You might think that using a unique font in your resume is a good thing. After all, if it stands out from the others and expresses personality, certainly the business will appreciate it? The fact of the matter is this is a trap that people of all ages tend to fall into. Anybody that has been assigned to look through the applicants will be less likely to take a resume seriously if it uses a fancy, hard-to-read font. It will be considered amateurish and unprofessional, leading to the throwing away of the resume before it has even been read. A simple, common font such as Arial or Times New Roman will suffice.

2. Do Not Use Colored Paper

This goes into the same category as using different fonts. Printing out the resume on colored paper, such as neon yellow or red, does not do you any favors. You will not be guaranteed a job just because you took the time to buy and use colorful or even patterned paper. In fact, you will not impress anybody, and the money you spent on the paper will be wasted. This is not to say that businesses do not appreciate character; however, this early in the game you should play it safe.

3. Be Specific

It is important to avoid using vague phrases when you put together a list of your past job duties. If you worked in retail and dealt with clothing, do not simply mention that you sold clothes. Instead, make sure that you mention that you sold clothing for kids, or intimate wear, or uniforms for various sports. Those in charge will appreciate that you took the time to specify, and if you do not get your desired post, you might find that you are in the running for something else instead.

4. Mention Your Skills and Importance

Companies of all walks of life are looking for the best that they can get, and many people know this. If you want your resume to look better than the dozens or even hundreds of others that they might receive, you are going to have to emphasize what you do. Do not simply state that you answered the phone at your previous job; instead, say that you answered inquiries. It is the same thing and you are not lying, but it gives off importance. If you know for a fact that you helped add to customer satisfaction from the inquiries, be sure to mention it. Make sure to mention any extra skills, such as proficiency with using the Internet, as this can also add to your usefulness.