• Make an excellent impression. They'll often offer open positions to students they know, trust, and don't have to train extensively.
• Get references. Ask professionals with some leverage, like former supervisors, and only ask people that you know will give you a glowing recommendation.
• Be proactive. Apply for jobs before you graduate.
• Take your exams as soon as possible after graduation. Credentials after your name add instant appeal to employers looking for a strong candidate.
• Don't confine yourself to looking for jobs in the papers or on the Internet - do both. And don't forget to check out a facility's website, which could have job openings that aren't posted anywhere else.
• Make your application and resume stand out. Poor grammar and punctuation errors are deal breakers. Note to new grads: Unstable work history and job-hopping are also red flags for employers. Make sure you're sending a good message as you accrue work experience.
• The more hands-on experience you can highlight in your resume, the better.
• Always send a well-edited cover letter with your resume, and make sure it highlights your achievements and specific skill set.
• Don't be afraid to respond to a job listing that asks for more experience than you have. Job postings list the ideal candidate, but if you capitalize on what you do have to offer and research your weak spots, you can realistically get the job.
• Try to contact the department supervisor directly. The process for reviewing resumes can be an imperfect science, and human resources may disregard your resume if it doesn't meet stringent guidelines. Contacting the supervisor directly emphasizes your interest in the job and can land you an interview.
• Research the facility extensively. Employers and recruiters recognize when a candidate displays genuine interest in their particular facility.
• Understand the facility's cultural environment. Decide whether or not you would be a good fit.
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions, which ask that you recall how you handled a specific circumstance. Example: Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills. Make a mental outline, but don't overprepare. You want to sound intelligent, not robotic.
• Always wear professional attire to an interview. Casual clothes do not convey your seriousness about the position. Also, be on time. Lateness is especially unforgivable. If you hit traffic, call before the interview time and explain that you're sorry for the delay and will be there as soon as possible.
• Show that you are invested in providing excellent patient care.
• Be careful not to emphasize perks of the job that give employers the wrong impression. For example, don't be overly excited that the facility is only 10 minutes from where you live. A short commute is nice, but employers want to know that you're interested in the job for other reasons.
• Network. If you don't get the job you wanted but you've made a connection with a manager or supervisor in the department, ask if they know of any openings and if they can keep you in mind for future job opportunities.
• If you can't find a full-time position, seek part-time employment. Any employment history is better than none, and part-time jobs can easily lead to full-time positions if something opens up.
• If all else fails, look for some kind of medical position, ideally in the department where you'd eventually like to work. Almost any position in healthcare will provide you with a chance to enhance your patient care skills, learn the IT system of a facility, get to know personnel and make valuable contacts.
• Don't give up. In the healthcare industry, there are always peaks and valleys, and they tend to cycle. Wait out the low points, and you won't be sorry.

Heather Simons is a former assistant editor at ADVANCE.