Resume Writing Checklist
4.8/5 with 167 votes
Table of Contents
Introduction
Our Resume Writing Checklist is designed to guide you through each critical step in creating an effective resume that captures attention. From preparation and organization to style and proofing, this template ensures you present your skills and experience clearly and professionally. Click Save to start customizing your checklist using our Checklist App, which allows you to sync across devices and collaborate effortlessly with mentors or peers to refine your resume. Take control of your job search and enhance your chances of success.
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Toggle Preparation status
Preparation
Toggle Location status
Location
;Choose a quiet place with no distractions to assemble your resume.
Toggle Organization status
Organization
Gather all of your previous employment information in one place at your desk for easy access.
Toggle Fact-checking status
Fact-checking
Check all of your resume information to make sure it's still accurate. Business phone numbers and addresses, names of managers and company positions can all change over time.
Toggle Prioritize status
Prioritize
Decide what you will and won't include in your resume. Jobs you held more than five years ago, or which don't fit the field you're currently applying for, shouldn't be included unless you have no other history.
Toggle Outline status
Outline
Write it out by hand. This will give you an idea of what your resume will look like before you even open your word processor.
Toggle Style status
Style
Look at other people's resumes to get a feeling for what yours should look like before choosing a style.
Toggle Writing status
Writing
Toggle Job titles status
Job titles
Select titles that make your resume pop. Saying you were in accounting might be true, but calling yourself an “A/P and A/R Manager” might be more effective.
Toggle Straightforward language status
Straightforward language
Don't use flowery wording on your resume. Hiring managers want you to explain in as few characters as possible why you fit the job.
Toggle Keywords status
Keywords
Words like “team player” and “self starter” might sound good to you on a resume, but consider if they're cliched. Tired or over-used keywords can lose you a job.
Toggle Format status
Format
Lay out your personal contact information followed by education and then job experience.
Toggle Tone status
Tone
Resumes need to have a formal writing style. Use full sentences and proper grammar, and though you can write in first person, make sure that your resume never becomes informal.
Toggle Font status
Font
Select an appropriate text style like Times New Roman for your resume. While Boilerplate might look great for a hard-boiled detective novel, in reality it's more of an annoyance than a bonus to a potential boss.
Toggle Length status
Length
Keep your resume to one page, or two pages if absolutely necessary. If you find yourself going over that limit, cut out material.
Toggle Unique awards status
Unique awards
List personal awards or achievements, if they're applicable to the job, at the end of your resume.
Toggle Bullet points status
Bullet points
If given the choice of writing a paragraph or making a list, make a list because it's easier for employers to read through quickly.
Toggle Proofread: Check over your resume at least twice, and have someone else read it after that status
Proofread: Check over your resume at least twice, and have someone else read it after that
Make sure you catch all mistakes before handing it out to potential employers, who won't be forgiving of errors.
Download or Print this Resume Writing Checklist
Get a printable version of this checklist in your preferred format: PDF, Word, Excel, or print directly from your browser.
Presented by:
Neal Litherland
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Details
The job market is competitive in any economy, but especially during an economic downturn. If you want to stand apart from the crowd, you need a resume that shines. See our Resume Writing Checklist for the basic rules every job seeker should follow.
Tips
- Your resume needs to fit the job you're applying for. Don't submit the same resume to every employer you come across unless it's for the same job in the same field.
- Always include a personalized letter addressing the specific job and if possible the specific hiring manager or department that is receiving your resume.
- Do not use colored paper or an unusual ink color. Black ink is the standard, and should be used.
- Resume paper, which is thicker and more professional, may be used.
- Save your resume in Microsoft Word Document or Rich Text Format. Others may not be readable, and your resume will never been seen if the employer can't read it.
- Avoid negativity on any resume, no matter how honest that negativity may be.
- Avoid obvious statements like “References Available Upon Request." These go without saying and shouldn't be included in your resume.
- Use numbers whenever possible to describe your achievements. Percentages are impressive and they provide an accurate judge of your accomplishments in the past.
- Do not include a photograph on your resume. If pictures are necessary, they should be part of a portfolio that is submitted with a resume.
Who it's for
This Resume Writing Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.
- Avoid forgetting - keep all your Resume Writing essentials in one place (external memory)
- Save time - start from a proven Resume Writing structure instead of a blank page
- Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
- Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
- Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time
How to use it
How to use this Resume Writing Checklist
- Save Resume Writing Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
- Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for Resume Writing (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
- If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
- Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.
Rate this Checklist
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Scores 4.80 with 167 votes