Internet marketers face immense challenges when it comes to vying for your attention. The hard truth is that roughly half of visitors to landing pages will leave them within less than 10 seconds.

Why should that matter to you? Because you're facing similar tough odds when competing for the hiring manager's attention.

You have about the same amount of time - 10 seconds - to make an impression with your cover letter and resume. If you don't give the hiring manager an immediate reason to read on, she won't.

It's essential that you write to capture attention. At the same time, it's critical that you pay attention to principles of layout and page flow so your documents are easy to read.

Borrow some pointers from copywriters and journalists to help you craft a resume and cover letter that will get read. Remember: since you will always submit a cover letter with your resume, you must pay just as much attention to the former as you do the latter. If the cover doesn't command attention, then it's highly unlikely the resume will receive even a cursory glance.

How can you make the reader want to keep reading?

1. Don't waste the first paragraph of your cover letter. Get right to the interesting and important facts. Similarly, don't waste the first few lines of your resume with fluff.

2. Bear in mind that on the first pass, the reader is scanning - not reading - your resume; she's looking for things that interest her. Make sure she can find them. Proper layout and use of space will help immensely.

3. Remember the "above the fold" concept. The top half of the first page of your resume has to perform.

4. Think about the idea of a "hook." Aside from your name and contact information, what's the first thing the reader sees on your resume? Is it enough to make him keep scanning? Hint: a bland objective statement won't do the trick. Keep the notion of the hook in mind when crafting your cover, too.

5. Be concise. Avoid overused words and phrases. And be on the lookout for redundant phrases (i.e. "current status" should be "status").

6. Specific details are always stronger than vague abstractions or lofty phrases.

7. Think about sequence and flow - bullet to bullet, sentence to sentence, and paragraph to paragraph.

Write to capture attention. The best of credentials won't land you an interview if you can't get the hiring manager to read your resume.

Rebecca Metschke is the author of The Interview Edge, a comprehensive career guide for those who are serious about their careers. Gain a professional advantage using proven tips, tools and strategies that will help ensure you're as marketable as you can be. http://www.TheInterviewEdge.com