In an era of e-mailing and texting, some job seekers seem to forget that the resume and cover letter are business documents. As you write and edit your application materials, avoid using slang, emoticons or acronyms. After all, you're communicating with a prospective employer, not making weekend plans with a friend. In addition to reviewing your credentials, hiring managers evaluate your writing skills to gauge your professionalism. Consider these informal applicants:

COVER LETTER: "If you wanna see a resume or something, please don't hesitate to contact me."

We will take the resume but skip the "something."

COVER LETTER: "Gimme a shout."

If your resume looks good, we will.

RESUME: "More stuff below."

Can you be more specific?

Here are some more examples from the "Resumania" archives of job candidates who were a bit too casual or cutesy:

"LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: I know English and :-)"

You're fluent in smiley face?

COVER LETTER: "Willing to relocate 'N-E' where."

R-U sure?

"EXPERIENCE: Notcha normal bean counter."

"Wouldja" say you're a notch above?

Although being playful won't impress prospective employers, being overly formal or trying to show off your expansive vocabulary isn't helpful either. To wit:

COVER LETTER: "I host a superlative proficiency for resolving complex systematic problems. I have pedagogic expertise conducting sales, and I can be quickly utilized as an assiduous, visceral and proactive problem solver."

Easy for you to say.

"REFERENCES: Ask and ye shall receive."

We hereby request thy references.