12 dangerous résumé mistakes

But you know what? One of the greatest failings of the American education system is that it doesn’t train any of us (even new graduates) to effectively write our credentials in a way that is easily digestible by employers. Ask any human resource manager; they will tell you that somewhere between 70 and 80 percent (and that’s being kind) of all résumés they see are absolutely terrible.

Here are 12 big mistakes that you absolutely must avoid to at least have a chance to make it into the “interview” pile—and away from the circular file.

1. Goofy or inappropriate email address

It’s time to grow up. You don’t have to ditch your princess92 social email handle, but please don’t use your dieseltrucklvr@aol.com account on your résumé. Names like that can tip off an employer that you aren’t taking your job search seriously, and quite possibly land your application in the “I never received it” round-file.

2. Including an objective statement