In March of this year, Scottrade sent out a press release in which recruiter and internship coordinator, Amy Meister, listed seven things college students can do to optimize their internship or entry-level employment searches.

1. "Use all of your resources to find a great internship. You don¹t have to look too far to find a great resource. Take advantage ofthe career counselors and advisors at your college or university and look toyour network of friends. Upperclassmen may be able to recommend internships they have held or heard about.

2. Practice professional job seeking skills. Take your internship search seriously as if you were looking for a full-time job. Formalize your correspondence and avoid using ³text messaging² grammar or spelling. Make sure your e-mail screen name is appropriate. Set up a more professional user name, such as using your first initial and last name, or use a university or college e-mail address. Check your voice mail message and ask yourself if that message would resonate well with a potential employer.

3. Show an interest in the company. Your initial query or cover letter should be personalized and reference the company and position you are applying for. Do some research about the company and point out any prior experiences that relates to the company. Once you have booked an interview, take the time to research the company further and know what you seek to gain from the position and what you can contribute. When you sit down for the interview, ask informed questions.

4. First impressions are important. It is ok to be nervous, but show your confidence. A great handshake, eye contact, good posture and concentration are keys to creating a great impression. Although casual is in, dressing professionally and wearing a suit shows that you will take the job seriously.

5. Make your experience relate. Employers realize college students may have little professional experience, but that does not mean you should not have a solid resume. Include part-time jobs, volunteer work, fundraising and charitable activities, athletics and even school-related projects that may align with the internship you are seeking. Make connections that work. For example, working as a cashier might not sound impressive or even relevant to an online brokerage. By making these connections, you can show that you are accurate, have handled money and filled out deposit slips and most importantly, that you have experience working with others and resolving customer issues.

6. Think outside the semester Scottrade, like many companies, values its internship program as a source for hiring top young talent. Let the internship recruiter know that your goal is to work with that company beyond your internship.

7. Follow-up After the interview, send a thank-you letter by mail or e-mail. This will give you another chance to represent yourself to the internship recruiter and hiring manager and reiterate key points from your interview and your interest in the internship.

As their importance continues to grow, finding the best internships will become increasingly difficult, as will finding the best entry-level jobs. Work to improve your soft skills - oral and written communication, professionalism, work ethic, critical thinking, problem solving - and always keep in mind that a large percentage of employers start with their interns when looking for the best entry-level employees.