20 secrets to win that first professional job
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Start with skills and professional culture, says Yate. What's the typical day like in your chosen field? One good source: the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. What it gives you: detailed reports on various jobs with "a really good idea" of what life is like in that job, says Yate. Plus, "You can get snapshots of different jobs very easily and at one time." And it's free.

7. Get connected. Nearly every industry has at least one or two national professional organizations. Get involved with your local chapter. "You're going to meet the best connected and most motivated profs in your area," says Yate.

8. Take another look at your resume. Now that you know more about your potential career, write an appropriate objective.
Your degree and involvement in a professional organization are great selling points. "Consider putting them up front," says Yate.

Then pull out experiences from school and whatever work you had, and "write something that shows an understanding of the job," says Yate. That's the quality "most entry level resumes lack."

9. Decide where you'd like to work. "Target companies, not just help-wanted ads," says Johnson.

Go after the companies that interest you, not just those looking for new hires. Get the name of someone who heads a particular department ,and send a smart, customized letter introducing yourself, says Johnson. What you say, bottom line: "Here's what I know about your company and how I could be an asset and a strong contributor."

Or try cold-calling the same person, she says. Ask for an informational interview.

10. Shop smart. When you cruise job boards and help-wanted ads, keep an eye out for your target companies. What you can glean: contact information, names of hiring execs and an understanding of what they need.

If you see a job you like, instead of posting through the board, like everyone else, go to the company's Web site. "Find the names of principals and send your resume to them directly," says Yate. If you can't find exact names, apply through the company's own site. "It increases the odds a little bit," he says.

Or contact your professional organization and get a contact at the company, says Yate.

When you call the contact, say something like: "We haven't spoken. I've just graduated and I see that your company is looking to hire. I'm wondering whom you might know that I could speak to about that." What you can gain: a personal referral from inside the organization.

11. Include small businesses on your target list. Get leads from the local small business association, too. Small companies generate the most jobs, and many are not posted, says Johnson. That could be a very effective way to break into your chosen industry.