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When responding to an ad online or in a newspaper, carefully state in your cover letter that you'll be following up. "I'm not sure the HR person wants to personally hear from all 500-plus candidates," says Diane K. Danielson, author of "Table Talk: The Savvy Girl's Alternative to Networking" (1stBooks Library; $17.50). "However, if they were expecting your resume - like if another employee had personally recommended you - then by all means try to follow up personally a few days after sending your letter."

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