Resume Checklist

How many interviews has your resume gotten you? If you're hearing crickets chirping, it might be time to take a step back and read it like it doesn't belong to you. Here's a checklist - how's yours looking?
The Résumé Checklist:




□ Two pages or less.



□ Formatting is standard and easily readable. Uses only standard fonts (Times New Roman, Ariel, or Century Gothic etc.) No colored text, graphics or other non-professional flourishes. Is saved in the standard Microsoft Word format – .doc (not .docx or .pdf.)



□ Contact information is up front and easy to spot. Email address sounds professional.



□ Clearly says in top third of first page what industry you are in, and what profession and job function you’ve had, and what you want to do next.



□ Chronological format (as opposed to “Functional.”) Lists the most recent and relevant companies you’ve worked for, what positions you held and the dates you worked at each place. Has brief one-line descriptions of the companies. Has bullets that show what skills were used and what you accomplished at each place.



□ Showcases critical background, experience, education, and skills directly tied to your work objectives.



□ Highlights your most marketable skills.



□ Contains all the various keywords and buzzwords common in your industry, and typically found on job descriptions for positions you match. (Create separate modified versions for specific jobs you are applying to, using the language found in the job descriptions.)



□ Contains quantifiable results, accomplishments and achievements using numbers, dollars, percentages, names of any awards you’ve won, etc. Provides concrete, measurable data whenever possible.



□ Makes liberal use of “action” words (e.g. “created,” “completed,” “built,” “developed,” etc.) to trumpet your accomplishments.



□ Avoids using the “I” word.



□ Answers the question: “Why should someone hire you?”



□ Does NOT include a list of your professional references. (Save them for when they are requested.)



□ Avoids personal details that have no connection to your professional profile (e.g. hobbies, family information, non-work related activities, etc.)



□ Contains no typos, spelling or grammatical errors.