Whether you are about to graduate and are applying for your first "big kid" job, or you are trying to get those internships under your belt, there are several important things to do in preparation.

Your job application is your first impression on the company you are applying to, so it is very important to get it right. Here are some tips to make your application process go smoothly while making yourself look awesome.

1. Edit, edit and edit again. Then edit some more.

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This may be the most important thing to keep in mind when putting in applications for any internship or job. The quickest way to get yourself put in the "no" pile is to have spelling or grammar errors in your application, resume, cover letter, writing samples etc.

Errors make you look unprofessional and lazy, especially if you are applying for a job that involves writing or error-free work. You will be written off immediately if you submit material with mistakes. This is one small, simple thing that is very important. Take the time to perfect your application packet. It will pay off.

Bonus: Make sure if you are applying for a profession that uses a certain format (like AP style) that you keep your resume and cover letter in check with that. They are always watching.

2. Personalize your resume and cover letter.

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Sadly, this doesn't mean put your monogram on it. Although it is really important to have a nice, basic resume and cover letter prepared, do not send the same generic one to each place you apply. They can tell.

You should always research the company and be sure to include some key characteristics they are looking for in your cover letter. For example, if their slogan is "Move Forward" or if they talk about how important energetic teamwork is to them, you should incorporate those into your letter. This not only makes you look appropriate for the position, it shows that you care about the company's values.

As far as your resume goes, make sure you mold your experience to fit their job description. Keep it relevant. If the job description is very specific, don't include experience that has nothing to do with it. Instead, focus in on the strengths that make you perfect for this specific job. They don't want to sit there and weed through your random past job descriptions.

3. Be 100 percent honest.

image | mywordwizard.com

Never, ever fabricate experience, skills, numbers, results or anything else for that matter. Be honest and open. If you don't have the right experience for the job, you shouldn't be applying for it. You won't be happy there, and they won't be happy with you. Ultimately, it will create a very negative experience and a bad job reference. Be realistic with what you apply for. You will be much happier in a job that is your perfect fit.

The skills you have will be the perfect fit for some job out there, and you will enjoy it a lot more than a job you are struggling to keep up with. If you don't speak French, don't apply for a job that requires it. If you have no idea how to write a press release, don't apply for a job that needs you to write three or four of them each day.

At the end of the day, taking a simpler job that you can excel at and gain experience is the better option when compared to lying to get a more advanced position. You are just setting yourself up to fail.

4. Keep it professional. Always.

image | izismile.com

Unlike the picture above, keep your stuff professional. This goes for your resume, cover letter and any correspondence with personnel in charge of your application process. There is no need for hot pink, funky fonts, or my personal pet peeve, exclamation points. It is not cute and doesn't make you "stand out," it is childish.

i.e. If you are a graphic designer, use your graphic design samples or online portfolio to show your skills...NOT your resume.

Make sure that your resume and cover letter look nice, clean and professional. Also make sure that they are written in a concise manner. Don't include unnecessary words, headings or images. It is absolutely okay to let your personality and creativity shine through, just find appropriate ways to do this.

It is also important to make sure that your emails between HR representatives or potential supervisors are addressed properly. Don't call these people by their first names, make sure to use their proper title. In addition, as a rule of thumb, saying "Hey" and "what's up" is not appropriate. Stick with "Hi," "Hello," and "How are you?"

If you aren't sure how to talk with them, let them set the pace. If they seem more relaxed, you don't have to be a stone wall. Just don't let it get to the "omg lol" point.

5. You can never apply for too many jobs.

image | smallbiztrends.com

Although it may seem like you're getting lost in piles of applications and endless typing, chances are, you won't hear back from 80 percent of the places you apply, no matter how great your resume is. Stuff just tends to get lost in the HR shuffle. The good news is, it only takes one. The right job is out there for you, but you may have to broaden your scope to find it. Don't get stuck on one company, one job or one city.

There are more jobs out there than people realize. However, most people are set and determined to live in NYC or work at Ketchum. Some of these expectations are not realistic. Open up your application pool and you will automatically have more opportunities to get hired. Just be sure to read descriptions, research the company and only apply for things that truly appeal to your interests.

Make sure you keep an organized list and file of who you applied to, what for and what you sent them. This way, you won't be confused when you get a callback and have forgotten what the job even was.

6. Clean up your social media. Right now.

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Yes, they can still see your profile if it is private. Yes, they can still find that photo of you on the ground even though you untagged yourself. Nothing is safe. While it won't hurt to make your profile private, it is still vital to clean it up.

Delete photos of yourself being wild or inappropriate. This includes excessive drinking, skimpy clothes, questionable activities etc. People seeking good employees do not care how many friends you had to go out drinking with, or how hot you looked on Halloween.

Also, make sure your social profile doesn't have any extreme views on display either. While it is absolutely okay to feel a certain way, employers may be put off by your posting strong views online. It just looks bad. They don't want to hire people who might post controversial stuff on the internet.

Companies are looking for a representative that they can trust in and out of the office. Make sure you not only give that appearance but act that way as well. Despite popular belief, if you are at the point where you are applying for jobs and internships, you are probably past the point where you should be acting up at fraternity parties anyways.

While there are many more things you could focus in on, these six tips should be a great head start to creating your perfect job application. Be sure you are confident with what you are sending in, and that you trust it is an honest representation of who you are. Your true personal strengths are what will land you the job that was meant for you. Good luck!

And do not do this.

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