Resume Checklist Format
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Did I include the appropriate headings? (i.e., Education, Experience, and Summary of Skills) Additional headings are optional, but encouraged (e.g., Leadership, Honors, Scholarships, Languages, Computer Skills, Volunteer, Research, Study Abroad Experience, Related Courses, and Organizations). Is my name at the top and in bold? Are my address, phone number and email included and easy to read? Optional: Did I include my LinkedIn profile URL? Did I use a plain 10-12 point size font with no more than 2 fonts/sizes, and have approximately 1” margins? Is my formatting (e.g., bold, font, bullet sizes, heading styles) consistent throughout the resume? Are the headings and statements evenly spaced? Are my experiences listed in reverse chronological order in each category? Is my resume an appropriate length? (1 page preferred) Is my resume printed on neutral colored “resume” paper if mailing or hand delivering? (not included in rubric)
Content Does my Summary of Skills clearly state the value and skills I bring to the position? Does my education section state my official degree and expected graduation date? Do I have a good reason to include my high school graduation information? Did I include my cumulative or major GPA (if a 3.0 or above)? Do all of my experiences include my job title, the organization’s name, city, state and dates of the experience? Do my experience bullet points start with action verbs? Are verb tenses in the present tense for current jobs and in the past tense for previous jobs? Do I have approximately 2-4 bullet points per job? Do my bullet points demonstrate major accomplishments using numbers and percentages rather than routine tasks/duties? Do my bullet points demonstrate the use of key skills? Does my resume include industry buzzwords and keywords from the job description? Did I avoid first person language? (i.e., I, we, me, us, my/mine, our/ours) Am I sure my resume does not contain any personal or potentially discriminating data?
Professionalism Is my resume completely free from spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors? Does all information strengthen my resume and have a purpose for inclusion?
Resume Rubric Total Score: Format Score: 4- Exemplary 3- Competent 2- Developing 1- Insufficient
(3 = Insufficient; <6 = Developing; <9 = Competent; >9 Exemplary)
Student is able to… Meet all 6 criteria Meet 5/6 criteria Meet 4/6 criteria Meet fewer than 4 criteria
Professionalism Score: 4- Exemplary 3- Competent 2- Developing 1- Insufficient
Content Score: 4- Exemplary 3- Competent 2- Developing 1- Insufficient
Student is able to… Meet both criteria No errors; Most information strengthens resume Have some errors; Some information strengthens resume Neither criteria met
Student is able to… Meet all 8 criteria Meet 6/8 criteria Meet 4/8 criteria Meet fewer than 4 criteria
Top Skills Employers Want Source: Job Outlook 2014, National Association of Colleges and Employers
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Work in Team Structure Make Decisions & Solve Problems Plan, Organize, & Prioritize Work Verbally Communicate Obtain & Process Information
6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Analyze Quantitative Data Technical knowledge related to job Proficiency with Computer Software Create &/or Edit Written Reports Sell or Influence Others
Action Words accomplished achieved adapted administered advised analyzed arranged assembled assessed authored balanced bargained broadened budgeted built calculated classified communicated compiled
completed composed concluded conducted coordinated corresponded created demonstrated designed developed directed drafted earned edited encouraged established evaluated examined explained
familiarized formulated gained generated identified implemented improvised increased influenced initiated instructed interpreted interviewed introduced investigated maintained managed marketed moderated
monitored motivated negotiated obtained operated organized participated planned presented produced programmed promoted provided purchased recruited reduced represented researched reviewed
scheduled selected solved started streamlined strengthened structured supervised surveyed taught tested trained transformed translated traveled updated upgraded utilized wrote
Resume Building Resources
View sample resumes and login to Optimal Resume at www.career.uark.edu
