Figured it might be worth posting here but I was curious if anyone had any good job search advice in regards to cover letters, resumes, interviews or any other related bits of information. Also if you know of any good resources to find jobs that would be helpful as well.

I'm currently looking for a job in an engineering position for when I graduate, so I'd preferably like information regarding professional positions. I'd ideally prefer to keep comments to those that have experience in this area (as either being interviewed or giving interviews), but it is a forum after all so we'll see what happens.

I hire, not pros but a lot of the points I'll share are pretty generic.

Do your research on the company, you don't need stalker grade info but you need to have current news. An internet search of news items would be good.

Don't make stuff up, if you don't know or are unsure when asked a question just say so. They may not be impressed that you said IDK, but if you make things up and are off base, you'll look like a fool.

I don't care what I can do for you, I want to know what you will do for me. What are you bringing to table?

Ask relevant questions back to the interviewer, shows your paying attention.

Look around the environment your interviewing in. If you see an award your familiar with, a degree from your school or membership in an organization you know, try and mention it to make the connection with the interviewer. However, see above about making things up.

If I think of anything else I'll add it....

network like crazy while at school: Fellow students, clubs and organizations, and teachers.

Network outside of school through http://www.meetup.com/

For when working on my resume I used Google and http://www.reddit.com/r/sysadminresumes/for examples, ideas, and formatting. Emphasizing my related work and extracurricular experience over my direct education.

Cover letter I used a little bit of boilerplate from googled examples, but they should be fairly customized for the company at hand.

Some general-purpose questions to ask before an interview are expected length, names of those who will interview you, and dress code.

Before an interview research the company thoroughly, know people's names, know their recent business moves and financial information, etc. Also, if possible, try to do some research on the interviewer (looking them up on LinkedIn and social media sites). There will be some lull moments in an interview, and that may turn up some things to talk about. Also, think of important topics for you to ask the interviewer, and definitely ask them about their experience working for the company. The interview is a two-way street and you need to make sure you're a good fit for the position and the company too.

Come to an interview with spare everything, some paper and a pen for taking notes yourself, and other things you need to feel comfortable (such as a water bottle).

If unsure at the end of the interview, it's a good idea to ask when they think they will get back to you. Follow up every interview with a thank-you notes, and once the time they stated has passed for them getting back to you, call or email them asking if any progress has been made.

A good presentation covering all this and more: http://vimeo.com/4108726

I graduated spring of 2014. I had to do some things for my previous company before I felt they were ready to leave and working on my resume (which I probably spent too much time on before putting out there). Once I started applying, it was a month before I got my first response and started my new job another month and a half later.

Oh, one thing is that a first interview is definitely not the appropriate place to be talking about pay, perks, and benefits. That'll be much closer to the end.

Thanks for the tips, I hadn't thought about using Meetups as a means of networking so I'll look into that. Additionally I'll check out that presentation when I have some more time.

Unfortunately my degree isn't directly related to computers, which seems to be what a lot of people here have. Nevertheless these posts have been helpful, thanks.