A clear resume has a structure. It is designed on a grid. At the top of every resume there is a section with your name and contact information.

The most difficult career decision you might face can come when you must choose between competing offers. Unfortunately, this is most likely to happen early in a career, when you’re less experienced and have thrown out a lot of lines, trying to catch that internship or first job.

To negotiate the best job offer, do as I say, not as I do. When the Free Press asked me whether I wanted a job, I immediately said, “Yes!” (I think I yelled.) Not very cool, I know.

With my resume and prized newspaper clips in hand, I did a little dance for as many recruiters as possible and hoped to get noticed. Some were interested. One paper said I would be perfect for one of their current job openings.

Dozens of journalism job fairs and college career days have revealed a few of the strategies that make some job candidates stand out from all the rest. Put these to work to have your best possible showing.