Little-Known Resume Mistakes

Job hunting is difficult enough without encumbering your own success with a poorly-written resume. Since your resume is the first contact you will have with a potential employer, it should be as powerful and efficient as possible. While you might have a good idea of how to write your resume -- there's certainly enough information on the Internet about it -- you might not have come across these little-known resume mistakes that can keep you down.

Little-Known Resume Mistake #1: A Generalized Resume

Even if all of the positions for which you are applying have to do with the entertainment industry, you still shouldn't use a "template" resume for each. And don't think that writing a specific cover letter for each will suffice; your resume should precisely reflect the position you are applying for. At the top of your resume, be sure to streamline the focus by including an "Objective" or "Focus" section that describes why you are right for the job.

Little-Known Resume Mistake #2: A Boring Resume

If you knew how many resumes a hiring manager has to sift through every day, you would know why boring resumes rarely make the final cut. You'll want your resume to stand out among all the rest -- and in a good way. Continue using a different template or printing your resume on beige or pale yellow paper. You don't want your resume to appear gaudy, but you also want it to stand out.

Little-Known Resume Mistake #3: A Disorganized Resume

Rather than writing your resume as you think it should be written, consider it from an employer's point of view. What is most important to him or her, and what is least important? Obviously, your work history should come close to the top, and academic awards should come before hobbies. Write it as you want it to be read, and you'll be glad you took the time and effort.

Little-Known Resume Mistake #4: A Loooong Resume