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Many times writing a resume can be a daunting task – especially if you’re in college. However, it’s often easier to compare works with a specific list and that’s no different for resumes. Below, you’ll find check list of things you should have on your resume, or at least consider. It’s designed for college students, however many of the items are also relevant for even the most seasoned professional. Give it a look, print it out, and compare the list with your resume.
Demographics
- Are the style and abbreviations, if used, consistent?
- Have you included your appropriate professional e-mail address, cell phone, address?
Objective
- Is it specific? Does it include type of position, type of career field? (e.g., public relations specialist within the retail industry)
- Is it work-centered rather than self-centered? (e.g., offer proven leadership, extensive writing experience and excellent problem-solving skills)
Education
- Is your most recent degree listed first?
- Are all degrees, majors, minors, certifications included?
- Is the University (if applicable) spelled out, and is city and state included?
- Is month and year of graduation included?
- Is grade point average accurate? Include both overall and major GPA’s if you wish.
- Is High School information omitted?
Accomplishments
- Are accomplishments specific and relevant?
- Are high school accomplishments omitted unless they are unique and relevant accomplishments?
Honors
- Are scholarships and honor societies spelled out?
- Did you include the date(s) inducted?
Skills
- Are skills relevant to position?
- Is level of competency described with the skill? (e.g., Proficient, Familiar, Fluent, etc.)
Relevant Courses
- Are course titles used rather than course numbers?
- Are obvious courses omitted?
Experience
- Have you categorized your experience into Relevant Experience and Employment or Work History?
- Is your most relevant experience listed first?
- Are position titles, name, city, and state of organization and dates employed included?
- Are descriptions of your experiences quantified? (e.g., trained 5 employees).
- Is it action oriented? (“Drafted and organized” versus “Duties included: drafting and organizing”.)
- Is it concise, and did you avoid redundancy?
Activities/Memberships
- Are activities and memberships spelled out?
- Do activities demonstrate leadership, sociability and/or interests?
Additional Information
- Is information relevant to your career objective?
- Does it add information or repeat it?
- Is it clear and concise?
References
- Is this section necessary (do you have room for it? Employers assume you have them.)
- Are references current?
- Do you have complete address, telephone number, and e-mail (if available) included on your reference page?
Adapted from Career Search Manual, BGSU, and The University of Toledo.
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- College Seniors Mess Up Their Resumes, According To Career Assessment Book
- How to Write a Resumé That Doesn’t Annoy People
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