Resume Checklist

Appearance and Format

  1. Is your resume neatly printed on good quality paper (81/2" X11")?
  2. Are there any errors?
  3. Is your resume one page only?
  4. Is the copy neatly centered and nicely balanced on the page? Is it appealing to the eye?
  5. If copies were made, is the type sharp, clean, and the paper spotless?
  6. Are your experiences highlighted by headings (centered or underlined)?

Organization

  1. Is your name, address, and telephone number included? (home and school)
  2. Does the organization of the resume emphasize the points you want to stress?
  3. Under the heading "Education" and "Experience," are the most recent listed first?
  4. Have you included "Interests" or "Hobbies" to highlight additional information reflecting credit on you as an applicant and showing desirable traits or attitudes you will bring to the job?

Content

  1. In your "Experience" section, does your description cover all of your work experiences, even if briefly?
  2. Have you given emphasis to awards, accomplishments or activities in school and community that reflect your ability to act responsibly?
  3. Have you included foreign languages that you speak and/or read?
  4. Have you carefully phrased your resume to stress your ability to perform successfully as a potential employee?
  5. Have you included all of your technical knowledge in the computer section?
  6. Have you listed all systems and languages that you have worked with?

Writing Style

  1. Have you used concise phrases in short paragraphs?
  2. Is the grammar, punctuation and spelling correct?
  3. Were you careful not to be repetitive or excessive in your description?
  4. Do most of the phrases in your resume start with action verbs?
  5. Have you avoided using "I" or "Me"?

Overview

  1. Have you contacted your references and received permission to use them as references? Have you produced a typed reference list?
  2. Does your resume have a "professional look"?
  3. Is your resume an attractive, interesting, quick reading factual account that proves that your experience and personal assets qualify you for the job that you want?

If you answered "NO" to any of the above questions, you need to continue to improve you resume before the final draft.

Northeastern University, College of Computer Science, Cooperative Education