Resume Writing Checklist

Building your resume communicates your qualifications and your brand—who you are and what makes you unique to employers. More importantly, the purpose of a strategically targeted, polished resume is to get you an interview.

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Image of checkbox Your name should be enlarged and in an easy-to read font, at the top of the page.
Image of checkbox Near your name include your current contact information such as phone number, email address, and city/state/zip code.

Professional Summary

Image of checkbox This section should be four to five lines of unbroken text; consisting of your important professional achievements and skills.
Image of checkbox The text details your ability to do and excel at the position that you are applying for.

Education

Image of checkbox List highest level of education, including degree(s) and majors to accurately match your transcript.
Image of checkbox Do not include high school diploma if currently enrolled in college and taking classes or have taken classes.
Image of checkbox Include institution name, location, and city/state.
Image of checkbox State overall GPA if 3.0 or higher.
Image of checkbox Optional: Use up-to five position-relevant course titles, as they appear on your transript (not by course number).

Experience

Image of checkbox List experience in order from most recent to least recent.
Image of checkbox Include non-paid roles such as internships, volunteer work, and projects; if relevant to job you are applying for.
Image of checkbox Provide complete information for each experience; organization name, location, start and end dates and position title.
Image of checkbox Use achievement language such as: directed, coached, developed, negotiated, oversaw, generated, designed.
Image of checkbox Use quantifying information when appropriate such as “oversaw a 37% growth in new client acquisition”.
Image of checkbox Adjust your descriptions with relevant keywords.

Skills

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List relevant skills that correlate with the position that you are applying for.
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Avoid using commonly used skills such as team oriented, leadership skills, and great communication.

Awards, Honors, and Activities

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Provide name of relevant professional, community,
or campus organizations and position(s) held -
include dates.
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Exclude high school activities and awards, if not a
first-semester college student.

Format and Proofreading

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Stick to a simple template.
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Get someone to proofread your resume often for grammatical errors.
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Use appropriate verb tense.
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Opt for bullet-points over complete sentences. Do not use periods.
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Use a font style and size that is easy-to-read and consistent throughout the resume.
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Make sure the resume length is appropriate for your level of experience (one page is preferred).
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Do not use the phrase “References available upon request.”