There are tons of resume checklists out there, unfortunately more often than not they only cover a piece of the puzzle. If they outline the components they forget the style and vice versa. Our resume checklist if the full picture. We have outlined not only the main components that every employer demands, but also some guidelines to follow in regards to style and formatting. We have also added a “right before you send” checklist for good measure.

Components Resume Checklist

Contact Information: This includes name, address, phone number, and email.

Intention Line: This is where you state what job you are applying for or hoping to obtain.

Experience: Start with your most recent job. Each listing should include—employer name, location, date range of employment, and your primary & secondary functions performed.

Skills: Skew this to the job you are applying for. For example, if it’s a tech heavy job outline excel, powerpoint, and internet capabilities, if its not administrative focus on your typing rate, and organizational skills.

Education: Start with your most rececnt. For each listing you should include the school/institution name, years attended, degree obtained, and general scope of the degree covered.

Available Upon Request: If you feel comfortable, we suggest added “Recommendations provided upon request.”

Style Resume Checklist

Readable: Keep the font standard—Times New Roman 10 or 12.

Formatted: Double spaces and wide margins for spacing is appreciated.

Clear & Concise: Don’t use complicated words or wordy sentences in hopes of impressing them, if anything you will just annoy them.

Traditional: Stick with the adjective—sterile. Don’t add colored fonts, paper, bolds, or underlines. They don’t want pretty pictures or bullets. Keep it simple.

Right Before You Send Checklist

Spellcheck: Should go without saying. NEVER send a resume with a typo, you might as well not send at all.

Fresh Eyes Read Through: We suggest asking a friend to read over your resume with fresh eyes for a final edit before sending.

Relevancy Factor: Make sure you really speak to the job you are applying for. Don’t send a generic resume to 100 jobs—your chances diminish greatly.

Fingers Crossed: Accept that you have done what you can and cross your fingers! Good luck!