Objective... if you have one, make sure it is accurate.

An objective can be a positive statement, but it can also completely ruin your chances of getting hired. If you are applying to a consulting role, don't state your objective is to obtain a clerical position. Really? Why would you take the time to even submit your resume? I know times are tough for people and the job market has not been a good place to be as of late, which means people need to be even more attentive to their resume and its accuracy. Put the time and effort into putting your best foot forward. Be accurate and provide information relevant to the position your are applying for... anything less is a waste of time and the recruiter's time. I have forwarded solid resumes from candidates that didn't fit my openings to other recruiters who could use them - I have NEVER forwarded a bad resume.

Leaving a voice mail

He is another candidate blunder... I received a voice mail last week from a candidate looking to follow up on a phone interview we conducted the previous week. The message was rushed and he only left his first name and did not include his phone number! Needless to say, I did not go through all of my notes to figure out who the candidate was and return his call. He did call back this week and he left me a voice mail... He again omitted his last name, but this time, much to my surprise, he did include his phone number. I did return his call almost immediately, answered his questions and sent him on his way...

It is a basic rule in business to give your first and last name... ALWAYS! Make the recruiter's life easier and don't make them search for your info. What if we interviewed two people with the same name? Odds are you won't get a call back...