The ultimate job search guide: Your dream job is out there somewhere, but a successful expedition takes time, a thorough exploration, and the proper tools

Careers and Colleges, Jan-Feb, 2002 by Tracey Randinelli

The point is that many of your experiences have given you qualifications that are important to employers, and it's up to you to bring those out on the resume.

Before you write your resume, you should review possible styles in a resume book or online. The sample here teaches some important universal lessons.

(a) A capitalized bold-faced centered name gets your resume off to a great start.

BRIAN CULVER

123 Amsterdam Drive

Lubbock, Texas 79413

(806) 555-6798

(b) A "non-jokey" e-mail address proves that you're living in the new millennium.

E-mail: bculver@loa.com

(c) An objective is not always necessary but if you are targeting a specific job, it can help your cause.

OBJECTIVE: An assistant editor position on a national magazine, preferably about science.

(d) Employers want smart candidates-list your education, including any awards and your GPA if it is higher than 3.0. (As you gain experience, you should list "education" below "experience.")

EDUCATION: UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, LUBBOCK 2001-

Expected graduation date 2005

Intended degree: BS in journalism

* Recipient of the 2001 Dow Jones Journalism award

* Grade Point Average: 3.2

(e) Show specific responsibilities and accomplishments. Number tell a lot (e.g., How many did you supervise? How much money did you save a company?

EXPERIENCE: EDITORIAL INTERN Fall 2001

Get Ahead Publishing Houston, Tx

Performed editorial and administrative duties part-time at Graduate magazine, a monthly publication with a circulation of 750,000

* Prepared table of contents for each issue

* Assembled letters-to-the-editor column: answered reader mail

* Devised online reader survey that generated more than 30,000 responses

* Proficient in Microsoft Word, QuarkXpress, and Photoshop

(f) Noun-heavy resumes are in, especially when posting on the Internet where employers search with keywords. Use nouns that highlight specific skills, such as relevant computer applications.

(g) so-called "soft skills," such as leadership, communications, and teamwork are in demand. Plus, you may be surprised at how many of your interests translate into valuable skills.

PROJECT LEADER

West Texas Science Fair

* Coordinated project to build model steel bridge

* Made project schedule and assigned tasks to group members

* Wrote final report and gave final presentation before judges

INTERESTS: * Fluent in Spanish

* Volunteering with children in reading programs

Spring 2000

Tool #3 REFERENCES

For most serious jobs, you'll be asked to provide names of people who can vouch for your merit as an employee. Although the ideal reference is someone you've worked for at a job, internship, or volunteer position, don't feel limited to that category. Professors, advisers, and others in the academic field make great references. Cohen suggests asking the three most important people you know. The only real no-no: asking someone you're related to or someone who hasn't dealt with you in a supervisory way.

Once you've got a reference on board, don't be afraid to coach him or her. Tell the person specifically. "This is the type of job I'm looking for, these are the type of skills I want to promote."