As unemployment numbers continue to rise in the United States, more and more Americans are looking for work.

Oftentimes, one of the first steps to beginning the job-hunting process is to update your resume.

This can be a tedious task, but it can be one of the most important steps in landing a new job -- especially in the current economy, where the competition is high for jobs.

When updating your resume, experts suggest that you tailor it to a specific industry, or to the specific job, you are applying for. List your skills, qualifications and work experience that directly relate to the position you're pursuing.

According to JobStar.org, one of the most common resume mistakes is neglecting to include your job objective. The Web site said leaving that information out is the equivalent to knocking on someone's door and not telling them why you're there.

It is also recommended that you keep your resume brief and conservative. Experts recommend keeping your resume between one and two pages. Any longer and you risk your potential employer not reading all of it, and you could be adding information that is not important. It's also recommended that you keep your resume professional -- don't use flashy colors or fonts.

When listing your information, never include personal details such as number of children, age or gender. Also, don't go back further than 18 years on your work experience. Chances are the skills required for those jobs have changed since you held the position. However, do include how long you spent in each position and any internal company promotions you might have received. Also make sure you include your educational background, including degrees and GPA.

Monster.com also suggests listing your achievements at your previous jobs. The Web site recommends that during the recession job seekers need to show employers what's in it for them if they hire you. By listing your achievements, you're showing the company what you can bring to the position.

Lastly, before you submit your resume to any potential employer, make sure you read through it to check or errors, or even have someone else proofread it for you as well.