By MAX MESSMER, Scripps Howard News Service

From the sight of yellow school buses to the clanking sound of lunch boxes, signs abound that school is back in session. It's a time of year when many people reflect on their own school days. But despite the warm memories you may have of early scholastic successes, avoid waxing nostalgic when you are preparing your resume or including education details that may no longer be relevant.

After writing and proofreading your resume and cover letter, there's one more critical document to create: a reference list. While you shouldn't submit references with your application, you want to have the sheet on hand in case a hiring manager requests it.

COVER LETTER: "I am a lover of big words that make me sound important."

We'll keep a dictionary nearby during the interview.

E-MAIL SUBJECT LINE: "Please see attached work smaples."

Wording matters when crafting your resume. Avoid vague phrases such as "familiar with" or "exposure to." Wishy-washy language is often a red flag that the job seeker doesn't really have the desired expertise in a particular area. For instance, an administrative professional who says she is familiar with Microsoft Access may have used the program only twice.

Summer is in full swing, and many people are planning their yearly vacations. Although everyone needs to recharge on occasion, now is not the time to take a break from the job search. Companies still hire during the lazy, hazy days of summer, and you can bet your competitors in the job market aren't resting.

Surprising as it may be, a few bright spots are starting to poke through the dark clouds of the economic downturn. In a recent poll by Robert Half International, 77 percent of professionals interviewed cited at least one positive effect the recession has had on their jobs, including the ability to take on new projects, assume additional responsibility and tackle more challenging work.

Because most resumes today are sent via e-mail or an online submission form, many job seekers skip the cover letter. This is a missed opportunity to differentiate yourself from the competition. A customized cover letter allows you to showcase your knowledge of the employer and explain why you are the ideal person for the job.

As you prepare your resume and cover letter, be mindful that hiring managers are particularly busy these days. With fewer open positions and no shortage of job candidates looking to fill them, the resume-review process has become more time-intensive for many employers.
Why does this matter to you?

A job seeker who submits the same generic resume to every company is unlikely to land an interview in today's competitive employment market. Put simply, half-hearted job-hunting efforts just won't cut it. Stand out from the crowd by thoroughly researching both the company and the open position, and then tailor your resume to that specific opportunity.