CONTACT INFORMATION

Address

Make sure the address you're giving is reliable. If you're still at school, and your address is still in a state of flux, put a permanent address in case somebody pulls your resume from a file a few months after you send it in. Avoid post office boxes (unless you're in school) because they make people suspect that you're hiding something.

E-mail

The best way to show your perspective employer that you're comfortable with digital life is to state your e-mail address directly below your physical address. But if you use your on-line account for more than just work, beware. If you're one of AOL's millions of users, for instance, make sure your member profile doesn't contain anything incriminating, embarrassing, or inappropriate, or that your screen name isn't something along the lines of sexxxyhot23@aol.com. Similarly, with newsgroups so easily searched by engines like DejaNews, make sure you haven't posted anything recently your grandmother would be ashamed of. And be sure you check your e-mail on a regular basis.

Phone Numbers

A phone number is a must. If your number's also likely to change soon, list the number of a stable friend or family member willing to function as your answering service. There are also reputable answering services available, if you have no friends or family in the area.

If you're job hunting and you don't have an answering machine, get one. Some voice mail systems, sold by local phone companies, will not only take calls faithfully but can also take messages while you're on the phone with someone else. That way you'll be prepared to handle the rush.