Resume and Cover Letter Checklist

Do not exceed one page

Know your audience

Minimize personal information; avoid using first person "I"

Include marketable, relevant data only

Stress accomplishments and how your skills will benefit the company/employer

Use results-oriented descriptions of past duties

Cite numbers and specifics to show quantifiable results

Be honest and accurate, and avoid self-flattering descriptions

Supply examples to support personality traits

Review final draft with counselor or friend

Always include a cover letter tailored to the specific job you are seeking

Have more than one resume available for each type of job you are seeking

Leave off references but have them available; make sure they are current

Select a resume format which best suits your qualifications

Use underlining and bullets to emphasize skills (in moderation)

Make graphically pleasing (center on page, use white space in design)

Use action verbs to describe duties

Highlight skills and capabilities

Proofread to eliminate all errors

Have an email-friendly version, without complicated formatting

Use 8 1/2" x 11" white bond paper and a letter quality printer

Proofread again and then ask someone else to proofread

The most effective way to highlight your qualifications is to use action verbs that make a dynamic impression of your abilities on the reader. Vague expressions like "involved in" or "participated in" are less effective and should be avoided. Here are some examples of action verbs:

Administered Analyzed Assisted Checked Compiled
Completed Composed Conducted Converted Construct
Coordinated Created Handled Monitored Revised
Delivered Headed Negotiate Schedule Designed
Edited Instituted Produced Taught Establish
Hired Obtained Serviced Develope Implement
Investigated Ran Tested Evaluated Managed
Organized Sold Devised Improved Planned
Reorganized Trained Expanded Marketed Reported
Supervised Directed Increased Prepared Surveyed
Translated Gathered Modified Research Wrote

 

 

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