by Mel Otero

Created on: February 23, 2010   Last Updated: February 25, 2010

You have about a 20 second introduction and opportunity to make a positive first impression when a company first reviews your resume.  In the current job market, there is no room for mistakes in your resume.  You cannot afford to allow resume mistakes to destroy the chance for an interview.  Frequently, job applicants mistakenly believe that they were never called for an interview because their qualifications were not acceptable.  Of course, that is a possibility.  On the other hand, it is more likely that they were screened and eliminated based on resume mistakes.  Employers are swamped with applicants and their time is limited; the resume review is the first step in the elimination process. 

Be sure your resume does not include the following errors: 

1)   NO IMPACT STATEMENT.  Consider one sentence crafted to explain how you are uniquely qualified for the position.  This statement should be near the top of the resume and can take the place of the standard “career objective”.  Use a slightly larger font and put the sentence in bold.  Remember, the company wants to know how and why you will be an asset.  What can you do for the company? 

2)  LENGTH – TOO LONG TOO SHORT.   Do not exceed two pages.  If possible, a one page well written resume makes a bigger impact.  Remember, the initial scan of the resume will take about 20 seconds.  Of course, be sure you include adequate facts.  It is important that your list of achievements supports your impact statement.  Your work related achievements need to convince the employer that you will be a valuable asset to the company. 

3)   HONESTY AND ACCURACY.  Do not lie about your experience or skills.  It may take some time, but the truth will always surface.   Remember, the employer will be researching and verifying your credentials and statements.

4)   UNNECESSARY INFORMATION.  Do not include personal information in your resume.  Your hobbies or your favorite vacation spot are not relevant to the job.  If you are a member of a professional organization business related, it is fine to include this information.  Remember, the interviewer does not have time to read a mini novel.  

5)   POOR LAYOUT.  Be sure your resume is reader friendly.  Use plain white good quality bond paper (no colors, no

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