According to a recent CareerBuilder study, nearly half (45 percent) of human resource managers said they spend, on average, less than one minute reviewing an application. The survey, which was conducted by Harris Interactive© from May 19 to June 8, 2011, included more than 2,600 employers nationwide.

With unemployment at a record high in the USA, recruiters and hiring managers aren't wasting time to dig through your resume & application.  Most of the time, we only look at the top half-page of your resume, quickly skimming job titles and skill-sets to determine that you do meet the minimum qualifications and did, indeed, actually read the job description.

Making a clear, organized, and relevant resume to suit the job positing is crucial.  Here is a list of some things to avoid to keep your application from being placed into the "Disqualified" folder:
  • Irrelevant information about yourself -- Please do not include your age, race, country of origin, political affiliation, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, anything about your family members, home ownership status, financial situation, or a picture of yourself.  This type of information is usually not relevant to the job and draws attention away from the important information.  In most cases, it's looked upon as unprofessional in the USA and puts recruiters/hiring managers in an awkward position. It could also subject you to discrimination or bias.  However, if you're applying for a position as a model, religious organization, social organization, or political campaign.
  • Salary expectations -- You may want to avoid limiting yourself to a number.  The amount you state could be sell yourself low or it could cause them to pass you up.  It is usually best to wait until they specifically ask for your pay requirements in an interview, if possible.  Then, be honest, you don't want to settle for any job if it's not the right fit.  Of course, unless you are really in a financial crunch and just need any job, you can say you're negotiable and ask what the typical range of pay is for that position.  Just keep in mind that it doesn't look good on your work experience to "job hop" too much either.  Also, don't go thinking that you can just leave it off your work history; these days many companies track employee work history on the internet in a database and it can be searched for a fee.  If it's a larger company, they are probably accessing this database for verifications of employment.
  • Long-winded or wordy statements -- Writing a resume is about being very clear, efficient, and effective with your space.  Remember, you want to fit as much relevant information as possible into the top-half of your page.  Be descriptive and to the point.  Limit the use of filler words like "I/we/our/their/the" whenever possible.  Ask yourself, "If I remove this filler word, will the statement sound awkward or no-longer make sense?" 
  • Overused cliche adjectives to describe yourself and buzzwords --  They are good to include, when used appropriately with an example or accomplishment.  However, when overused, they can make your resume come across as you being dishonest, arrogant, and it devalues the meaning of them.  Some examples of the most overused buzzwords on resumes:  "Extensive experience," Hard-worker, Innovative, Motivated, Results-oriented, Dynamic, "Proven track record," "Team player," Fast-paced, "Problem solver," Entrepreneurial, etc.
  • Lies and incriminating information -- Never lie or stretch the truth too far on your resume.  Keep in mind that it will likely come up later in an interview, and they will probably want an example of your experience, as they probe for details.  If you get caught red-handed, that may bar you from working with that employer or others in a close-knit industry after you're labeled as being dishonest.  If you don't have the experience they are looking for, you're not the right fit.  Move on and stop whining!  It also doesn't help to include information like the reason you were fired from a prior job or details from your felony conviction unless they specifically request that information.  You want to paint everything in a positive light, yet still be honest if asked.
  • Confidential information --  Often, I see candidates listing the entire client list of a previous employer, or even their current employer sometimes!  That is a good way to get fired if it's with your current employer when you're passively looking.  Usually companies have you sign a document stating you will not disclose that sort of information and it may open you up to a lawsuit.  Overall, it shows poor judgement.