With competition for available jobs reaching a fever pitch, the pressure is on for job seekers to submit a bulletproof resume. Here are the top 4 most common mistakes that lead to rejections, and how to avoid them:

1) NO INTRODUCTORY SECTION

Jumping straight into your work history without an introduction frequently causes confusion amongst hiring agents, most of whom will spend an average 10-20 seconds scanning a candidate's resume. Make it easier for them by creating a 3-4 line paragraph DEMONSTRATING key attributes for the type of position you're seeking. Be sure to use active language and avoid listing specific job successes (that's what your work history is for).

2) NO CORE COMPETENCIES SECTION

Increasingly, hiring agents are turning to Applicant Tracking Systems such as Taleo and Kenexa to sift out unqualified candidates. The best way to avoid rejection is to integrate in-demand KEYWORDS for the type of position you're seeking. Here's how:

-Analyze postings for jobs you'd like to apply to. Identify skills that frequently pop up (and which you possess)

-Create a "Core Competencies" section immediately following the opening paragraph. A good approach is to simply list skills in horizontal bullets. This looks clean and saves precious space.

3) TOO MANY DETAILS WITHIN YOUR WORK HISTORY

Can there be such a thing as too many details on a resume? One need only look at the plethora of sprawling resumes that read like novels to know the answer is ABSOLUTELY. The goal of a resume is to present an effective OVERVIEW of skills/accomplishments and build interest in calling you in for an interview. With that in mind, here's an approach that's been shown to work:

-Begin every position with 2-4 lines (in paragraph form) describing UNIQUE RESPONSIBILITIES. Structure it from most important to least, and leave off tasks taken for granted such as attending meetings, etc.

-After this should come a "Key Accomplishments" section or similar listing SPECIFIC SUCCESSES in bullets. Include metrics if available.

4) UNNECESSARY CLOSING SECTIONS

Today's job market has little patience for sections listing hobbies or anything else that doesn't DIRECTLY PERTAIN to the position you're seeking. Other things that should be left off are personal details such as marital status, as well as references. The latter should be placed in a separate document and taken along with you to interviews.

Anish Majumdar is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Owner at Resume Orbit. 95% of clients report a significant increase in interviews within 30 days, and all work comes backed by a 100% Satisfaction or Money Back Guarantee (in writing).

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