News You Can Use

Tips for landing that dream job

University Relations
News Bureau (662) 325-3442
Contact: Pam McTeer
April 14, 2005

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Getting the job you’ve always wanted may require more effort than either recent college graduates or experienced work veterans think. Whichever is the case, attention to details is critical for job-hunting success.

Luther Epting, director of Mississippi State University’s Career Center, says the first step involves resume preparation—a document that features strong word choices and no grammatical errors. Recent college graduates should limit their presentation to a single page; more experienced applicants may use additional pages to list work histories and accomplishments.

During the application process, Epting recommends the following steps:

—Follow exactly all application directions; failure to can result in disqualification.

—Highlight the application with a one-page cover letter to accompany the resume. In addition to serving as an introduction and explaining why you seek the position, the letter should distinguish you from other candidates.

—When corresponding with an employer by e-mail, remember to send applications, resumes and other documents as PDF files to prevent computer viruses from attaching.

As for the interview, Epting urges applicants to come prepared, with a minimum of five questions to help make the process a two-way communication. Also, researching the company beforehand helps demonstrate interest and may help market your skills, he adds.

Among other interview tips, applicants always should:

—Dress professionally and tastefully in a business suit (both men and women);

—Only interview if willing to move for a position that may involve relocation;

—Tactfully but firmly let the employer know you want the job; and

—Send a hand-written thank you note within two days after the interview.