Creating a resume can be difficult, especially in a technologically advanced era in which many elements of the resume are being scrutinized. Requirements for resumes change from day to day, and you might find that some things that you used to do in the past are mistakes now. Here are a few tips regarding mistakes that you should avoid.

1. Forgetting to Put in Keywords

Resumes are generally scanned by software solutions first today, and these programs look for keywords related to the job position. You should always be mindful of your skills and attributes and should write about them in a way that will make them would pop up if certain keywords are searched for. As an example, someone with "10-key" experience would want to position the word "10-key" high up on their resume, and would want to avoid less frequently searched variations such as "ten key."

2. Not Putting the Resume in a Universal Format

Resumes can look different on many devices. Today, you never know whether someone is looking at your resume on a tablet, PC, or phone. Because of this, it's critical to put your resume in a universally read format. PDF (portable data files) documents are usually recommended alongside a normal .doc. The PDF is the most important type of file format for a resume.

3. Forgetting to Adjust the Resume for Print

Most people today don't print things, but hiring managers often do. Once a resume has passed the initial software filters, it will often be printed out and sorted along with others so that it can be easily reviewed. Some fonts and colors may simply not be very readable when printed out, so you should always test your resume on paper before sending it out.

4. Making the Resume a Single Page

A single page resume is ideal if and only if an individual's experience and education can safely fit on a single page. In the past, individuals could be expected to have a single degree and a single job. It was very easy to fit everything on one page as long as you excluded extraneous information. In the modern era, most individuals change careers seven or eight times during their life—and that isn't even counting their individual job positions and titles. A single-page resume is no longer important to have, though your resume should usually be under three pages.

Sometimes it's simply worth it to invest in a professional writing service, especially if your resume is substantial or if you're going for highly specialized positions. Resume writers won't just be able to adjust the format of your resume but will also be able to punch up the copy and truly emphasize your talents. Talk to a company like JWC Professional Resume Services to get started.