In Response to Georgianne L

Is it necessary to craft your resume for each job you apply for, highlighting specific areas instead of others, or will just one resume be sufficient for all the jobs you apply for?

This is an interesting question and when I first thought about it, I figured that of course you would, but when I spent more time developing my response I realized its a little more complex than that.  

First of all it is in good practice to make changes to your resume in order to make it appeal to the specific employer more.  The question is, how much?  

The point of a resume is to show what type of person you are.  Many times we try to make it do more than that, and show how we will fit in to the company.  That is fine as long as it is honest.  Many times people change their resume so much for each company, although it may be truthful it may not be highlighting the characteristics that are most prevalent in the potential employee.  This may seem to be okay for the applicant at the job, but in the long run it just creates headaches for everybody.  

The employers realize they didn't get the same person they hired, and the employee realizes they are being expected to be somebody they aren't.

Sculpting your resume for each particular job is a good idea, just don't change it so much it makes you come across as a completely different person. 

Three P's of Marketing

Post your ideas to the following:   Think of yourself as a "product".  Describe the other 3 P's of the marketing mix -- that is, how will you market yourself to a potential employer. 

Although the unemployment rate has been consistently falling throughout the past few months it is not easier for people to get new jobs.  The average time people are out of work is still above 40 weeks, which is over twice the average of about 15 weeks.  These tough times makes people need to themselves look even more marketable than ever before.
I have been working hard to create relationships with some of my professors, to create connections in the real world.  I also have a resume that can be modified to fit the job I am applying for.  I have many references and a lot of work experience that I can call back on to help me move forward in a positive manner.
Where college kids lack in promotion, we more than make up in our price and place of the four P's.
I as are all college kids, am will to work for less compensation than a person who has been on the workforce for years is willing to.  I am also willing to put in more hours to cement my presence in the workforce as somebody who is hard working, and will be there for years to come.
The last advantage I have, is I am willing to move anywhere.  This is a trait that many people with families are either unwilling or unable to do.  At some point I hope I won't have to constantly move around, but I haven't earned that right yet.
Do you think college students are at an advantage or disadvantage over the other unemployed "established workers" who have been on the force for years?