Checklist for Resume Excellence

When you have completed a draft of your resume, see if you can answer yes to all these questions:

Overall, does my resume show how an employer would benefit by interviewing me?

Does it stress my accomplishments and skills - instead of being a list of tasks or courses?
Is it inviting to read, with a good layout, enough white space, good typing, and an emphasis on key points?
Is my writing style action-oriented and clear?
Is my resume free of facts unrelated to the job?
Does it contain only positive information?
Are all my claims believable - backed up by concrete measurable examples?
Is my resume a powerful and potent sales message?

Titles: Resume, Fact Sheet, Curriculum Vitae
Your availability
Reason for Leaving Previous Positions
References
- List addresses, phone numbers and personal information on a separate sheet of paper.
- If you have worked under a different surname, alert the people listed as your references.
Written Testimonials
Salary Information
- Negotiate this after the job has been offered to you.
- If salary requirements are requested, give a range that is acceptable in that field.
Abbreviations
Jargon, Charts and Graphs
Mention of Age, Race, Religion, Sex, National Origin, Sexual Orientation, Marital Status
Photographs
Health/Physical Descriptions
Early Background (more than 10 years old)
Weaknesses, Demands, Exaggerations
Personal Interests