Resume Red Flags

A couple of months ago, I wrote a piece about Apply For A New Job and it included a section about how to put together a winning resume. Your resume is your best weapon when you’re on the hunt for a new job and this document must emphasize the best of your experience, education and skills. Here are some glaring red flags to avoid when getting your curriculum vitae into fighting shape.

It’s Covered in Glitter — Literally.

Gaudy but yes, I’ve heard that it has been done and it will get thrown out. Even less extreme attempts like using image files, non-traditional symbols or fonts should be avoided. While it may be a nice break for a recruiter reading through hundreds of Times New Roman documents, you run the risk of the fonts or images not loading properly. So ditch the funky fonts because that busy recruiter isn’t going to contact you for a simplified copy.

There Are No Numbers

Don’t be vague on your resume. List your accomplishments with quantitative data to back it up. If you exceeded a goal, by how much did you exceed it? If you created and distributed company performance reports, how many did you do? Having numbers in your resume strengthens your accomplishments and paints a better picture of what you actually did.

It Includes the Words “Duties” or “Responsibilities”

When you’re writing your job description, focus on your accomplishments instead of what you had to do. Hence, change your tasks into achievements as an alternative to “duties” or “responsibilities.” For example, instead of being “responsible for the sales team,” consider “directed the sales team to beat their repeat client objective by 10%.” Remember the number thing!

It Lists an Unprofessional Email Address

In a world where email is free, and most of us have multiple addresses, make the effort to have a professional email address. Keep it simple, and using your name is best. Just make sure you leave the glitterdoll@hellokitty.com for personal use. Also, don’t use your current work email unless you’re self-employed.

It Includes a Picture

The ONLY time this is appropriate is if you are applying to be a model or an actor, and in both cases it’s preferred that you keep a separate portfolio. Including a self-portrait could exclude you for not being serious and may make you appear unprofessional. Let your skills and experience speak for you.

To read more about resume red flags, check out Yahoo! Finance.