There are several pieces of advice that used to be the Ten Commandments for career advice. However, there are new sacraments these days, so here are the archaic pieces of advice that should be ignored at all costs.

Prim and proper language should be utilized on a resume:
Resumes that contain genuine language stand out the most to potential employers. A professional tone should still be applied, but the style should sound personalized.

Answer the biggest weakness question with a positive:
This piece of advice has been so widely spread that prospective employers know all the most popular answers by heart. Surprise the interviewer by answering with an actual weakness and how you plan to compensate for this flaw.

Write “references can be provided if necessary” on the bottom of your resume:
Nowadays, employers expect references to be provided on every application. Resumes that do not contain references are often ignored.

Good resume paper equals a good resume:
Resume paper has become obsolete as resumes are submitted online for the most part.

Send your resume by overnight mail to impress potential employers:
Receiving a resume by overnight mail will catch attention; however, not the attention you wish to receive. As shown in number 4, resumes are usually submitted online.

Incorporate an objective:
Hiring managers simply are not interested in objectives these days. Usually, they are not relevant to the position being offered and are often ignored.

Landlines are absolutely necessary for phone interviews:
Landlines are slowly going extinct, so it might be impossible for some people to follow this advice. Absolute quiet and clear reception are a must if using a cell phone for an interview.

Resumes should not go over one page in length:
This is fine if you have little experience, but sometimes there is not enough room on one little page. It is more common to see two page resumes as of late.

Every former job goes on the resume:
A resume is supposed to show you in the best possible light, so only jobs that show that should be included.

After sending in a resume, call to schedule an interview:
Countless people are fighting for the same jobs every day, and it is overly confident to assume that you will always get an interview. Calling for an interview will turn prospective employers off, and the expected interview will never come.

Nobody runs background checks in my field:
That may have been the case when you got into the field, but background checks have grown in popularity at an amazing rate over the past decade. Businesses of all sizes now run background checks on many of their employees. It might be helpful to see what’s in your background before your potential employer does. Running a background check on yourself ahead of time can help you to be prepare for any questions an interviewer may ask and to fix any mistakes that show up.

You can find even more tips to assist you in finding your new job by downloading our free Ultimate Job Seeker’s Guide from http://www.MyBackgroundCheck.com/JobSeekerGuide. The Ultimate Job Seeker’s Guide is packed with help from cover letters to growing you professional network. It’s a great tool for job seekers in any field.

The application process isn’t finished once you’ve submitted your cover letter and resume—you should always follow up on an application by making a friendly, professional inquiry. This demonstrates to employers that you are serious about the position and that you are enthusiastic and motivated—and that’s exactly the kind of message you want to send.

You can manage your follow-up in a variety of ways—choose the option that seems to best suit your personality and situation:

Follow up by phone— This is one of the most traditional ways to inquire about a previous application. A quick phone call to the appropriate manager to check on the status of your application—and to thank him or her for the consideration—will reflect positively and could give you an edge over the competition.

Write a thank-you note— While often reserved for post-interview follow-ups, a thank-you note is still a good option for following up on an application. Make sure just a quick note that expresses your interest in the position and your appreciation for the opportunity. Visit in person—for local job opportunities, there’s nothing wrong with stopping by to check on the status of application. A friendly smile can go a long way!

Send an email—much less formal than a phone call thank-you note, an email may still be appropriate in some situations. An advantage to this option is that it makes it very easy for an employer to respond to your inquiry. However, this should be reserved for situations which you have not personally spoken with the person in charge of interviewing and hiring (in those circumstances, a phone call, thank-you note or in person visit is best).

Wait to follow up— Wait 1-2 days before following up on an application. You want to give the hiring manager enough time to review your application, but you don’t want to wait too long and miss an opportunity!

You can find even more tips to assist you in finding your new job by downloading our free Ultimate Job Seeker’s Guide from http://www.MyBackgroundCheck.com/JobSeekerGuide. The Ultimate Job Seeker’s Guide is packed with help from cover letters to growing you professional network. It’s a great tool for job seekers in any field.

If you want to be taken seriously at your job interview, you must look the part—be sure to dress for success and make a good impression! Even if you don’t have a particularly dressy wardrobe, don’t worry—the most important thing is that you look neat and well-groomed. Keep the following tips in mind when planning what to wear to your job interview.

