To increase your chances of getting an interview, make sure you avoid these common mistakes.

Ten Resume Mistakes to Avoid

Whether you’ve been downsized, are looking for a career change or are just starting out, your resume speaks volumes about you. If your resume doesn’t make it past first cut, you’re doomed; no matter how qualified you are. Below are ten common mistakes to avoid when putting your resume together. Remember, you only get one chance to make a good first impression.

1. Multiple pages – You need to be concise. Keep it to one page and one page only. If you can’t highlight your talents on one page, you’re giving message that you are unorganized and tend to go on and on.

2. Fancy paper – If your skills don’t speak for themselves, then your fancy paper isn’t going to make a bit of difference.

3. Fancy font – Same as above. Don’t try to set yourself apart with a different font on your resume. Set yourself apart by being uniquely qualified.

4. Irrelevant info – No one really cares that you were a singing waiter if you’re applying for an accountant job.

Active Listening Skill Tips for Interviews

During a job interview, a potential employer asks, “Can you take on more than one project at a time?” If you respond, “Yes,” you may want to rethink that answer. According to Dynamic Listening: Interview Skills, a computer based training module from Mindleaders in Columbus, Ohio, you should avoid one-word or one-sentence answers.

Be specific. And speak money-language. Here’s a preferred answer to question above, “In general, depending upon type and length of projects, I believe in efficiently handling more than one project at a time. This could save a company as much as 30%.” Let’s check out definition of “active listening skills” and learn more to help with your next interview…

Active Listening Skills

Just as everyday “speaking” is not same as public speaking; “listening” is not same as active listening. Active listening means two things: analysis and response to message being communicated.