Passions? Interests? Put Them in the Résumé.

Sarah Cogan, a recent law school graduate, would like a legislative job on Capitol Hill.

Cogan's alma mater is a top-ranked environmental law program, "and her timing couldn't be better to get in the environmental field," said Chris Jones, chief executive of staffing and placement firm PoliTemps.

But she doesn't have much work experience. "There lies the challenge: getting her foot in the door in her career field for her first real job." Her résumé doesn't say much about environmental volunteering or political activity, either.

"I would want to know where the passion and interests are and see that reflected in the résumé -- less information about the Summer Abroad program or computer skills and more volunteering with environmental and green causes. For example, the Chesapeake Climate Action Network or Chesapeake Bay Foundation are all good places to help out," Jones said.

"To seriously kick-start her job search, I would reach out to clean energy/climate change/green associations and organizations to see if they need help with legislative work, research or in their government relations department. Their Web sites usually have a listing for opportunities, offices and senior staff." He suggested that she work her alumni networks and contact congressional staff from both her home state and the state where she attended law school.

"In this competitive job climate, it's important to get out from behind the computer and be seen," Jones advised. "Volunteering, political fundraisers, alumni events and professional happy hours are all first steps."

-- Maryann Haggerty