• Iron your clothes—this is an absolute must. A crisp, clean appearance is essential for making a good impression. Wrinkly clothes can make you appear sloppy, but a freshly ironed shirt, pair of pants or dress will send the message that you care about your appearance.
• Keep accessories simple—you don’t want to distract an employer with flashy earrings or a gaudy tie. When choosing jewelry, women should opt for classic, simple pieces. Men should choose ties that coordinate well with the rest of their clothing but do not distract from it. Make sure that purses, briefcases and belts are in good condition.
• Wear garments that fit well—clothes that are too big will make you look unkempt. Likewise, tight-fitting clothes are generally inappropriate—not only are they distracting, but they can be uncomfortable as well!
• Pay attention to your personal grooming— you want to make the best possible impression, so be sure to pay extra attention to your hygiene and physical appearance. Trim your hair, give yourself a good manicure and use a breath mint before your interview— these simple things will help you to feel more confident!
• Borrow if necessary—if you simply don’t have appropriate clothing for your interview, don’t be afraid to borrow clothes from a friend who wears your size. There’s nothing shameful about being resourceful and planning carefully!
• Wear a good pair of shoes—many people make the mistake of buying a new suit only to wear a shoddy pair of shoes, and employers do notice. Don’t neglect your feet—make sure that your shoes are in good condition!
• Use cologne or perfume sparingly— or skip it entirely. A nice, clean-scented lotion is a good alternative.

You can find even more tips to assist you in finding your new job by downloading our free Ultimate Job Seeker’s Guide from http://www.MyBackgroundCheck.com/JobSeekerGuide. The Ultimate Job Seeker’s Guide is packed with help from cover letters to growing you professional network. It’s a great tool for job seekers in any field.

The more you prepare for your interview, the more likely it is that you will land the job! Remember these tips in your next interview.

• Be a good listener—demonstrate a genuine interest in what the interviewer has to say. Try not to interrupt by interjecting a comment while someone else is speaking (even if you’re afraid you might forget the point you want to make).
• Focus on the positive—when discussing your work history, talk about the things that have inspired you and that you have truly enjoyed. A candidate with a positive outlook is more likely to be considered than one who makes self-deprecating comments.
• Turn off your cell phone—you don’t want your phone to ring, beep or burst into song during your interview! Achieving Success
• Ask questions—show your interest by asking intelligent questions about the position and the company. After all, this is your best opportunity to learn about the job in question.
• Don’t smoke before your interview—if you’re a smoker, try to refrain from smoking beforehand—even breath mints can’t disguise the scent of cigarette smoke.
• Don’t say negative things about previous employers—resist the temptation to trash your former boss. Complaining can cast a negative shadow on your entire interview!
• Don’t chew gum—opt for breath mints so that you don’t forget to spit out your gum before the interview begins.
• Rehearse with a friend—practicing your interview skills beforehand will help you to feel more confident!
• Sit up straight—pay attention to your body language, and try not to slouch!
• Take your time—your interview is not a race. Many people speak quickly during an interview because they are nervous. Try to relax and to speak the way you normally would!

You can find even more tips to assist you in finding your new job by downloading our free Ultimate Job Seeker’s Guide from http://www.MyBackgroundCheck.com/JobSeekerGuide. The Ultimate Job Seeker’s Guide is packed with help from cover letters to growing you professional network. It’s a great tool for job seekers in any field.

Landing a job interview in today's economy is a feat in itself. You may be one of only a handful of applicants, or you may be competing against hundreds for the position. What can you do to increase the chances of being selected? Your preparation, dress, and your attitude are all integral to impressing the interviewer and winning the job.

Before you even step foot on the grounds, you should know exactly what the company does, the responsibilities of the job title you're interviewing for, and have a good idea of why you were chosen to interview. Nothing is more embarrassing that coming off as clueless when the interviewer uses industry jargon you don't understand or assumes you know last quarter's profit when you don't. Have several insightful questions to ask, and don't be afraid to sprinkle your knowledge into the conversation.

Dressing for success is imperative. Always dress one level above industry standard. If you're applying for a job where the employees wear jeans and t-shirts, pressed khakis and a polo shirt will do nicely. For business-casual environments, step it up to full business-wear for the interview. Avoid heavy perfumes or colognes, be freshly bathed, and don't forget to check your teeth in the mirror before heading in. Ladies should be conservative with their makeup and men should either shave clean or neatly trim their facial hair.

Finally, adjust your attitude. You are not there to grovel, so don't be over-eager. Remember, you're interviewing the company as well. On the other side of the coin, don't be reticent or standoffish. You're there to discuss whether or not you'd be a good fit for their company. Finding out that you're not a good fit is best done in interviews, not six months down the line. Be friendly, polite, and engaged.

By paying careful attention to your preparation and dress, you're showing the interviewer that you take their offer seriously. Keeping your attitude in check and approaching the interview as an opportunity rather than a grueling test will allow you to put your best foot forward. No matter the outcome, following these three principles will eventually land you that dream job.