A referral for a job can make all the difference in the world when you're job searching. A referral not only gets your application noticed. Getting referred is also like getting an automatic recommendation for a job - in advance.

The best type of referral for a job is an employee referral, however clients, vendors, and other people who are connected with the company may be able to assist, as well.  There are lots of ways you can find contacts who may be able to refer you.  In fact, it's quick and easy with the job sites that combine social networking and job searching.

Related: LinkedIn Recommendations | Referral Cover Letters | Referral Letters

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You're about to graduate from college and you're getting ready for your first interview for post-graduate employment. What should you wear? It depends on the type of company and the type of job you are interviewing for.

If you are interviewing for a full-time professional position or a post-graduate internship at a professional organization, business attire will be expected.  For non-professional jobs, like summer jobs or a job in retail or hospitality, you won't need to dress as formally. Business casual attire is acceptable.

Here's more on college grad interview attire and how to choose interview clothes that will make the best impression.

Read More: College Student Interview Attire | No Job? Now What?

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Do you really need to send an interview thank you letter? Yes, you do. In fact, not sending a thank you letter can have a negative impact on your application. 

On the flip side, sending a thank you letter which reiterates your interest in the job, mentions any qualifications you wish you had brought up during the interview, and, of course, thanks the interviewer for considering you for the job can give you an edge over other candidates.

Here's more on interview thank you letters including who to thank for an interview, how to thank them, and sample interview thank you letters to review.

Sending thank you notes should be as much a part of your job search as sending your resume!

Read More: Interview Thank You Notes | Email Thank You Letters | Sample Thank You Letters

One of the most frequently asked questions I get is "How should I send my resume?"   Job seekers aren't sure what file format to use, whether they should send an attachment and, if so, what kind of attachment.

In most cases, it's not up to you to decide.  Employers typically state how they want to receive job application materials in the job posting. What's most important is to follow the instructions. 

If a PDF is requested, be sure to convert your resume and cover letter to a PDF.  If a Word document is requested, convert your documents to Microsoft Word if you are using a different word process program.

Here's advice on how you should send your resume, including how to convert documents and how to send attachments in a variety of different email programs.

Read More: How to Send an Email Cover Letter | How to Create an Email Signature | Job Applicant FAQs

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