Brush Up Those Basics: Nine Career Tips

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YOU NEVER WANT to mess up a chance for a good job. Especially not when openings are few and half the people in the area seem to be competing for them.

Even if you're happy where you are, these tips from local experts might help. "It's a big mistake to think, 'They'd never lay me off,'" says Lynne Waymon, CEO of Contacts Count, a nationwide training firm in Silver Spring. "Ha, ha — they sure can!"

First, from Robbie Miller Kaplan, author of nine books including "Sure-Hire Resumes":
1. Does blasting your resume to employers' fax machines or Web sites make sense?
Use your network to get your resume into the hands of the hiring manager. It's still the best way to circulate your resume.

2. What's the easiest mistake to avoid?
Creating a cookie-cutter résumé without taking the time to research jobs of interest, learn the most desirable qualifications or express your unique qualities.

3. When starting out, is it more important to emphasize education or job history?
Begin with your most valuable qualifications. Ask, "Is my degree more viable than my experience?" "Dos my experience, internships, externships, leadership or volunteer activities align with the job requirements?"

Tips on networking from Waymon of Contacts Count and co-author of "Make Your Contacts Count":
1. What's the biggest misconception about networking?
That it's about talking and taking. Instead, it's about teaching and giving. The best way to promote yourself is to promote others.

2. How do you make an elevator speech not sound canned?
In just two sentences, tell about a time when you saved the day, solved the problem or served the client. This breaks people's listener pattern; they're used to hearing titles.

3. How should I best find a mentor?
If there's no formal mentoring program at your company, try an association. Networking works best if you're totally aboveboard. Ask, "You seem experienced in this field. Can you recommend anyone?" If the person likes you, she may offer herself; otherwise, you may just get a recommendation.

And from Beth French, district manager for Randstad, which connects employers with both temporary and permanent employees:
1. Do you have to wear a suit to the interview?
It's very important to dress appropriately, which usually means conservatively. In a business-casual place, you don't necessarily need a suit, but wear a shirt and tie or a nice blouse with a skirt or pants.

2. What else makes the best presentation?
Be on time or early. Take out piercings; cover any tattoos. Bring a copy of your resume and a small portfolio with paper and pen. Shut off your cell phone or beeper, or leave it in the car. Don't interrupt.

3. What about your thank-you note?
Keep it short. Note your value as an employee and your continued interest in the position. If you met several people, follow up with your contact to get all e-mail or postal addresses. We find that these days either is appropriate.

Written by Express contributor Ellen Ryan