1. Meaningless Acronyms
If you are going to use acronyms within your resume, be sure that you only use common ones that everyone is aware of.
2. Using Superlatives
It is completely acceptable to promote yourself in your resume, but make sure you do it with facts and figures, not claims and appraisals. Use facts and back your claims with awards and numbers.
For example, do say things like:
Salesperson of the Year, 2003
Exceeded Sales Quota by 40% in Q1 2004
Promoted to Sales Manager within 6 months
Don’t say things like:
3. Repetition
Don’t reuse the same verbs throughout your resume. Don’t start each past job experience with “Responsible for…” or “Developed and implemented…”
4. Don’t Be Too Creative
Simplicity and conciseness are keys to building a powerful resume. Employers don’t have time to pull out a dictionary to look up the meaning of words use in your resume.
5. Long Sentences
You should use short sentences and bulleted lists to itemize your accomplishments, duties and facts.
