If you're new to the job market, you probably have challenges that are a little different from other candidates:  you probably have a small network to access, you have only limited job experience, and you're still learning the job-hunting ropes.  Here are a few job-hunting tips that will help you get on the right road to success:

• Use job fairs or campus recruiting events. But, the key is to use them wisely.  Know who you're going to talk to before you get there...which means, do your homework on the companies that will be represented.  That's not the place to find out what they do...it's the place to introduce yourself to them.  I have an article and video on How to Work a Tradeshow with more tips to help you.  Learn a few interview skills before you get there.
• Follow up. Within a couple of weeks, send an email to company reps you gave a resume to.  Mention the job you're interested in and briefly talk about why you'd be a good fit.  Keep it short, sweet, to the point, and respectful of the person's time.
• Sanitize your social media pages. Clean up Facebook, MySpace, or anywhere else you've got an online presence. Recruiters and hiring managers will check those out to find out more about you.  Make sure they're not shocked by what they see.
• Definitely get a LinkedIn page. It's the most popular business networking site out there, and is the going to be the most effective use of your online time, if you learn how to work it right.  Discover some LinkedIn Ninja Tricks for your job search, after you get the basics down.
• Find a recruiter who specializes in the field you're interested in. Don't bother flooding the market with your information.  It doesn't work.  And when you do send your resume, make sure it's fantastic.  Take the time to target it to the job you're applying for, and make sure it's easy to read.

Good Luck.

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