Complete Resume Checklist
Below is a streamlined version of the resume checklist, reorganized to follow a typical resume’s flow. Redundant sections are consolidated, extra detail has been summarized for clarity, and new items address career transitions, remote/hybrid roles, and alignment with LinkedIn.
I. ATS & Format Considerations
Use “.doc” or “.docx” for best ATS compatibility. Some systems accept “.pdf” but be cautious with other formats (e.g., “.rtf”) that may not parse correctly.
Tables, graphics, and multi-column formats can confuse ATS software. Keep your layout simple and linear for optimal parsing.
Images, icons, and decorative elements are not read by ATS and can disrupt parsing.
Stick to simple bullet characters (•) instead of arrows or special symbols.
Name your file “FirstName_LastName_Resume.docx” or something equally clear.
II. Header Section
Clearly display first and last name; use a middle or preferred name only if you want it used professionally.
Include a professional email, up-to-date phone number, and city/state (no need for full address).
Provide a LinkedIn URL if relevant. Ensure dates, job titles, and achievements match what is on your resume.
Do not list age, marital status, social security number, or photos unless specifically required.
III. Objective or Summary
In 2-3 lines, outline your career goal and highlight relevant experience or skills for the role at hand.
Use the job description to pinpoint specific keywords or themes to include.
Replace phrases like “I am a hardworking team player” with more concrete descriptions that demonstrate your value.
IV. Experience Section
List your most recent position first, moving backward in time.
State the exact role and clearly specify dates (month/year). Maintain consistent date formatting.
Start bullet points with strong verbs and quantify wherever possible (e.g., “Increased revenue by 15%”).
Tailor descriptions to the targeted job. Remove or minimize tasks irrelevant to the new role.
V. Projects & Portfolios
Prioritize projects that align with the desired position or demonstrate sought-after skills.
Summarize the goal, your role, and tools used (e.g., “Built with Angular and AWS”).
Add URLs to GitHub or live demos for tangible evidence of your work.
VI. Education
Include official degree titles, major(s), and minor(s) if relevant.
Add the school’s name and city/state. If unknown internationally, add a brief descriptor.
Provide month/year. For ongoing studies, include your expected graduation date.
Include these if they strengthen your candidacy; omit if they do not add value.
VII. Skills & Certifications
List skills pertinent to the position; avoid generic claims like “Microsoft Office” unless critical for the job.
Use labels like “Advanced,” “Intermediate,” or “Beginner” for technical or language skills.
Clearly name the cert (e.g., “AWS Certified Solutions Architect”) and the issuing body.
VIII. Keyword Optimization
Identify critical skills or terms in the listing. Include them naturally throughout your resume.
Include both abbreviations and full terms (e.g., “Search Engine Optimization (SEO)”).
Repetition without context can be flagged as spam by ATS or turn off human reviewers.
IX. Action Verbs
Use proactive words like “Led,” “Managed,” or “Designed” to describe responsibilities.
Don’t repeat “Managed” in every bullet—switch it up with “Directed,” “Coordinated,” etc.
X. Quantifying Achievements
Include metrics (e.g., “Raised customer satisfaction from 70% to 90%”).
“Reduced support tickets by 30% over six months” is more impactful than “Reduced support tickets.”
XI. Layout & Design Principles
Use a single font, consistent headings, uniform bullet styles, and matching date formats throughout.
Too much text looks cramped; too little leaves your resume feeling sparse. Aim for a neat, visually inviting layout.
“Experience,” “Education,” “Skills,” etc. help both ATS and recruiters locate information quickly.
XII. Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Exaggerations can pass an ATS but fail a manual review. Keep your credentials authentic.
Hobbies or older jobs unrelated to your target role can clutter your resume.
Remove outdated skills or roles over 10-15 years old unless critical for your field.
XIII. Handling Gaps & Career Transitions
If you took time off for caregiving, traveling, or upskilling, note it as such without oversharing.
In a career change, show how your previous experiences relate to your new field.
XIV. LinkedIn & Remote/Hybrid Focus
Ensure job titles, employment dates, and role descriptions match on both your resume and LinkedIn profile.
Emphasize collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Zoom, Trello) or remote communication if the position is remote-friendly.
XV. Tailoring for the Job
Read about their mission, culture, and priorities. Adapt your phrasing and examples to mirror these points.
Pull forward experiences that address the exact needs listed in the job description.
XVI. References
Ask permission first. Use supervisors, mentors, or peers who can speak about relevant skills.
Often, you can omit reference details and provide them later if asked, saving valuable space.
XVII. Proofreading & Final Review
Tools like Grammarly help, but also manually proofread to catch context-related errors.
Have a friend or colleague read your resume for a fresh perspective. Print a copy to spot format issues.
Ensure key phrases, skills, and achievements remain aligned with the role’s requirements.
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