Evaluate Your Resume Before You Hit Send

The purpose of this checklist is to assess how well your resume meets conventionally accepted resume principles and to identify areas of improvement to increase your chances of being selected for a job interview. Your resume generally receives less than a 30-second review when first received by a prospective employer. Therefore, it is critical that your resume makes a positive first impression and compels the reader to contact you for an interview.

Resume Format

Your resume should be in a format that best showcases your career history.

• Present in an acceptable length, format, and formality for the particular industry.
• Meet current standards for a “modern” format (online and upload compatibility).
• Check for errors (including spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, etc.)
• Use easy to identify labels for sections on the resume to lead the reader.

The “Look” of the Resume

You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

• Avoid using a template (fill-in-the blanks form).
• Capture the reader’s attention – stand out compared to other resumes.
• Use appropriate font and sizes throughout the document.
• Select design elements thoughtfully (lines, bolding, bullets, color).

Resume Content

Your resume should be unique to you and showcase your value.

• Make it an effective marketing document, not a work history “obituary.”
• State precisely what position is targeted (without an “Objective” Statement – use an introductory profile or career summary).
• Sell qualifications with persuasive, high-impact statements.
• Include relevant jobs – try to cover no more than the last 7-10 years of experience.

Resume Relevance

Irrelevant information should be excluded.

• Focus the resume for the targeted job goal (job title).
• Do not include unrelated personal information (such as a photo, hobbies, etc.).
• Delete reasons for leaving any job or other negative information.

Click here to download this free checklist.

Click here to download 5 other resume tips.