Being leader of a club or an intramural sports team or organizing a volunteer project will show that you've learned to make decisions and solve problems. Participating in extracurricular activities while maintaining a high GPA also will demonstrate that you have the "ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work."

Good grades show that you have a good knowledge base—the "technical knowledge related to the job"—and demonstrates a strong work ethic—a quality that employers value.

Another way to demonstrate your knowledge of the job is to have done an internship or two in your field. You'll have taken an opportunity to look at your future career close up while getting hands-on experience with any potential job. Your internship can put your "foot in the door" to a job opportunity with many employers and help you build a network of professionals in your field.

The career center staff can help you go a long way in preparation for selling yourself to future employers. In addition to helping you choose a major and career direction, a career counselor can help you find internships, perfect your cover letter and resume, and develop your interviewing skills. Good interview skills will help you show a potential employer know that you can "verbally communicate" with people inside and outside the organization.

Courtesy of the National Association of Colleges and Employers