1. Style guides for writing résumés can be found in public libraries. Study a few of them for new ideas. Know the styles that your competitors use so that you can become more effective.
2. Compare the résumé and cover letter styles shown here with those described in other sources. The decision on what to include or exclude is yours. A major difference between others and me is whether to include personal information -such as your age, state of health, marital status, children, hobbies and personal interests. Most others recommend that you do not include such data because an employer is neither permitted to ask questions about these subjects nor to base a hiring decision on them. My advice is to include this information because it provides an additional dimension about your personality and achievements. It is true that disclosing such information (for example, your age) could cause an employer to discard your résumé. However, it is my judgment that an employer determined not to hire someone of your age will not make you an offer after meeting you in an interview - particularly, if someone makes a mistake in estimating your age. My preference is for candor. Then when you get an invitation for an interview, you will know that the employer does not consider your background objectionable.
3. There are a number of excellent sources on the WWW for locating employers. For those in Chicagoland, I recommend The Chicago Tribune Career Path, which contains listings from the Chicago Tribune. I especially recommend the Chicago Computer Society Jobs - Career Connections page that contains links to valuable resources including news groups such as 'chi.jobs'.
4. You should appear for your interview at least fifteen minutes early. This will give you an opportunity to study the employer's work environment. Preparation for your interview is important. Additionally, you should obtain written materials describing the employer's corporation and products. Do not hesitate to call the Sales Department and ask them to send you catalogues or data sheets for their products. If the employer is a public corporation, then you should call the Shareholder Relations Department and ask them to send you a copy of the corporation's Annual Report and 10-K Report. Alternatively, you can access the Securities Exchange Commission EDGAR Database to view recent report filings. These reports often provide detailed information on company technical and manufacturing activities. They also contain names of officers, locations of plants, identities of competitors and the like. Examine the company's WWW page and use WEB search engines to find recent news. Read their patents and technical papers. Study these materials carefully to learn the employer's technical vocabulary. If the employer's products or services are available in your community, then go to businesses that sell them and ask salespeople questions about the products. Use these opportunities to build your technical vocabulary. Your ability to discuss in Technical English the employer's product or service during your interview will be one of the most important factors in determining whether you will receive an offer of employment.
5. Never pay anyone any money to do anything related to your search. If in doubt, talk to one of your teachers. It is against the law for any person or organization to request or take money from you as a condition for giving you a job, a job offer or a reference. This includes private persons, non-profits and government officials - there are no exceptions. Should you desire to use the services of a recruiter or employment agency, you should understand that an employer will pay their fee. If anyone asks you for money, then something illegal is probably happening. American businesses have plenty of money - they don't need yours. Remember, you are vulnerable to being swindled or cheated - so ask for help.
6. Cooperate with your classmates. The more eyes and ears, the better the hunting. An opportunity that may not fit you could be perfect for a friend - who would be more inclined to return the favor. Use E-mail to pass news promptly because information is perishable.
7. Keep good contact notes and always leave a good impression so that you can go back when your situation or a prospective employer's conditions change. Contact notes also serve as a basis for future sales leads. Remember, accurate information and warm business relations always have value.
8. Obtain INTERNET access and read newsgroups such as chi.jobs. Also read INTERNET newsgroups in your specialty to a) keep up with current progress and b) obtain names of companies and individuals that will be helpful in your search. Some specialized newsgroups permit resume posting.
9. Access resources found on the INTERNET for additional help. For example, use patent searching tools and web crawlers to identify companies actively developing technology which interests you or use these tools to investigate technological developments of specific companies or industries.
10. Consider putting your résumé on the WWW. If it contains important -but seldom used- Technical English words, then web search engines will find it and make it readily accessible to prospective employers and customers.
11. Do not hesitate to volunteer.