During my 17 years in the resume writing trade, I've noticed a persistent theme in my client's do-it-yourself resumes--and that is, they fail to put themselves in the shoes of the person reading the resume.

Remember, if you're writing a resume don't say: "What do I want to tell this employer?" ask yourself "If I was the employer, what would I like to see?"

There's an enormous gap between the two.

For instance you may want the employer to be vitally interested in clubs you are associated with, hobbies you may have, and you may draw some link between these and your employment. Eg, I'm keen on climbing mountains and this "says" something about me.

Well think again.

All you're really doing is using up value paper "real estate" by providing people with things they don't need to know. An employer or recruiter will be a lot more interested in the results you have achieved, the challenges you've conquered and the difference you made to your workplace, than any hobby you may have!

Stamp your mark on the workplace and indicate that in your resume. Show what sort of a problem solver you are. Give examples of how your "outside the square" thinking has made things work better, smarter, faster, harder, or more productively.

This will speak volumes -- much more than hiking, boating, and walking along the beach references ever will -- and these are things an employer really wants to know!