By Dan Rohn

Be Realistic.

If a company is seeking an editor with 8 to 10 years experience at a major metropolitan newspaper and you've only got three years at a small daily, it's probably not wise to apply. You'll be wasting your time and the employer's time, and you'll force them to weed through unqualified applications. Stay within your range. Maybe apply for an editor (or comparable) position at a medium-sized newspaper.

Don't Misrepresent Your Experience.

If you were a news assistant at your last job, but you did a little reporting in your spare time, don't say you were a full-time reporter and leave out what you spent most of your time doing. Instead, be truthful about your job and show how you pursued other assignments in addition to doing your regular job. This will show that you're a go-getter.

Do Your Homework.

Before applying for any job, know something about the company. Who owns it? Who are its competitors? What is the company's reputation in the community? What awards has it received? Researching the company will show your prospective employer that you are curious, well-informed and diligent -- important qualities in a journalist.

Produce Error-Free Resumes and Cover Letters.

Don't be careless about typos and grammatical errors. Take the time to make sure your resume and cover letter are organized and error-free. Some applicants are so focused on what to say that they forget about presentation. How your resume and cover letter look is often a good indication of your work habits and professionalism.

It's Never Too Late to Apply.

If an ad was posted three weeks ago and you just discovered it, apply anyway. In this tight labor market (unemployment is at a 30-year low), finding top talent is challenging, even at the most prestigious companies. So there is a good chance the job you want may still be open. Even if it's not, you could be considered for future openings if your resume is impressive.

Dan Rohn is a former copy editor and writer with The Washington Post, and a former business editor with America Online. He also has done freelance reporting for Money magazine.