Résumé Checklist
Use this brief checklist for the primary attributes of your résumé. More details are in the previous pages.Appearance:
Visual:
- Page(s) are well-balanced with the text blocks centered vertically on the page
- Spaces are available and evenly distributed
- Headings are clear and stand out, preferably in bold
- All indented text aligned perfectly and consistently
- Fonts follow a consistent size and style pattern throughout the document
- Should be 1 font style, maximum of 2
- No more that 3 font sizes, main body is 10 to 12 point
- Bullets are the same for the same indentations
- Only standard bullets are used (no special characters like ◊, ►, √ )
- Periods are consistent (applied or not applied)
- No awkward page breaks
- May use horizontal lines that are applied consistently and of even length, no other graphic
- Footer section contains page number on right side (if more than one page)
- Dates clearly stand out and are located in a consistent fashion
Media:
- Print on quality, slightly off-white paper
- Clean and free of fingerprints, blemishes, wrinkles or printer/copy artifacts
- Staple close to the corner at 45 degrees
- Mail or deliver in quality, full size envelope (not folded)
- Envelope has printed address with routing information
Composition:
Writing Style:
- Spelling checked
- Tense is consistently applied
- Words are not repeated if avoidable
- Written in first person or third person only
- Dates separated from the text and easy to see
- No gaps in the dates
- Phrases, not full sentences
- Phrase starts with the action verb
- The words “I” and “me” are seldom used (except in the Objectives section)
Word Selection:
- Power words
- No limiting words
- Empowering statements
- Transferable skills stated
Sections:
General:
- Visually appealing
- Easy to read and extract vital, relevant information
- Looks professional
- Logical arrangement
- Cover Letter Addresses all the points in the job advertisement, or the primary skills the employer is looking for
- Consists of 4 or 5 short paragraphs including the introduction and closing statements
- Easy to read quickly and to see key words
- Entices reader to review résumé
- Follows business protocol
Cover Letter Structure
- Personal address
- Date
- Company address
- Greeting
- First paragraph describes your primary skill, what you are applying for and how you heard about the position
- Second, third and perhaps a fourth paragraph (if needed) states skills and attributes that make you the perfect candidate
- Final paragraph invites the reader to read the résumé, states how to contact you and thanks the reader for their consideration
- Complimentary closing
- Name and signature
- State there is an attachment (the résumé)
Résumé: Contact Information
- Contact information includes name, address, personal telephone and a single, appropriate email address
Résumé: Career Goals Section
- Type of career sought
- Level or position desired
- States strongest qualifications or skills for the type, level or position sought
- Objective is relevant to the position you are applying for
- No more than 3 lines of carefully chosen words
Résumé: Accomplishments Section (optional)
- State main transferable skills and experience
- State awards, recognitions, important accomplishments
- Skills and experience are relevant to the position you are applying for
- Use specific examples if short and appropriate
- Include languages spoken and written
Résumé: Education Section
- Most significant/recent education is listed first
- Years in study is listed clearly
- Indicates name of the school (s)
- Includes name of Degree (with major if appropriate), Diploma or Certificate
- Important, relevant awards and accomplishments
- Indicate GPA if 3.0 or above
- High School information if appropriate
Résumé: Work Experience Section
- Details for only the most important, appropriate jobs you held
- Start and end dates clearly indicated
- List company name, location of the company and position held (doesn’t have to be the job title)
- Indicates only the significant accomplishments, successes and transferable skills
- Skills and experience are relevant to the position or business environment you are applying for
- Uses a general category to group shorter term jobs
- Consists of short phrases that get to the point
- Skills and experience are listed in point form
- Uses power words, empowering statements and action words
- Includes measurable accomplishments and statistics
- Business terms used
Résumé: Professional Affiliations Section (Optional, Recommended)
- Lists professional memberships, certifications, clubs, etc
- Indicate registration numbers for certification-associated memberships
Résumé: Personal Interests Section (Optional)
- Presents a balance of activities (solo & group, thinking & doing...)
- Contains at least one memorable activity or accomplishment
- Lists memberships to professional or relevant organizations
- Contains volunteer work
Résumé: References and Testimonial Sections
- Indicates “available upon request”
References and Testimonial Documents
- Not included with the résumé but given at the interview
- Produced on quality paper
- Your name is at the top of the document
- One contact is a personal character reference
- One contact is a professional working in industry that you’ve worked with (a co-worker, customer)
- One contact is your current supervisor (if appropriate) or former manager/supervisor, or an instructor/teacher/professor
- Title of the contact, and the contact’s relation to you is included
- Permission has been obtained from the references recently
- Contact information such as telephone numbers have been checked recently
Documents Produced on Request Only
- Bring the following with you at the interview:
References sheet
Copies of diplomas, certificates and other credentials
Social Insurance Number, Social Security Number or equivalent (give out only if you are hired: required for employment)
Testimonial and reference letters
Citizenship status if applicable (proof that you can work in the jurisdiction)
