When you're applying for a new job with a new company your resume needs to represent you well and say everything about you. That can be a lot for a couple of sheets of paper, so you want to make sure that every word counts. Whether you're applying to work in electronic contract manufacturing or as a waitress at a posh new restaurant downtown, there are some standard things that need to be considered on every resume. Here are some of the most common mistakes and oversights when it comes to resumes.

Appearance totally matters when it comes to your resume. This piece of paper is your first impression and a resume that is printed on quality crisp paper and is laid out in an organized fashion is going to be headed way closer to the top of the pile than a resume that is wrinkled on cheap paper. If you're applying to work in a fire sleeve factory some people think that you need to put less effort into the quality of your resume than if you're applying to be a teacher or accountant. This is simply not true. Every employer is going to assume that the more serious candidates are the ones that put time and effort into making their resume look as good as possible.

Don't make excuses and don't lie. If you're adding jobs onto your resume or lying about getting fired from your previous job than you're always going to run the risk of getting caught. This never looks good from the point of view of your potential employer and if they're seriously considering you as a candidate, they will check up on your past work history. In the age of the Internet, it's pretty easy for a potential employer to call the office or manure handling company that you worked for previously and ask after you. So the best plan of action is just to be as honest as possible.

Focus on things that you have done most recently. If you've been in the working world for several decades than your complete resume is likely going to be quite extensive. When you're applying for a new job though, you don't want to be handing them a novel of every position you've ever held. It's just not worth your time to organize or their time to read. If you're applying for a position where you will repair damaged valves you don't need to include your office experience. Don't span more than ten years and keep the resume to two pages or less.

The last mistake that people can make is to not take the time to cater your resume to each individual job opening. You always want to highlight your best skills on your resume and those are going to be different if you're applying to do sales for a shrink sleeve for packaging company or the same job with a clothing firm. Make sure that each resume reflects each job as perfectly as possible.