OBSERVE A COMPANY'S TYPE
Companies possess two possible personalities:

The first personality consists of companies that model themselves after other corporations that are leaders in the industry. These "leader" companies usually set industry standards.

The second personality involves companies that are forever looking to the future. They are trying to find new prospects and opportunities, and new solutions to old and new problems. What gets them excited is turning ideas into products. New models, new patterns, new creativity - these are their very life-blood.

As mentioned before, companies have their own individual quirks, so don't be surprised if you find that some businesses have dual personalities!

DISCOVER A COMPANY'S CHARACTER
Besides the two personality types, there are two character types for companies. Again, a mixture is not uncommon.

The first character type is traditional and institutional. The type of work it offers is steady and routine. In return, the corporation demands of its employees personal loyalty, a sense of service and duty, and dependability. Schools, government, banks, hospitals, the military, law agencies, and accounting firms fit into this character type.

The second character type is fast-paced, ever-changing, innovative, and independent. It is breaking old models and creating new ones. The type of work offered by such a company is creative, achievement-driven, analytical, communication-oriented, and non-linear. Employees are expected to possess ingenuity, inventiveness, intuition, and ideas that generate a lot of profit. The computer industry is the best example of this type of character. It also includes fashion, publishing, the arts, animation, advertising, and design.

MAKE SURE YOU DO YOUR HOMEWORK
You might ask, what is the point of all this? It is important for you to do your homework before you sit down and write your resume. Don't expect to whip up a resume after dinner, just before your favorite sit-com. The perfect resume must be written with care, responsibility, and a clear understanding of the needs of the company.

You can't afford to be careless - your dream job is on the line!