Resume Checklist

The following criteria will help you evaluate your resume and make improvements.

• Appearance. Do you want to read it?
• Layout. Does the resume look professional, with plenty of white space? Do key points stand out? Is the font easy to read?
• Accuracy. Are there any spelling or grammatical errors? Are there any typographical errors or errors of fact? Are the margins correct?
• Length. Could the resume tell the same story if it were shortened?
• Relevance. Has extraneous material been eliminated?
• Writing Style. Are you able to visualize the applicant's qualifications
• Key Words. Are the key words which describe your relevant skills, abilities, personal qualities, degrees, and certification included?
• Action Oriented. Do sentences and paragraphs begin with action verbs?
• Specificity. Does the resume avoid generalities and focus on specific information about experiences, projects, products, etc.?
• Accomplishments. Are the candidate's accomplishments and problem-solving skills emphasized?
• Completeness. Is all the important information included?
• Bottom Line. How well does the resume accomplish its ultimate purpose of getting the employer to invite the applicant in for an interview?

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