Is your resume delivering results, or has there been a deafening silence in response to your submissions? If you're not getting the outcome you want, it might be time for a review to see if you're making any of the following mistakes:

1. Looks Matter

The size and style of font you select along with the layout you choose are important. If your resume isn't easy to read, the hiring manager will move on to one that is.

2. Errors

Proof your resume. Please. Not with the machine, but with a pair of human eyes. Spelling and/or grammatical errors are a great way to edit a stack of submissions down to a more manageable size. If you can't submit an error-free document, don't expect anyone to take your candidacy seriously.

3. Yawn....

Give the hiring manager a reason to keep reading! Your resume is a product brochure. It should showcase the product and leave the reader wanting to know more - not put the him to sleep. If you don't look interesting on paper you're not going to get the opportunity to make your case in person.

4. Using a Format Hiring Managers Dislike

Anything that slows the reader down is a negative. He's going to spend only a matter of seconds perusing your resume on the first pass. A functional format is more difficult to comprehend quickly than a chronological format - hands down. By its nature, it obscures your work history (employers, job titles and dates are more difficult to find because you're emphasizing your skill set). Don't expect the hiring manager to go on a hunting expedition trying to sort out your background. He won't.

5. Failing to Validate Your Candidacy

Too many resumes are long on platitudes and fluff and sorely lacking when it comes to quantifiable information. The best way to show a prospective employer that you're a valuable contributor is to illustrate it via measureable results. Don't just say you're great...show them.

Another big mistake is failing to demonstrate uniqueness. How are you different from the scores - or hundreds - of other candidates whose backgrounds (on the surface) might look very similar to yours? If you don't know - or if you can't articulate it - don't expect the person reading your resume to fill in the blanks for you.

Rebecca Metschke helps professionals seeking a competitive advantage in today's global economy. Her book The Interview Edge is available online in downloadable format. You can find free info on career strategies and other helpful tips and advice at The Interview Edge blog http://blog.theinterviewedge.com/.