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Resumé Quality and Content Checklists

15.05.2008

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Checking Over Your Resumé

When your resumé is in draft form, it is best to check it thoroughly before it is typed in final form. Examine your resumé closely as you read through the following checklists. You may be surprised to discover how worthwhile such a check can be. Even though you have already spent a lot of time and effort writing your resumé, you may still find you need to make some important changes. If made now, such changes may save you losing opportunities for interviews.

Check your resumé carefully against each question, answering yes or no. When you have finished the checklist, you will know which aspects need changing to make your resumé more impressive.

For each of the statements below, circle the number you consider applies to you.

Structure

Is your name at the top of each page?	Yes	No
Does your career objective appear immediately below your name?	Yes	No
Are your best points relevant to the career goal clearly described early in your resumé?	Yes	No
Are your current address, email, mobile and telephone numbers included?	Yes	No
Have you included an alternative phone number where a message may be left for you?	Yes	No
Have you highlighted specific achievements and experiences (and avoided writing a long autobiography)?	Yes	No
Is your highest educational level shown first in the education section?	Yes	No

Career Objective

Does your career objective clearly show what sort of work you want?	Yes	No
Is this objective a true indication of your personal ambitions – neither too low nor too high in its aim?	Yes	No
Have you succeeded in telling your intended employer what you’ll give as well as what you want?	Yes	No

Composition

Do your words (wherever possible) show results you have achieved, problems you have dealt with and important learning experiences you have had?	Yes	No
Have you mentioned any of your activities in the community that demonstrate your planning, teamwork, organising and communicating ability?	Yes	No
Have you avoided including information on your religion, ethnic origin or citizenship?	Yes	No
If you have decided to include your age, have you listed your date of birth rather than your present age?	Yes	No
Have you used short statements and short paragraphs?	Yes	No
Is your use of punctuation correct?	Yes	No
Is the spelling correct?	Yes	No
Have you avoided long words, business jargon and terms that you do not normally use?	Yes	No
Do most of the statements in your résumé start with action verbs?	Yes	No
Have you succeeded in using "I" fewer than three times, if at all?	Yes	No
Have you avoided being too shy or modest in describing yourself and your achievements?	Yes	No

Recruit Others To Help

Ask no fewer than three people to read your resumé and record their scores before you use it for job applications.

Rate the resumé on the points shown below, scoring from a low of 1 to a high of 3 in each of the items listed.

	Item				How it Could be Improved
1.	Overall appearance. Is it easy to read quickly?	1	2	3
2.	Layout. Does it look professional and well typed? Do key points stand out?	1	2	3
3.	Length. Could the resumé tell the same story if it were shortened?	1	2	3
4.	Relevance. Has irrelevant information been eliminated?	1	2	3
5.	Writing Style. Is it easy to get a picture of me from the contents?	1	2	3
6.	Action Orientation. Do most sentences and paragraphs begin with action verbs?	1	2	3
7.	Precision. Does it avoid generalities and focus on specific information about my experience, projects, results?	1	2	3
8.	Accomplishments. Are my accomplishments and learning skills emphasised?	1	2	3
9.	Completeness. Is all important information included?	1	2	3
10.	Bottom Line. How well does my resumé accomplish its purpose of getting the employer to invite me for an interview?	1	2	3
Rating point Total
Grand Total					(30 maximum)

What are some other ways that you would suggest I improve this resumé?

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