Do use exact wording from job postings in your letter and resume. Using the employer's terminology can improve your chances of moving your resume through a computer scanner or the first reader.

After considering your strengths demonstrated in past jobs, do identify the skills that you would bring to a new position. These may include such things as management of time and others, negotiating, motivating, and delegating tasks.

Do learn the going salary rate for the job you are seeking. If the salary cited is lower than you hoped, keep in mind that there may be negotiable bonuses, such as company-paid education, a fully paid health care plan, free or subsidized child care, flexible work schedules, or even a work from home arrangement.

Do practice your interview techniques. Many experienced workers assume they know all about job interviews and make mistakes such as talking too much, failing to verbalize a clear job objective, not relating strengths shown in past positions to the job in question, etc. The most useful preparation is to conduct practice interviews with friends who have hiring experience. By videotaping these sessions, you can see yourself as an employer does. Try to respond to an interview question with a two- to four-sentence answer and occasionally ask a relevant question of the interviewer.

Do work on keeping up your morale. This is a good time to remember the many things you enjoy in life (family, friends, teams, religion, hobbies, and other special interests) which can help to cushion the blow of unemployment. Keep in mind that this is a short-term problem and stay in touch with friends and family.

Do ask permission from references before you cite them. Keep them posted with copies of your latest resume. If there are skills in which you might be considered weak, describe how you are improving or working on these areas.

Don't just list job titles of past jobs on your resume. What is more important to note is how well you performed in these jobs and the kinds of skills you developed. Refrain from using italics or fancy fonts in an attempt to make your resume distinctive. Many resumes are scanned by computers and using unusual typefaces may make your resume harder to read.

Don't assume your letter is intended solely to introduce your resume. Make your cover letter a strong and personalized effort to show your sincere interest in the position. Address why you consider yourself a good candidate for the job, make it interesting to read, and persuade them to call you in for an interview.

Don't spend time criticizing a former boss or employer. You should portray yourself as a loyal supporter of all organizations in which you played a role.

Don't hide the fact that you were downsized or released from your job. Simply state that your position, department, or section was eliminated as a part of a reorganization. Brita Askey from Drake Morin Beam suggests you ask your former boss what he or she will say about your leaving and be sure to use the same language.

Don't put off job hunting on the assumption that the holiday season or summer months are bad times to look for a job. Actually, you may find them the best periods for job hunting. With so many secretaries and executive assistants on vacation, you are more likely to directly reach an employer by phone.

Don't use your home address if you are posting a resume on a Web site. Acquire a post office box to protect your privacy. Also, avoid putting your Social Security number on any document that can be seen by a number of people.

Don't use a casual or funny outgoing voicemail message to take your job-related calls. As adorable as they may be, this is no time for your children's voices. Switch to something more professional.

March/April 2003