One of the most important steps to job hunting is creating a professional cover letter and resume.

A resume provides a means for potential employers to assess work ability, education and skills.

Although companies may come across hundreds of resumes every day, there are certain things that an employer looks for when searching for an employee.

According to www.jobstar.org, the “most effective resumes are clearly focused on a specific job title and address the employer’s stated requirements for the position.”

There are many creative ways to get employers to notice your resume.

A cover letter gives you the opportunity to introduce yourself to the employer, and it also draws attention to particular jobs, activities and personal interests that may be relevant to the job position you are applying for.

Although you might be tempted to use unusual paper so your resume might get noticed, it looks unproffesional. A white or off-white resume makes it easier to read, scan and fax your resume.

Posting your resume online is a convenient way for employers to see that you know how to use a computer to post a Web site. Any Sacramento State student has the access to activate their own personal web page. http://www.webpages.csus.edu/ can provide you with the links to activate and maintain your page. You can also find links on how to use HTML and other Web resources.

The Career Center in Lassen Hall, room 2000 also offers help with writing resumes.

There are resume writing workshops and assistants who can help you answer any question you may have about what to put on your resume.

There is no need to schedule an appointment; the center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.