By Mary Elizabeth Bradford

"The Career Artisan." - Career marketing expert and nationally certified advanced resume writer.

I see it too many times.

Brilliant, forward thinking executives missing out on fabulous job opportunities…. just because their resume wasn’t working for them like it should!

A resume is no place to cut corners on your job search…that’s like going on a first date with someone you really like without getting all cleaned up. Yikes!

Here are five common resume mistakes to avoid:

Mistake number one: Too generalized

If you are an executive you must be able to communicate precisely what it is you bring to the table.

Here is a quick tip on getting specific: what is the ONE key area where you really shine?

Is it your industry (that you plan to stay in) or is it a function or a process? Once you have that written down, next write down your next two greatest strengths.

Are these keywords right at the top of your resume? They should be.