There is no perfect resume - only the perfect resume for you to get that job.

Your resume is an advertisement. It's a full-page (double-page?) magazine spread, and the product is you. The target audience is very specific - just that one employer or recruiter you want to get a 'yes' from. You should be prepared to adjust your resume as you apply for each new job.

While your cover letter will tell the employer why you're applying for this particular job and why they should consider you for the role, it also works as the introduction to the 'main act, that everyone came to see tonight...'. Your resume. Your resume has to lay down the facts about who are and what you have to offer. And it's got to look great while doing it.

There's nothing wrong with using sample styles and templates. But pick one that you like the look of, that represents who you are and, perhaps most importantly, that suits the job you're applying for. Don't be afraid to deviate from that style or template. Don't let a template tell you, for example, that your greatest achievement has to go at the end of the resume because it was volunteer work. If you're looking at a range of templates cut and paste what you want from each of them.

And the same goes for the 'rules' and check-lists offered everywhere. If you feel the type of job you're applying for really needs a two-page resume, or just that the layout would look better that way, then go for it. If you think the company you want to work for really would appreciate your photo attached to the resume, again, knock yourself out.

Having said, 'Ignore all the rules!', here are some things you probably should adhere to:

DO start with 4-7 of your specific key skills/strengths; DO keep the layout simple and the content straight-forward; DO include your contact details on every page; DO spell and grammar check the finished product; DO get people to check your resume for you (either someone who knows the industry, knows resumes or knows you well enough to be honest and objective).

DON'T include weak or irrelevant points for the sake of it; DON'T lie or 'bend the truth'; DON'T leave out achievements or skills because they weren't work-related or paid; DON'T include more than 10-years of work history (unless you've been in the same job all that time); DON'T include your age; DON'T pay too much attention to the above DOs and DON'Ts.

Research and look at plenty of examples and advice. You should know when you've got 'the perfect resume' together. But if you're feeling completely lost, or aren't familiar with the industry or role you're applying for, look into professional resume services - ones that specialise in your field or situation. And even then, mix and match what you need to for each new job application. The resume you put together for a position as a tax accountant is going to look very different to the one used to get a position as a children's entertainer. Hopefully, so will your work outfit.