Résumés

1. SPELLING ERRORS—Proof, reproof, and have at least 2 reviewers proof your résumé.
2. DIRTY/UNCLEAR PRINT—Print in traditional fonts with a size of at least 12 points, using a laser printer.
3. POOR QUALITY PAPER—Purchase a high-grade, heavy bonded paper.
4. WEAK CAREER OBJECTIVE—Write an objective that is "employer-oriented" and not purely self-serving.
5. NO COVER LETTER—Attach a cover letter that introduces you and your interest in the position.
6. EXTRANEOUS MARKS, FOLDS, WRINKLES, TEARS—Keep your résumés in a firm, closed folder.
7. IMPERSONAL MAILING ADDRESS—Send your résumé to the individual who will make the hiring decision...not to the company or "to whom it may concern."

Interviews

1. ARRIVING LATE—Set 2 alarm clocks, and allow more than enough travel time.
2. DRESSING INFORMALLY—Have a dry-cleaned, conservative business suit ready to go.
3. POOR EYE CONTACT—Concentrate on maintaining eye contact throughout the interview. Eye contact is not the same as staring.
4. ASKING ONLY SELF-SERVING QUESTIONS—Prepare questions that show your interest in the position or company.
5. DEMONSTRATING IGNORANCE ABOUT THE HIRING COMPANY—Do some background research on the company before the interview.
6. USING EVERYDAY LANGUAGE AND SPEECH PATTERNS—Practice interviewing and using professional terminology where appropriate. Avoid "like," "ya know," "really," and "OK?" when they are simply fillers.
7. FAILING TO ADDRESS THE QUESTION ASKED—Be careful to listen to the question and understand it before answering.