Resume Checklist

No Mistakes Resume Checklist:

Looking for a job?

Don’t do this:

• Don’t send a resume without a cover letter.
• Don’t include an objective.
• Don’t include a summary.
• Don’t send a resume with mistakes.

But definitely do this:

• Do research on the company and the job.
• Tailor your resume specifically for the job description.
• Show them—don’t tell them—why you’re the person they should consider.

Before Your Resume Goes Out Check It For The Following:

Formatting:

• Make sure you have your email and phone number at the top, under your name.
• Are the fonts the right size?
• Are the margins set to at least 1 inch on all sides?
• Is the “view” set to 100%?
• Do you have enough white space?

Order:

• Is “Education” listed up front?
• Did you include descriptions for the companies?
• Are all of your dates of employment correct? Did you include the months?
• Are your titles listed properly, with dates for each one?

Content:

• List only the responsibilities that are relevant for the job.
• List the top few accomplishments and make them relevant.
• Make sure you use bullets; don’t lump the text together.
• Be sure to use impact words.
• Were you specific? Did you use numbers, percentages, and dollars to quantify accomplishments?

Cover Letter:

• Is your cover letter addressed properly?
• Does your cover letter sell you?
• Make sure your cover letter addresses the key points of the job description.
• Does your cover letter follow the three-section rule: Introduction, Sell, and Close?

Mistake check:

• Go through everything meticulously.
• Have someone else go through it.
• Make sure you didn’t misuse any words.
• Check especially for homonyms, the ones the spell checkers don’t find.
• Double check for grammar, punctuation mistakes, and misused words. This is where they show up most often.

Resume Don’ts:

(yes, some of this is repeating what I said above, but it’s that important.)

• Don’t include an objective or summary.
• Don’t include a personal or hobbies section.
• Don’t lie or exaggerate.
• Don’t send your resume with mistakes.

The No Mistakes Resumes book covers this and much more. It shows you what’s important to have on your resume and—even better—what’s not important. It will show you how to keep your resume out of the trash and it can help you get the interview you want.

Skip Your Coffee Today, and Buy This Book! It Might Get You the Interview You Really Want.

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Jim (Giacomo) Giammatteo is the author of the No Mistakes Careers series. He also writes gritty crime dramas about murder, mystery, and family.

He lives in Texas where he and his wife have an animal sanctuary with 45 loving “friends.”

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Tags: Job hunting, resume tips, resumes