Turning in a “sloppy” resume to an employer could ruin an applicant’s chance to receive a job.

Resumes help employers form the important first impression, said Career Planning and Placement Center spokesperson. A good resume requires effort—it cannot be done at the last minute, she said.

The center prints a booklet for students and alumni called the Job Hunter’s Guide. The guide states the following items are found in some form on most resumes:

Identifying information. Name, current address, permanent address and telephone number should appear at the top.

Objective. A brief introductory statement telling the employer what kind of position is wanted.

Education. Include degree, date of graduation, name of university and major (including emphasis).

Experience. Professional work experience and other jobs. Each entry should include the title of the position, employer and dates employed.

Recent college graduates without experience relating to their major should include any other jobs on a resume, the guide states. Resume writers want to direct the employer’s attention to achievements.

Activities and interests. Include information about professional affiliations, club memberships and other interests. If an individual served as an officer or leader, include a brief description of responsibilities.

References should not be included on the resume. The last section of the resume should be “references available on request,” the guide stated. When attending an interview with an employer, take a typed list of three to five references. Always obtain permission from references before using their names, the guide stated.

The center spokesperson said students make common mistakes on resumes that could cost them the job. “You must proofread your resume for typographical errors. Typos make a resume look sloppy and make you look careless. This is especially important if you’re applying for a job in the English or journalism fields,” she said.

Some students include inappropriate information on their resumes. “Never include political affiliation or religious background,” she said.

The guide stated it is illegal for employers to ask for personal data, including age, height, weight, marital status, number of children and health.