When writing your resume and cover letter, it's usually wise to leave out statements about your off-hour interests and activities. An exception is if you are an active member of a professional or industry association. In this case, the information tells prospective employers that you enjoy networking and are engaged in your line of work.

Regrettably, this job seeker chose to highlight nonbusiness affiliations:

"MEMBERSHIPS: YMCA and Blockbuster Video."

A buff movie buff.

The following applicants also hurt themselves by wandering off topic:

COVER LETTER: "Trees shouldn't die for bad writing."

We couldn't agree more.

"ACCOMPLISHMENTS: I have stamps in my passport."

The well-traveled applicant.

If you include an objective on your resume, make sure you clearly spell out your career goal. It goes without saying, but the statement also should match the position for which you are applying.

Here's one that works well:

"OBJECTIVE: To secure a consulting position with a corporate training firm that will put to use my strong public speaking skills and 12 years of sales and marketing experience."

The following examples, on the other hand, are less effective:

"OBJECTIVE: Learn how to make my resume."

Probably a good idea.

"OBJECTIVE: To drive your entire business."

Gives new meaning to the term mobile office.

Finally, strive to be succinct. This candidate's run-on sentence left us breathless:

COVER LETTER: "I exhibit superior oral and written communications and possess sound management and leadership qualities, together with highly developed problem solving and analytical skills, strong PC capabilities, hands-on experience with many financial accounting packages and mainframe ERP systems, typically on the AS 400 platform, and a flair for achieving results through devotion and cross-functional teamwork."

Anything else you'd like to add?