1. Spelling or grammar errors: Always spell check your resume, but keep in mind that no word processing program’s spell check is perfect. Read it over yourself and have someone else look it over too. Spelling and grammar errors almost guarantee that your resume will be ignored.
2. Using too small of a font: Use 11 or 12 point font for your resume – if it’s hard to read, it’s likely to be passed by in favor of a more legible resume.
3. Omitting dates: You should always include the dates of your previous positions. Leaving these out can make it look like you have something to hide.
4. Repetition: Don’t use the same verb to describe each of your skills and accomplishments at previous jobs. Instead, use a variety of verbs to showcase your skill set.
5. Inconsistent layout: The style of layout you use is up to you, but make sure that it’s consistent throughout the document. Your margins should be even (1” on all sides is a good choice) and leave the same amount of space between headings.
6. Not writing in your own voice: If you land an interview, a prospective employer will be able to tell whether you wrote your own resume or if you were using someone else’s words. Be formal in your resume, but as much as possible, try to write in your own voice.
7. Not including a cover letter. Every resume you send should be accompanied by a cover letter. It shows that you’re motivated enough to put in a little extra effort – and your cover letter also gives you another chance to sell yourself to employers.
8. Using an unprofessional sounding email address: You should always include your email address in your contact information, but make sure it’s professional sounding. If you don’t already have one, set up an email address which is just your name, which will make a much better impression.
9. Using informal language: Your resume is a business document, first and foremost. Don’t use abbreviations and try to avoid contractions whenever possible.
10. Clutter: Edit your resume to remove information which isn’t relevant to the position you’re applying for.
11. Getting too personal: Prospective employers really don’t need to know your age, race, religion or what you look like; don’t include a head shot unless you’re trying to land an acting or modeling job.
12. Not tailoring your resume to the job: You should have a few different versions of your resume which are designed for different kinds of jobs you’re interested in. Unless you’re only applying for one kind of position, like refinery turnaround jobs, don’t use the same resume you’d use when looking for a job outside of the energy sector.