faintest blue).
Have your header on each sheet be your name, address, and contact phone number/email all in the same font.
You will use the cover letter and resume to get an interview. Present the references and salary history when asked at your interview. If not asked, offer them up.
Let's see. Your cover letter introduces yourself and is free from spelling errors. It closes by requesting an interview. You want to list in the first line the job (or job code if applicable) you are going for, and then the second paragraph briefly explains why you are suitable.
(To whom it may concern, I am applying to your part-time position of administrative assistant to Bob Roberts in the applications department that was posted in the trades.
I am organized, trustworthy, and I can type 80 words a minute. As seen on my resume, I have a bachelor's degree in basket-weaving and have been an administrative assistant to an accountant for five years. I am really excited to have the opportunity to work for ABCD company because of your company's extensive reputation in the field of underwater weaving.
Please feel free to contact me for an interview at your convenience.
Thank you,
Handbag Lady)