You’ve spent numerous hours on homework, racked up more all-nighters than you like to admit, survived the toughest professor the world has ever seen, and now you’ve got your degree to prove it.  Congratulations!  Take a few minutes to celebrate because reality is about to set in.  You are entering one of the worst job markets of this generation, and you need to set yourself apart from the other graduates.

Be aware that not only are you considered entry-level, but with the economy down employers may offer you a lower starting salary than they normally would.  While this might be non-negotiable, there are plenty of factors that you can control to help you land the job you want in tough times.

Be sure to list your GPA on your resume.  Some employers might find it suspicious or simply assume your grades were average if you omit it.  Your GPA will show the employer that you are hard-working, intelligent, and can successfully apply what you learn.  If your cumulative GPA is low but you showed improvement in your last couple of years, go ahead and list your average for only those years.  If the question of your four-year average arises, it will be easier to see your improvement.

If you’ve done internships, held a part-time position in your field, were the president of a club, etc., list that towards the top.  Employers are interested in any relevant experience and education you’ve had.  Tell them exactly which projects you worked on, and more importantly, any direct impact the results had for the company.  If you didn’t take advantage of these opportunities to add to your resume, it’s not too late to do so.  You might be fully aware of how strong your skills are, but if you can’t show an employer any solid evidence, they might not consider you if it looks like you’re starting from scratch.

Create a custom cover letter for each position you apply to.  Try to avoid generic openings by finding out the name of the hiring manager.  Highlight your best skills and achievements and leave your resume to do the rest.  Do not resort to whining and pleading in your cover letter (“If someone would just give me a chance…).  I actually saw this once in a resume and it did not inspire the sympathy it was looking for. Desperation is not a selling point.  You want to emphasize how much you want the position by describing what you can bring to the company.

Once you get the interview, don’t assume you’re going to be offered the position.  You are expected to be as polished and professional as anyone else that’s already experienced the working environment.  Common mistakes include appearing bored or conceited or dressing inappropriately.  Be attentive and friendly.  There are ways to tactfully brag about your abilities and accomplishments.  As far as dress, if you’re unsure of the environment, err on the side of caution and dress as professionally as possible.  Make sure your clothes are clean and fit well, and cover up!  Research the company before you go in so you will have good questions to ask.  You’ll show that you are truly interested in working there.  If you’re curious about salary, it’s usually best to wait until you’ve been asked for a second interview.

Finally, you’ll want to follow up in about a week.  Be polite when doing so.  Understand that the hiring manager may be busy with other interviews and may not be able to speak with you.  There’s no need to send your resume again or call continuously.  Even if you nailed the interview, you could cause them to change their mind in doing so.  If they agree with you that you are the best candidate, they will not hesitate to call you back when their search is complete!