If you are looking for a job, your best weapon is a well written and well formatted resume. Keep in mind that it is your first contact with your potential employer. So a sharp resume goes along way to get there. Here are a few tips on how to write a good resume for a college student:

1) Use the templates you have in your Word processing program. They are usually clear, direct and allow you to put the necessary information. Just plug in the necessary info and your resume is good to go.

2) Do not put personal information such as your gender, race and age in your resume. Your employer does not need to know that. And if that information is ever asked from you, know that it is illegal.

3) The main categories that should be included on your resume are:

- Education
- Professional Experience
- Extra-curricular Activities (Volunteering, Personal project, etc…)
- Languages spoken (if you speak a foreign language)

4) NEVER under any circumstances put any salary information on your resume, even if it is requested in the job posting. The only reason an employer wants to know that is to see if they can afford you. You don’t want to work for that kind of employer.

5) If you have finished writing your resume, there are two things you ABSOLUTELY have to do. First, do a quick spell-check to see if you wrote everything right. Second, have a friend read it; they might see something that you missed.

Ready to go? Perfect! To help you along the way, we have compiled for you some links that will make resume writing easier for you:

WetFeet
Looking for a better job? Make your resume stand out from the pack. Here’s the insider info.

AnalyzeMyCareer
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EmailMyResume.com
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HotResumes.com
Post Your Resume for FREE at HotResumes.com

1) Most interviews follow a specific pattern. Knowing this pattern will allow you to give the right answers at the right time during your job interview.

Here is the pattern:

- First, the employer establishes a rapport with you. They might talk about the weather or even last night’s game. They want you to feel at ease during the interview and at the same time, they want to gage what kind of person you are.

- Second, the employer will start compiling information by asking you questions about yourself. Generally, they will base their questions on your resume so don’t be afraid to repeat stuff that is right in front of them. Always be warm and informative during your job interview.
Note: NEVER discuss salary during an job interview. If they bring it up, say that you are willing to work within the salary range of this position.

- Third, the end of the job interview is a crucial moment where the employer starts talking about the company and the hiring process. If you get here, chances are you did well on the job interview.

2) Always bring extra copies of your resume. You might have more than one person interviewing you for the job.

3) Be specific in your answers. So instead of just saying “I am a hard worker”, say something like “I am a hard worker and let me give you an example.” Basically, always be specific in every thing you answer so that the interviewer doesn’t feel like you are being evasive.

4) Relax. This sounds silly but a lot of job interviews go wrong because people are too nervous to be fully confident. The best way to overcome that is to simply take a deep breath and focus on being relaxed. I insist on this particular point. If you feel good, it will show and your job interview will go more smoothly.

The semester is starting and you are slowly realizing that money is going to be tight for the next few months. So here are a few tips on how to find a student job:

1. Write an effective resume

Just because you are applying for a student job, it doesn’t mean that you don’t need a resume. So many student job applicants don’t get the job because they forget to send a resume or bring one. For tips on how to write the perfect resume, check out our article on resume writing.

2. Go online

Most college and universities have college job posting where you can find on campus and off campus student jobs. Look for the type of work that you would like to do. Write down or print out the student job positions that you would qualify for. Grab at least 5 or 6 student job opportunities. You don’t want to put all your eggs in the same basket.

3. Email you resume

Send your resume to ALL of the student job prospects that you are interested in. Don’t forget that there is a lot of competition for these student jobs so it’s better to spread your luck a little.

4. Prepare for your job interview

Most employers will interview students just to see if they are not nutcases or a slackers. So when you go, no need to wear a suit or a fancy dress. But a nice khaki with a nice shirt is better than torn up jeans and a wife beater. For more job interview tips, please check our article on job interviewing techniques.

5. Go for the quiet student jobs

Go for a student job that will allow you to study while you are not doing anything. Working at the school cafeteria is not really that kind of job. But a receptionist for a college department might just be it. Remember, if you get to study or do your homework while on the job, it will give you free time to do whatever you want when you do go home.