March 1, 2010
My colleague, Sandra Ingemansen, CPRW, has assembled a great list of Top Résumé Mistakes.
Here are some of the most egregious:

1. Photograph included, unless you are model or in show biz.
2. Including personal details - hobbies, sports you play, marital status, no. of kids, age, race, religion, outside social organizations, etc.
3. Inappropriate e-mail address; e.g. crazymonkey@example.com. This identifies you as an unserious person.
4. Lack of proper professional profile.
5. Use of 'Objective' statement - states what you want rather than what you have to offer.
6. Use of first person 'I' and 'my.'
7. Inconsistent use of verb tenses.
8. Inappropriate language, design, and formatting.
9. Passive language.
10. Redundant statements.
11. Overuse of duties and responsibilities instead of emphasis on accomplishments.
12. Too long and wordy.
13. Résumé hides important skills.
14. Outright fabrication or plagiarism; misrepresentation of accomplishments and background. Never falsify or exaggerate your academic record!
15. High school information - not needed.
16. Listing dates of college degrees.
17. Salary history or reasons for leaving previous jobs.
18. Spelling and grammar errors - a killer!
19. Use of odd-sized paper, loud colors, scented paper, and inappropriate graphics, (smiley faces).
20. Handwritten or poorly typed document.
21. Direct cut and paste from job descriptions.

There are other mistakes to be avoided.

Your résumé is a personal marketing document, not your personal biography. Don't make the mistake of assuming you will be hired solely from your résumé. It doesn't happen. The purpose of your résumé is to get interviews. Only you can 'close the deal' at the interview.

Need help with your résumé? Contact me at 520-825-3161 or at bob@highvalres.com. No obligation.