resume writing CHECKLIST

Do

Do	Activity
	Consider format. New hires list education first, then experience.
	Experienced professionals list experience first followed by education.
	Use past tense action verbs to begin phrases.
	Use short action phrases and active voice.
	Be honest; use facts.
	Be positive. Emphasize strengths.
	Analyze the audience; write to present your accomplishments as solutions to the employer's needs.
	Keep resume current.
	Proofread and edit. Check spelling, grammar and punctuation.
	Have someone else critique your resume.
	Use standard fonts and font sizes. Generally, use size 14 for headings and 12 for text. The name should be larger.
	Use standard paper colors such as white, cream or light gray.
	Create plenty of white space. Design visually appealing layout.
	Prepare resume on computer, not a typewriter.
	Be clear and concise. Limit resume to one page.
	Be focused. Present a career objective.
	Use bullets or boldface type of emphasis, sparingly.
	Use laser or jet printer and quality paper.
	Avoid personal pronouns.
	Avoid italics and underlined text.
	Avoid wordiness.
	Avoid abbreviations.
	Avoid e-mail addresses that sound unprofessional.

Do Not	Activities
	Do not list salary requirements unless you are asked to do so.
	Do not list personal information.
	Do not submit photos of yourself.
	Do not use resume templates; be creative but professional.
	Do not fold or staple the resume as this will interfere with scanning.
	Do not explain why you left previous positions.
	Do not include references on the resume; prepare a separate references document.