An effective resume is not so much about your qualifications as it is about what you make of them. Even if you lack formal education or work experience, there are still many legal tricks you can use to fill in the blanks. With a little bit of work, you can turn a basic, run-of-the-mill resume into one that stands out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• The first clear sign of a weak resume is too much white space. Do not use extra wide margins or double space your paragraphs. It could look like you’re trying to make up for lack of anything interesting to write.
• Do not get overly creative or use ten different font sizes or types. Stay away from graphics, photos and fancy borders --They are distracting and scream "amateur."
• Correct spelling and good grammar are a must. Typos send the signal that you don’t care enough about the job to take the time to proofread your own work.
• Do not include personal information such as age, hobbies, or social activities unless you are applying for a job that requires it.