Landing that first job right out of school is always hard – especially in this economy. With fierce competition in the market, it pays to do your homework and be prepared when meeting with a potential employer. Get a leg up on the competition with these quick tips.

Resume

-Stick to one page unless you have enough accomplishments to justify a second.
-Focus on accomplishments, not just responsibilities. Accomplishments show how you did something, not just what you did.
-Customize it. A summary at the top showcasing your experience makes more of an impact than an objective that is vague, such as to secure a position as a marketing coordinator or to obtain employment at XYZ company.
-Don’t just use spell check, have a friend review to catch formatting and spelling errors you may have missed.

Prepare

-Research the company and have an answer rehearsed to “What do you know about our company?”
-Prepare a couple of relevant questions to ask the interviewer about the position that shows your interest in the company, such as “How does this position support the overall goals of the organization?”
-Bring extra copies of your resume, references and a portfolio if you have one.

At the Interview

-Position yourself as a solution. Once you have identified the skills and qualities the company desires, talk about how you fit them.
-Avoid the salary trap. Don’t bring it up unless the hiring manager asks. If they ask for your desired salary, put it back on them with “Can you tell me the range for the position?”
-Ask when they anticipate making a hiring decision.
-Wear a suit. You only get one chance to make a first impression.

Follow up

-Write a thank you email as soon as you leave the interview. Send a handwritten thank you note and mention one to two things that you discussed during the interview.
-Follow up after a week to check on the status and reiterate your interest in the position.

Good luck! 

Courtney L. Anderson, APR has more than five years of experience in marketing and public relations in the chemical manufacturing and multifamily housing industries. She currently serves as secretary of the Hampton Roads Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and is a member of the Chapter’s Professional Development Committee. Courtney earned her Accreditation in Public Relations in 2011. Find her on LinkedIn.