Resume Checklist
Career counselors in the Career Center will critique your resume with you. Although drop-ins are welcome, it is usually to your advantage to make an appointment in advance. Before having your resume critiqued, please complete this checklist:
For each of the sections, did you remember to??
Heading
- put your name at the top? Is it larger than all other information? Is it bolded?
- use a current address where you can be reached or where someone will know your current address? If you included two addresses (school/college and permanent) did you includes dates when you can be reached at each?
- include(a) phone number(s) where a message can be left or someone will generally be available to answer the phone?
- include a fax number, if you have one?
- include a professional-sounding e-mail address that you check regularly
Objective
- state your objective in a clear and concise manner? Does it list a position? Include skills, setting, or long-range goals?
Education
- list your college or university?
- list the city & state of your college or university next?
- list your degree and major?
- include the month and/or year of completion of your degree?
- list GPA information (if over 3.0)?
- if applicable, did you show percent of schooling for which you paid (or assumed responsibility)?
Coursework
- include "specialized" or "relevant" courses?
- include only electives or those courses relevant for your objective but outside your major?
Experience
- list your position title, employer, city and state, and dates of experience, preferably in that order?
- use bullets to make important points?
- begin each phrase with a powerful action verb describing your accomplishments?
- include only skills important in the type of position you seek?
Honors/Awards/Activities
- include those that demonstrate important abilities or characteristics in the workforce?
- prioritize these elements (by dates or by relevance)?
- include leadership positions?
Formatting and Finalizing
- leave at least a " margin on all four sides?
- include lots of white space? Does important information (section headings, for example) stand out?
- treat all section headings the same?
- use only one easy-to-read font? (Arial, Times, or Helvetica?)
- use a spell check program?
- look for consistency in punctuation?
Final Question
Have you omitted personal data that may be used against you (including age, height, weight, marital status, nationality or ethnicity, photograph)?