How to Build Your Resume

Resume checklist

Content

1. Has contact information that is easy to find and read.
2. Has a qualification section. Your qualifications should be matched to the employer’s requirements and preferences.
3. Has a skills section showing that you have skills the employer is looking for!
4. Uses action verbs.
5. Shows work that is quantified when possible with accurate numbers.
6. Has volunteer activities and hobbies to show personality (if you have space).
7. Contains relevant honors and achievements.
8. Content is organized to make it easy for the employer to find what they are looking for.

Formatting

1. Written in an easy to read font and at least 11 pt to 12 pt size?
2. Too long? A good rule of thumb is to try to keep your resume to one page.
3. Consistent with headers and bullets? These elements make it pop!
4. Easy to read and relevant to the position you are applying for?

Double check

• Double check your resume for spelling and grammar errors.
• Have someone else read over it and give feedback, but remember that resumes are not one-size-fits-all. Every person who looks at your resume is going to have a different preference. If you have 10 people look at it, you will most likely have to change it 10 times.

Additional considerations

• Are the qualifications and skills what the employer wants to see or are they irrelevant?
• Would it stand out in a pile of 10-50 resumes?
• Is it clean and easy to read?
• Should it get you an interview? Why or why not?

Writing tips

1. Don’t forget to look for keywords in the job posting and use them in your resume. The electronic application process uses Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes and applications before they are even seen by a human . The best way to beat an Applicant Tracking System is by having the keywords in your resume and application that you see in the job listing.
2. Do some research! Use an online search portal to view samples of resumes in your industry.
3. Include the most relevant information on your resume and put the most important information first.
4. Think like an employer!