We see our customers as invited guests to a party, and we are the hosts. It's our job every day to make every important aspect of the customer experience a little bit better. Jeff Bezos

Employers don't consider your resume follow-up a waste of their time. While there will always be potential employers who are firm believers in the "don't call us, we'll call you" approach, most recruiters admire candidates who make an ef fort to follow up on their resumes. Follow-up shows both initiative and persistence, traits good managers love, especially in individuals who are applying for positions with major responsibilities. Don't worry about seeming too enthusiastic. Company representatives enjoy being pursued. It massages their egos and reminds them their company is worth courting.

Just about every cover letter sent in response to an ad begins in the following style, "To Whom It May Concern: This letter is in response to your ad in the National Business Employment Weekly for . . ." Rather uninspiring, isn't it? Is it any wonder the few individuals who research a company, then use the information to formulate their cover letter's f irst paragraph, have a tremendous advantage over their complacent competitors? In the resume derby, everything you do to distinguish yourself moves you another length ahead of the pack.