In resume terms, red flags are those items which take you out of the running.  They're resume items that prevent you from getting an interview.  Red flags make you part of the also-rans.

Resume half masts, on the other hand, don't necessarily take you out of the running, but rather place you on the cusp.  If nothing better comes along, you might get an interview, but probably not.

Here are a few of the most common red flags:

Summer of Love and Disco.  As you know, age discrimination is illegal.  That doesn't stop it from happening, however.  If you have any dates on your resume that begin with "197_" or earlier, you're revealing a red flag - and a bit about your age.  Employers will do the math.  There are better ways to show your experience without revealing your age.

Hobbies.  Looking for work is almost exactly like looking for a date - until it comes to this.  Listing your hobbies and/or interests can be a major red flag.  It shows you haven't kept up to date with what employers are looking for.  Listing hobbies is as antiquated as listing your date of birth, weight and marital status.

Flamboyance.  Brightly-colored paper, scripted fonts, over use of italics...these are all signs of an amateur.  They're also red flags.  Flamboyant techniques will catch employers' attention - but in the wrong way.  You'll have their attention for the length of time it takes for them to crumble your resume and attempt a three-pointer.

Half masts, by contrast, won't instantly rule you out, but they won't instantly rule you in, either.  Here are two half mast examples:

Pronouns.  Resumes are technical documents.  That is to say, they are in the style of technical writing.  The writing should be crisp and contain little or no fat.  First person pronouns (e.g. I, us, we, our, my, etc.) are fillers and half masts.  Since resumes are about the person whose name is at the top, no first person pronouns are needed.  Including them is redundant.  Some hiring managers won't mind their inclusion, but including them won't impress anyone, either.

Gray.  Even in 2007, hard-copy resumes are still being sent.  And, if your resume is printed on gray paper, it won't instantly rule you out.  Even if your resume is fantastic, however, the gray wood pulp will make you look dull.  This half mast may not instantly rule you out, but you won't necessarily be a front-runner, either.

IN THE CARAVAN:  Avoid resume red flags and shy away from half masts.

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