| If you're a recent grad . . . or you're getting ready to | | | | 3. On the subject of emails, make sure you carefully |
| hit the job hunting marketplace . . . you better know | | | | proofread. Not shortcuts or symbols you might use |
| and understand the rules. Practicing them will | | | | with close friends. Instead use the same rules of |
| dramatically upgrade your response rate. Ignore them | | | | punctuation and grammar you'd use if you were |
| and you lose! | | | | writing a letter. |
| There's a lot been written about how to prepare a | | | | 4. Make sure your cell phone is turned off before |
| job hunting resume and how to conduct an interview. | | | | you go into an interview. Nothing interrupts the flow |
| Refer to the website mentioned at the end of this | | | | of a good interview than your cute ringtone! |
| article for tons of free information on these | | | | 5. Dress conservatively. Match your dress to the |
| important issues. However, before you even get to | | | | expectations of the organization you're talking to. In |
| the resume . . . and before you prepare for your first | | | | any case, no jeans, t-shirts, low necklines or |
| interview . . . there are some basic rules that can be | | | | sandals--even if you're talking to some hip company. |
| overlooked to your peril. | | | | 6. Be sure to send a carefully crafted thank you |
| 1. Make sure your voicemail greeting sounds | | | | letter. In it you should summarize the particular |
| professional. It's a major turnoff to employers trying | | | | strengths and capabilities you can bring to the table. |
| to reach you to encounter some sophomoric | | | | Look, heading into the job hunting marketplace when |
| announcement that you think is cute. | | | | you're new to it is never easy. And there are many |
| 2. Likewise, don't use an email address that you think | | | | other important rules to master. Fortunately there's a |
| is so clever. It's probably not the first impression you | | | | fast and easy alternative job search system that can |
| want to leave with an employer trying to reach you. | | | | have you talking to your next boss in a matter of |
| For the purposes of your job hunting, set up | | | | days. In the meantime these basic rules can help you |
| something simple like your first and last names. | | | | launch your job campaign correctly. |