The Resume:

• Resumes are often used as a screening device--to eliminate candidates rather than select them--so make sure there’s no reason to eliminate you.
  
  
• Basics: One page, don’t be creative or cute, put in objective only if you have only one job goal, don’t lie, absolutely no errors or typos. For more help, see:
  http://www.careersonline.com.au/smartmoves/resume.html
  
  
• Paper resume--active verbs are important.
  
  
• Electronic resume--nouns are important - think about search keywords - either industry or functionally specific.

The Application Form:

• The application form is one of the easiest places to make a bad impression. Here are a few tips to help get past the application form challenge. For more information, see:
  http://www.careersonline.com.au/smartmoves/resume.html
  
  
• Fill in ahead of time if possible. Get two copies and use one to practice on--or make copies and don’t fill in the original until you have the spacing and wording the way you want it.
  
  
• Use a fine-point roller-ball pen--not a ball-point or a pencil. Use black ink. PRACTICE UNTIL YOU CAN WRITE LEGIBLY--OR PRINT!!!
  
  
• Have all your pertinent information with you when you go to an interview in case you have to fill in an application on the spot--dates of everything, names, addresses, and phone numbers of references, etc.

The Cover Letter:

• Cover letters are an opportunity for you to stand out from a crowd of new graduate resumes. The best way is to show you’re interested in this company, and this job.
  
  
• First paragraph, talk about the job and the company, and how you heard about position. Second paragraph, give one or two reasons why you are a particularly good candidate. Third paragraph, ask for the interview. End with "Sincerely," boring, but safe. [pl: writing cover letters]
  
  
• Be straightforward and brief. Don’t be cute. White or ivory paper only.
  
  
• To save you money while still using a good quality paper and envelopes, go to a wholesale/retail paper store, and buy a ream (500 sheets) of paper and a box (250) of #10 envelopes to match. Generally it won’t cost you much more than several much smaller boxes of paper and envelopes at your campus bookstore. You may want to go in on this with several other senior job-hunters.

Other Contacts:

• Thank-you letters are a fundamental. The operating concept is short and appreciative. Mention the specific position and one or two things discussed during interview or something neutral to jog memory --"I was your last interview at Chelsea college," etc.
  
  
• Follow-up phone calls--are fine if they gave you a deadline to hear from them, and it has passed. Be straightforward and brief.
  
  
• Make sure all contact with possible employer(s)--and any member of their organization--is professional and polite. Often receptionists and others are asked their opinion of candidates.

Careers: Table of Contents

• Introduction
  • Welcome
  • Making Your Life Easier
  
  
• Taking Stock
  • What Do You Have to Offer a Future Employer?
  • Putting Together Your Package
  • Determining What You Want
  
  
• Making It Happen
  • Getting In
  • Making a Match
  • Shining at the Interview
  • Negotiating the Deal
  • It's a Career, Not Just a Job
  • If Nothing Is Happening
  • Encouraging Words