Do you think it matters if you make one mistake on your resume or career document? Well it does, especially in this tight job market! In fact, the quickest way to get your resume thrown in the trash pile is to submit a poor resume to potential employers.

Not only do you have to ensure your résumé has no typos or grammatical errors, but you also need to ensure that you are presenting a résumé that matches the position you are applying for. Submitting a résumé that does not match the position you are applying for will most definitely get your résumé thrown in the trash can by one of the following: 1) The hiring manager or 2) The applicant tracking software a company utilizes to screen out résumés.

The following is a list of the most common résumé mistakes and how to circumvent them.

1) Misspelling words and making grammatical errors

Proofread, proofread and proofread your documents again, and again, and again! Ensure you use spell check and then proofread your writing. Have your document reviewed by a friend, family member or career counselor. Typically, it’s hard to catch your own mistakes, so having another set of eyes to read your résumé will help. Another trick is to read your writing aloud so that you can hear, and correct, your errors.

2) Not utilizing keywords that match the job announcement

Your résumé should include the specific keywords that are in the job posting. You want to show that you are a perfect fit for the position. However, if your résumé does not have the proper keywords, it may not get noticed by the hiring manager.

3) Using an outdated résumé

Your résumé should be updated for each and every job that you apply for. Be certain to update your skills and your employment history. Ensure the technology skills you hold are current.

4) Including TMI (Too much information)

Job seekers most often make the mistake of putting too much information. You don't need to include everything you ever did on each job you ever held! Instead, focus on the highlights and your accomplishments. With the exception of applications to academic and research jobs, keep your document 1 - 2 pages. Enhance the readability of your writing by using bullet points and short paragraphs. Finally, limit your résumé documents to the last 10 years of work experience.

5) Listing an objective that does not match the job announcement

Avoid using an objective statement that has no relevance with the target job. Nowadays, many job seekers exclude an objective off their résumé. Regardless of which you choose, make certain your writing corresponds to the role you are applying for.

6) Excluding writing accomplishments

Your goal is to make sure the employer can easily see how you added value in your previous role(s). Many job seekers simply list their duties, responsibilities and position descriptions that do not showcase what they have accomplished. Instead, you should write active statements that showcase your relevant skills and accomplishments.

7) Writing paragraphs with boring and unrelated duties

Start with a statement that will make a hiring manager say “WOW!” Spice it up and showcase how certain key skills relate to the position you are applying for. You want to make sure that reader is not bored by your résumé.

8) Not quantifying accomplishments

When listing your accomplishments, make sure to quantify them. Present concrete data to support your assertions.

9) Being too humble

This is your time to toot your horn, so do not be modest. Share the awards and recognitions you have received over the years. For example, you could write "promoted to Manager after increasing annual donations by 50%.” This showcases your ability to succeed and that your previous manager recognized your performance.

10) Making your résumé difficult to read

Keep your résumé brief, clean and easy to read with lots of white space on the page. The message will pop out to the reader more easily. If it hurts the hiring managers eyes to read it, they may toss your application in the trash can.

So there you have it, the Top 10 Resume Mistakes! Don’t get your resume thrown in the trashcan! Go out there and land that interview!