RÉSUMÉ CHECKLIST

Below you will find a checklist to ensure that you avoid the common mistakes of a first time résumé composers.  If you are starting from scratch, you may want to start by listing every job, activity, volunteer experiences, etc. that you have had on a piece of paper.  Then add every duty that you preformed within that job, activity, etc.  You will then have a list of jobs that you can choose from to add to your résumé, depending on whether the experience is relevant and displays a strength.

HEADING

1. Name is at least two font sizes larger than the rest of the words on my résumé.
2. Included current and/or permanent address, phone number, and email address.

EDUCATION

1. Listed G.P.A. if it is a strength for me (above 3.0).
2. Included high school information if it is within the past two years (name of school, city, state, and month/year of graduation is required).
3. Listed only the month and day of graduation. Do not add the words “expected graduation date.”

EXPERIENCE

1. Listed the name of the company, title of my position, date of employment, city, and state for each experience.
2. Consistently used the same way to describe dates; all months, seasons, or only years.
3. Illustrated duties in a result-oriented manner. http://resume.monster.com/articles/accomplishments/
4. Only included relevant duties that the position in mind requires.
5. Used adjectives and adverbs to begin each duty description.
6. Used concrete terms when explaining duties (i.e. numbers, did not use words like: variety, many, etc.).

APPEARANCE

1. Space on the résumé is used appropriately and there are no large white spaces.
2. The eye is drawn to the most important aspects on the résumé (all relevant experiences and my strengths).
3. The most important information is listed at the top of the résumé and along the left side of the page.
4. Printed résumé on white, ivory or grey résumé paper with a laser printer.

OTHER

1. Avoided the use of “I”.
2. Included other headings as needed to highlight my strengths (Leadership, Activities, Volunteer, etc. that occurred within the past couple of years).
3. Showed involvement (sports, clubs, organizations, community volunteer, interest groups, etc.).
4. Listed all relevant skills like language, technology, and other measurable skills.
5. Objective is optional.

Example Resumes:

Less Experienced Student Resume
More Experienced Student Resume

For more information on writing resumes, please visit the University of Mary Washington Career Services' website about resumes or call the Office of Career Services at (540)-654-1022.