25. Be Careful About Stating the Obvious:
This is yet another point of contention among career professionals. The use of certain statements can be viewed in a harsh light, but you will want to use your judgement on these. For example, to state the phrase: “Available for an interview” is a no-brainer. The employer knows this fact. Yet, I feel it is perfectly reasonable to state something like: “References available upon request.” This phrase straddles a different line because some people may not have references to furnish. While it is usually expected that an applicant does have references, in today's world things are changing rapidly. A previous employer may no longer exist today, so that reference probably doesn't exist either. A sensible employer will understand. Make sure to ask for assistance in this matter if you are unsure.

26. Design - Simplicity is Usually Best:
The use of design is controversial, subjective, and open to debate, especially depending on the nature of the work you are applying for. If you are a web designer or graphic artist, for example, your resume or portfolio will be a much different creation than if you are seeking employment as an administrative assistant. The challenge is that you only have a snapshot of time to capture someone's attention with your life in any event.

While many HR people will disagree with what I am about to tell you, I believe it can be good to break with tradition in certain circumstances and go for more creative types of style and design. I say this from experience as a business owner, who has interviewed literally hundreds of people over the years, across a number of industries. Combing a sea of the same style of resume is horrible and exhausting. You need to stand out in a crowd. There is no better way to do that than with design styles. When I hire people I look for originality in what they submit to me, as do many business owners. There is nothing more boring, blinding and difficult than staring at a sea of white resumes with the same standard black texts, haphazardly regurgitated onto a page. Whether it's in print or online, after a while it becomes one big blur. Remember, you have 10 seconds or less to stand out in a crowd, which is a challenge. But it can be done and there are plenty of image specialists and resume professionals who can assist you with this task. It is well worth the nominal investment to do so.

27. Proper Use of Spacing & Fonts:
One very important tip is not to jam your resume with so much text, the reader's head blows off its hinges! Legibility and sufficient white space between the words and lines will help the reader to see the information more clearly. If the reader has to "think real hard" about what you're saying, you've lost them, along with the chance for an interview. The resume has to be fresh, clean, vibrant, and snappy, and it has to appeal to them in the first 5-10 seconds of them glancing at it. Sounds unfair, I know, but this is the world we live in today. But, never lose hope! If you like a challenge as much as I do, it can be fun to come up with creative ideas. Whatever you do, make it legible with clean fonts. If you are an artist, advertiser or creative, you can make your resume page or website look fun and inviting. Just make sure it reflects a professional image.

28. Use of Photography:
This is also a controversial move. Many HR people will tell you never to use imagery, however, I disagree in certain circumstances. I think these things have a place, especially in creative jobs, or if you are in sales. If you are relying on using a website as your resume, you can get away with a lot more than submitting a pre-formatted "form." It all boils down to what you are applying for and what you do for a living. I will offer more on this topic coming up in the near future.

29. Offer One Tailored Resume Version Per Employer:
One of the most common mistakes that people make is to create a standard "plain vanilla: resume and shoot it out to all the job openings they can find, like a giant spam blast. You may think this is a clever time-saver, but in reality it is quite the opposite. Employers can recognize a prefab broadcast when they see one. In doing this, you are substantially decreasing your chances of landing an interview. Tailor your resume for each employer. It is worth a little extra time to do this. The same applies to your cover letters. A boiler-plate cover letter will also get you thrown into the trash in a hurry. Be smart about this. If you really want the job or the career. Don't cut corners. It will come back to get you later on in the wallet.

30. Identify Needs of the Employer
Make sure you understand the market of the company you are applying to, and tell the employer how your strengths can help improve their business. For example, if you are a dynamic sales person, explain that your experience and book of business contacts will increase their earnings. It's not about "you" in and of itself, it's about "your talents." If you are a brilliant accountant, you will want to showcase those talents by explaining how your accounting system will increase the company's ability to track money easier and better. You get the idea.

31. Sorry, Age Discrimination Still Exists:
Unless specifically requested, I really do not recommend you include your age on your resume. This is especially true for applicants age 40 and over. It is still a huge problem, even after all these years of "change." While it might be "illegal to discriminate," this is real life we're talking about here. If you are in good health, you can do the job and you look professional, why tip your hand? Get the interview first! If the employer is concerned about it, he or she can ask you in person.

