Using a Resume Checklist

Your resume represents you, so make sure it is flawless. Before giving it to your potential employer, be sure to do the following:

Content

List your complete name, address, and telephone number at the top of the page.
Place summary and/or objective directly under your name and address to lead the reader's eye to it immediately.
Whenever possible, eliminate information not directly related to this position.
Include all education, formal and informal, relevant to the desired position.
Include only relevant work experience.
Avoid excessive detail in relating your experience. For example, don't write "opened mail, sorted correspondence" unless directly related to the position you seek.
Use truthful, quantitative detail.
Avoid using "I" (e.g., say "Wrote and edited manual" instead of "I wrote and edited the manual").
Exclude data that could be used in discrimination (age, social security number, religion, salary expectation, weight, height, marital status, or political affiliation).
Double-check all spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Never print names and addresses of references directly on the resume.

Style

List work experience in chronological order from most recent experience backwards.
Mention awards and community activities that support your targeted job. Present them in ways that reflect your enthusiasm, versatility, and other attributes. Make every experience appear to be a positive one.
Begin sentences with action verbs, like initiated, organized, developed.
Avoid using abbreviations, overly technical jargon, or slang.
Check verb tense for consistency.
Include white space by consolidating information where possible.
Avoid repeating the same or similar information.
Choose words carefully to catch the reader's attention.
Be sure your resume is clear, attractive to the eye, and easy to read.
Use a quality printer with a clear, sharp typeface.
Use a heavy bond 8 1/2" by 11" paper.
Keep resume to one page.

Remember to check out our Samples Page for resume examples.

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