You may not know it, but from birth you have been imprinted with resume "rules and regulations". Resume dos and don'ts are passed on from one generation to the next. Almost everyone has adopted them and yet we don't know the source. Here's more "no-nos."

"References On Request." Delete now. Who has not seen this useless statement near the end of most resumes? If an employer is interested she will ask you for references. She does not need an invitation. When the employer asks you for references, that's a good thing. See bonus tip.

You must have an Objective! No. Objectives include what you want and not what the employer wants. Sorry. The employer wants to know who you are and how and why you are qualified. What can you do for the employer is his or her question? Answer that question instead.

Tell at least one joke? If you are not serious about finding a job, tell a joke. Even if you are a comedian looking for a gig, no jokes in the resume. The average time spent with a resume, first time through, is about 11 seconds. Five seconds at a job fair. Be professional. Get an interview.

Poor language. Spelling errors. Typos. There are so many job hunters, employers or recruiters delete, toss, or tear-up resumes when they see the first mistake. Your resume is gone for ever. It's that serious. Always use trusted help to proof your work. Spell-check will not save you.

Fancy artwork. Blue paper. Boxed words. Heavy lines. "Being cute." Pick one; all of these spell trouble. Look professional. Wide margins, top and bottom and left and right. No ruled lines. No italics. White space. White space. White space. Fax your resume to you and see if it is readable.

Long rambling details about your former jobs. Dig a hole and jump in it. Want to stand out? Trim job descriptions. Bullet results. Honest statements of accomplishments or achievements set you apart from others. Challenge anyone who tells you differently.

Your resume phone number, cell or hard line, answers with off-the-wall recordings. Oops! Call the number on your resume. Is it correct? Is it your voice or your pet's? Is it the professional you or the playful you? Warm, friendly, and professional are key. Anything else is suicide.
Bonus Tip: What does a list of references look like? 1) Full name of person; no nicknames, 2) Title or job of the reference, 3) Who or what is the person to you, e.g., former supervisor, owner, president, co-worker, 4) Business or home address, 5) Cell and home or business hard line, 6) Get fresh approval to give out this information and for more What Not To Include In Your Resume you are invited to visit http://resumesteve.com to claim your Free Instant Access to my live, and interactive resume and cover letter critique teleseminars Sundays beginning at 9:00PM US Eastern (on the phone or on the web, your choice).

Stephen Q Shannon The Resume Guy