32. You Don’t Have To List Every Job You've Had!
If you have worked in jobs you feel are not representative of you in today's current opportunity you are seeking, or you held old or outdated part time jobs from many years ago, it's better to omit them, depending on your individual situation. Again, no one cares that you worked at McDonald's when you were a 16-year old teenager if you're over the age of 25 and you're focused on a serious executive career. Use common sense in this manner. Don't feel overly compelled to list every single little thing you've done in your lifetime! Make the resume relevant to today's jobs and careers you are interested in.

33. Go With What You Got, That's Really All You Can Do:
If you do not yet have real work experience in the business world, showcase anything of value you have done in your life. This means volunteer work, fundraisers, part time jobs, special events, sports programs, community programs, certifications, awards, talents, etc. If you are enrolled in a trade school or college, but don’t have your degree or certification yet, make sure to list all the details. That means the name of the school, the program, what you are studying or majoring in, estimated completion date, etc. As long as these things are relevant to the job you're applying for, that's what matters most. We all have valuable life experiences. I'm sure you have more than enough value to land the job you want. Believe in yourself, be honest and be helpful. Have a positive, caring attitude and you are sure to win.

34. Flaunt Yourself, But in the Right Way:
This is yet another area where my ideas and beliefs differ from many traditional HR professionals. As a business owner, marketing specialist and graphic artist, I always continue to look for the resumes that stand out in a crowd. Regardless of what the job opening is for, I want innovative individuals to work for me and my company.

Many years ago, there was one young lady who sent me a hand printed resume. The print was so amazingly crafted, I thought it was a typed font created to look like a hand-drawn font. But, as I studied it, I began to realize it was, in fact, handcrafted. I was stunned at its beauty. The young lady was an artist looking for work and I was quite taken with her "resume," which was designed to looked like an invitation to a party. As this was many years ago, she didn't yet have a website, so I called her right then and there, in the hope of setting up a time to meet her and see her portfolio of work. We met within a few days of that, and we wound up working together for many years. Today, she is still one of my dearest friends. So as you can see, originality is everything!

I am not saying everyone should try this approach. After all, the lady is an artist so it made sense for her to try somethin fun and unique. However, "plain vanilla," even in the corporate world will not get you an interview today, unless you are really famous in your industry. If that is the case, you probably won't need a resume anyway. Regardless of what you hear from "the HR pros," take it from someone who knows first hand. You must find that balance between creative versus obnoxious! Too much or too little will get you thrown in the trash.

Don't be afraid of using a little color or imagery. Use of graphics can be very effective, depending on the nature of the job or career. This is where having your own website can really come in handy. Always be original. Always be "YOU." You really can't be anyone else! If you are a bigger-than-life individual, don't try to hide yourself behind a veil. Hang a bell on yourself and paint it red! If you are shy, but perhaps very talented, hang a bell on those talents and paint them red. Don't be afraid to be YOU.

35. Do Not Include Irrelevant Information:
Providing personal information such as political affiliation, religion, sexuality, or some other personal matter, these are private issues and really won't help you to land a job. Unless you are planning to work in one of these area - politics, religion, sexuality, etc. - leave it off the resume. In many cases, it could work against you. It could even get your resume thrown in the trash. HR people really don't have the time to get involved in personal matters, so avoid it from the beginning. You'll get much farther.

36. Use Mr., Mrs., Ms. & Miss Whenever Appropriate:
Remember, it's the little things that can make or break a situation! Get this wrong on a cover letter, email or in person, and will most likely lose out on getting the job. With men it's a no-brainer, simply address them as "Mr." and your done with it. But, women are different and they can be very sensitive about this subject. If the person you will answer to is a woman, definitely take the time to research her full and formal name. Always make sure you check the spelling of a person's name, as well. Either call the company to enquire, or view the company website or directory for details. I had one young man actually call me directly to ask me what I preferred, before sending me his resume. I thought that was very sweet! However, it's usually better to seek out a secretary or receptionist for help first. As a standard rule of thumb, you can usually go with using "Ms." but some married women are very proud of "Mrs.," while many single women are offended by the traditional term, "Miss." Make sure to research it first before contacting the individual. You will be very glad you did.