Quick Resume Review Checklist

You only get one chance to make a good first impression, and asking a piece of paper to make that impression is asking a lot.  So you need to pay close attention to your resume. Here’s what I look for if I review a resume.

-          That your resume tells me the role(s) to which you are applying. I don’t have to second guess. See my earlier post on having a career objective

-          I can read everything clearly on your resume

-          Your language reflects the seniority of your position

-          Your spelling and grammar are perfect

-          That I don’t have to wade through four pages on your resume to get to what is interesting about you

-          That you express your skills and strengths beyond a laundry list, that sounds like the last candidate

-          Your resume does not confuse achievements with accountabilities and vice-versa

-          Your resume does not repeat words and phrases

-          There are not long slabs of text on your resume, making it difficult to read

-          That you do not use too much industry jargon. I call this the grandparent test. Without patronizing your parents’ parents, I ask, would they understand what you do?

-          Your format is as professional as you, and I am not talking glossy here!

-          Will your resume pass the 20 second test. Do I have a clear idea about your strengths as a candidate within the first 20 seconds?

Karalyn

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Tagged as: resume tips