Resume Checklist
Comprehensive checklist to ensure your resume stands out and passes ATS systems. Follow this guide to create a resume that gets noticed.
Pro Tips
Keep It Concise
Use short, impactful sentences. Recruiters spend ~6 seconds scanning each resume.
Quantify Results
Instead of "improved sales," say "increased sales by 35%." Numbers grab attention.
Tailor for Each Job
Customize your resume for each application to match the job description keywords.
Contact Information
- Include your full name prominently at the top
- Use a professional email address (firstname.lastname@email.com)
- Add a phone number with a clear voicemail greeting
- Include LinkedIn URL and GitHub profile if relevant
- Add location (city and state only, not full address)
- Use a professional domain email if available
Professional Summary
- Write 2-3 lines that highlight your unique value
- Focus on achievements and impact, not just duties
- Tailor it to the job description
- Use strong action verbs and industry keywords
- Mention years of experience in your field
- Quantify your accomplishments when possible
Work Experience
- List jobs in reverse chronological order
- Use the CAR method: Challenge, Action, Result
- Start with strong action verbs (Led, Designed, Increased, etc.)
- Quantify results with numbers and percentages
- Use 3-5 bullet points per job
- Keep descriptions concise (2-3 lines max per bullet)
- Include company name, position, and dates
- Highlight relevant achievements for the target role
Education
- Include degree, major, and institution name
- Add graduation date (or expected graduation)
- List GPA if 3.8 or higher
- Include relevant coursework only if entry-level
- Add academic honors, scholarships, or awards
- Mention certifications and professional development
Skills Section
- Group skills by category (Technical, Leadership, Languages)
- List 10-15 skills that match the job description
- Put most relevant skills first
- Use industry-standard terminology
- Include both hard and soft skills
- Only list skills you can actually defend in an interview
- Match keywords from the job posting
Certifications & Awards
- List relevant professional certifications
- Include dates obtained
- Add certifications that add value to your profile
- Include industry-recognized credentials
- List notable awards and recognitions
Formatting & Design
- Use consistent font (Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman)
- Keep font size between 10-12pt
- Use 0.5 to 1 inch margins
- Stick to one page if you have less than 5 years experience
- Use 1.5-2 pages maximum for experienced professionals
- Maintain consistent spacing and alignment
- Use bullet points instead of paragraphs
- Avoid colors, graphics, or images
- Save as PDF to preserve formatting
ATS Optimization
- Use standard section headings (Work Experience, Skills, Education)
- Avoid headers, footers, and text boxes
- Use simple bullet points, not special characters
- Skip tables, columns, and complex formatting
- Use keywords from the job description naturally
- Spell out abbreviations on first mention
- Avoid fancy fonts and unusual characters
- Use standard resume templates
Content Review
- Proofread for spelling and grammar errors
- Check for consistent tense usage
- Ensure consistent date formats
- Remove outdated or irrelevant information
- Verify all contact information is current
- Read aloud to catch awkward phrasing
- Have someone else review it
- Test with ATScore AI analysis tool
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