After all the hard work, the years of toil and trauma, conquering classes and doing battle with the testing center day after day, there is graduation.

Graduation leads to a job.

Finding a desireable job is not a problem but writing a résumé may be. Putting together an acceptable résumé may make the difference in getting the first interview, which in turn could deliver the desired position.

Andrew Holz, a former BYU graduate, has exhausted the process.

He said that courtesy is a prime factor in putting together a professional résumé.

"Sending a thank-you note is key," Holz said.

He also said that clarity is an issue, and to have it reviewed by others before handing in a final draft.

"Keep it clear and concise, and keep it to one page," Holzt said. "Have family members and friends go over it, and send in a letter of recommendation as well."

Sharon Thompson, Personnel Director for The Deseret News, stressed the importance of being uncomplicated.

"Don't go on and on forever," Thompson said. "All you need to do is make it simple and straight to the point. No fancy stuff."

By 'no fancy stuff,' Thompson means decorated paper, alternating font sizes, italics, etc.

Pictures and graphics are also not appropriate, and can deter from the overall appearance of the résumé.

Jessica Valentino, a recent BYU graduate and a newly-hired legal secretary for Abbott, Spencer and Smith, said that a little simplicity in emphasizing an applicant's strong points goes a long way.

In other words, be direct in what you're trying to communicate.

"The employers notice if you're clear in what you're trying to say," Valentino said. "Be simple in explaining what you can do."

Another consideration lies in the time-commitment factor.

"They're looking for people who are available full-time," she said. "People who have skills that will fit in with the job."

Something else to contemplate when compiling a résumé is remembering to accentuate positive characteristics.

Richard Cox, Placement Advisor for Career Placement Services, stresses the importance of using strong verbs.

"Use words that emphasize what you can and will do for the company," Cox said.

He also said to make reference to education and personal achievements, what skills or qualifications you've acquired and what you've accomplished in other employment situations.

Other sources of help can be found on Internet sites such as resume.com, resumezapper.com and monster.com.

These sites host pages that include tips on what employers are looking for, how to write rrésumés, how to write cover letters and even online career fairs.

Help is also available in the Career Placement Services office in 2410 of the Wilkinson Center.

After depleting all available resources, you ought to have a presentable resume that should, if nothing else, help you get your foot in the door for that first interview.

Copyright Brigham Young University 6 Feb 2002