Top Tips for Landing Your First Job

* Make an excellent impression at your clinical site. They'll often offer open positions to students they know, trust and don't have to train extensively. * Get references from your clinical site. Ask professionals with some leverage, like supervisors or physicians, and only ask people that you know will give you a glowing recommendation. * Be proactive: Apply for jobs before you graduate. * Take your certification exams as soon as possible after graduation. Credentials after your name add instant appeal to employers looking for a strong candidate. * Don't confine yourself to looking for jobs in the papers or on the Internet--do both. And don't forget to check out a facility's Web site, which could have job openings that aren't posted anywhere else. * Make your application and resume stand out. Poor grammar and punctuation errors are deal breakers. Note to new grads: Unstable work history and job-hopping are also red flags for employers. Make sure you're sending a good message as you accrue work experience. * The more hands-on experience you can highlight in your resume, the better. * Always send a well-edited cover letter with your resume, and make sure it highlights your achievements and specific skill set. * Don't be afraid to respond to a job listing that asks for more experience than you have. Job postings list the ideal candidate, but if you capitalize on what you do have to offer and research your weak spots, you can realistically get the job. * Try to contact the department supervisor directly. The process for reviewing resumes can be an imperfect science, and human resources may disregard your resume if it doesn't meet stringent guidelines. Contacting the supervisor directly emphasizes your interest in the job and can land you an interview.