You are not at fault. You don't write resumes for a living. College professors, family members, friends, and neighbors all have "resume opinions!"

Who are you supposed to believe? Let's look at 3 deadly resume mistakes and what you should do instead.

Mistake #1: Believing the only tool (option) you have available is a resume. Burned by "inaccuracies," many employers refuse to read resumes because they don't trust their content. Then what? You scramble for alternatives.

What to do instead: Good news. You write a foundational resume and using the third person, draft a tightly written one page biographical sketch based on your resume. Look at author bios on book dust jackets, one page biographical sketches for examples, and other readily available resources to see how it's done.

Mistake #2 - Listing three, four or more juicy references - Wrong, not right! Cart before the horse. Your top purpose is to get a phone or in-person interview. You have rights. How do you know you will want to work there? If the organization is interested, you will supply list of references. Please don't say, "References on request." That's hokey. Not cool.

What To Do Instead - Wait. Wait until the employer rep asks for references. Then match each reference to person contacting your references. VPs want to talk to VPs. HR wants to talk to HR people. Director level to director level. Crucial. Include title and your relationship with each reference. Supervisor? Owner? Champion? These are work references, not ministers, pals, or family members.

Mistake #3: Worrying that selling you is not cool; too bold. Female candidates undersell their background, experience, skills, and abilities. Google Dr. Patricia Heim, the authority. Unless you have an agent, "If it is to be it is up to U!"

What to do instead: Your resume is a marketing document disguised as a resume. Yes it has "sell" in it and it should. Proudly display your expertise that matches employer needs. Emphasize results in statements of accomplishment that relate to job requirements. More results the better.

And now I'd like to invite you to claim your Free Instant Access to your own one-on-one live and recorded tele-conference when you visit http://www.resumesteve.com

Get your job search, resume, and cover letter questions and more, answered. You'll receive one hour, more or less, YOUR schedule permitting, with Stephen Q Shannon.

From Stephen Q Shannon - The Free Teleseminar Resume Guy