If you have to explain an absence from the job market (you know, took a 2 year break and lived off your girlfriend), the phrase "I spent the past couple years helping to take care of my grandmother. She passed away two weeks ago. I'm ready to get back in the real world."

They can't verify it, and if anything, it'll probably get you the job. Plus, if you get hired and want to stay on, the best thing you can do is show up early, stay late, and cover an extra shift or two if asked.

Ask to talk to the manager on duty if you fill out an app in person. Be confident but let them know you want a job, and can begin when needed. Call every 2-3 days, at various times, and ask for the person in charge of HR, or a manager. And never put on an app you can't work Fri/Sat nights, or Sunday, if you want a job in retail or restaurants. Even if you can't, explain it later. Half the battle is getting an interview. If they ask fluff questions like "Why did you apply here today," put down you are a regular shopper, or if you know an employee, say that, even if you're not close to them. Attach your resume to the app, bring your own paper clip.

If you're a guy, short hair, no cap, and business casual attire. No athletic shoes. Firm handshake, clean shaven. If you're a woman, almost anything is ok except prostitute attire, but conservative is better. Don't hide the fact you're attractive, though, it'll get you employed at plenty of places. Easy on the cologne/perfume, I've cut interviews short because of it. Remove piercings and cover tattoos, unless you want to prove a point...that you like being unemployed. Sit up straight, and if you think you might be there a while, a bottle of water is fine. Don't mumble, bring a pen, pencil, and 3-4 resumes in a plain folder or manilla envelope. If they ask questions about school, be honest, they might come back to it later, but never say you are worse than a C student. Don't say your favorite subject is history if it's not, because they might ask a similar question later, and you'll have to recall your fib. If they ask your best quality, think of what your grandma would say about you, "honest" or "loyal", not "good at math". Weaknesses? Turn it into a positive. "I used to be unorganized. Then, I took a class on it, and I'm much better. In fact, I organized the garage sale at church last year." Embarrassing moment? Same thing, minor negative, turn it around. If you have to fill out a test about your behavior/beliefs, on a scale of 1-10, every answer should be a 1 or a 10. If you're not sure, answer it like the pope or a nun would. Don't overthink.

EDIT: You can say prostitute but not hook-er? Heh.

Well, everyone has 4 grandmas...

1. I'd mail it, and use nice paper. That still matters, and may get you an interview.

2. To Whom It May Concern would be correct, if you do not know who will be reading it.

3. Personal stuff like that is fine, and again, may boost you over George Generic, who is from Chicago, went to school in IL, and is now applying. If you will not require a relocation fee, mention that as well.

4. They will call references if you make it far enough, so only put down people you are ok if they contact. I used to put "references available upon request," until it occurred to me that sending them another sheet later is a pain for me, and likely isn't looked at fondly by them either. I just put 'em on the resume.