Tips & Tricks

Avoid these slip-ups when you set out to update your resume:

1. GPA

   Unless you are fresh out of college, employers aren't looking for whether or not you were on the honor roll in high school or in college. They are looking for a good track record in your employment history.

2. Sloppy

   In today's world of easily accessed technology, there is no excuse for missing spaces, sloppy indents and spelling errors. If you are not a computer genius, find a friend that is and have them proof read your resume before you leave the house.

3. Stretching the Truth

   No matter how easy it sounds, do not lie on your resume. Not even bend the truth by a few months. Employers perform background checks and your lie is bound to be revealed.

4. Social Security Number

   As a personal safety measure, don't put your SS# on your resume. It could be sitting around in the open where any random stranger could pick it up.

5. Past Wages

   Don't list the hourly rate or salaries of any past jobs. Each position is different with unique requirements. Don't negotiate yourself out of a raise before you have the interview.

6. Physical Characteristics

   It's best if you leave out your physical characteristics like hair color, height and weight. If you do, you open yourself up to unfair and illegal discrimination.

7. Family Members

   Whether your single, married or divorced, a grandma or a single dad, your potential employer does not need to know. You are responsible for the job, not for what your responsibilities are outside of the job.

8. Health

   Your potential employer does not need to know your health status. The only thing they are concerned with is your ability to get the job done in a safe and healthy manner for all involved.

9. Negative Thoughts

   So, you don't think you are a leader? Think about how you can spin what you are good at into a positive. If you aren't a leader, write on your resume "you work well in groups," or "take direction very well."

10. "All or Nothing" Phrases

    Some firms ask for your hourly wage or salary requirements. When answering that question, avoid using extreme statements like, "not a penny less" or "six-figure salary." Give yourself a bit of room to negotiate, keep your options open to negotiate in the one on one interview.