Tailor resumes and cover letters. It's important for graduating students to find a way to customize their resumes and cover letters for each job, even if they’re applying for several openings at the same time. Recruiters do not want to see standard documents that do not pertain to their requirements. Invest the effort in creating error-free resumes and targeted cover letters for every position.

Take control. Identify companies that offer the kind of work you're interested in and find out which offer internships. Remember, you have a better chance of landing your ideal position if you have at least some exposure to the organization or industry you are trying to join. Hiring managers want to know you can do a job, not just that you have academic knowledge that can theoretically be put to use.

Build your web. Develop your network by reaching out to people you know in your chosen field and attempt to meet others through these individuals. If your primary contacts are not in your area of interest, don’t discount those connections; they may know someone who can help you in your career search in ways you'd not envisioned.

Get involved. If you realize on graduation day that you're not as prepared as you'd like to be, seek temporary work or volunteer opportunities to gain the experience you need to make your resume more attractive. Also, short-term positions can often provide a direct route to the job you want as employers are able to assess your skills directly.

ACCOUNTEMPS is a specialized temporary staffing service for accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. Accountemps provides support throughout an accounting department. Headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., Accountemps and has more than 270 offices in North America, Europe and Australia. Accountemps' Career Counselor column, a SmartPros staple for over four years, is refreshed twice a month.