Resume Checklist
Layout & Formatting
- Length: Strictly 1 page for entry/mid-level roles; maximum 2 pages for 10+ years of relevant experience.
- Margins & Font: Clean 0.5″ to 1″ margins. Standard, readable fonts (e.g., Arial, Calibri, Helvetica) at 10–12pt body size.
- ATS Compatibility: Single-column layout saved as .pdf or .docx. Avoid graphics, tables, text boxes, or embedded images.
- Contact Info: Name, phone number, city/state, professional email, and clean LinkedIn URL. No full street address required.
Content & Strategy
- Professional Summary: 2–3 sentences highlighting core expertise, key skills, and target value. Avoid generic objective statements.
- Work Experience: Clear structure (Job Title, Company Name, Location, Employment Dates).
- Action Verbs: Every bullet point starts with a strong action verb (e.g., Led, Generated, Streamlined, Developed).
- Quantifiable Results: Include metrics, dollar amounts, percentages, or team sizes where possible (e.g., Increased retention by 18%).
- Keyword Targeting: Mirror exact skills and terminology from the target job posting.
Final Polish
- Education & Certifications: Listed concisely at the bottom (Degree, Institution, Graduation Year/Status, Key Certifications).
- Proofreading: Zero grammatical errors, typos, or inconsistent bullet point punctuation.
Cover Letter Checklist
Header & Structure
- Consistency: Match header styling (Name and Contact Info) directly to your resume for a unified personal brand.
- Date & Recipient: Include current date, hiring manager’s name (or department title), company name, and location.
- Salutation: Address a specific person if possible (e.g., Dear [Hiring Manager Name]). Avoid To Whom It May Concern.
Core Content (3–4 Paragraphs)
- Opening Paragraph: State the specific role you are applying for, how you found it, and a strong opening hook about your enthusiasm/fit.
- Body Paragraph 1 (Core Match): Highlight 1–2 major professional achievements directly aligned with the job description requirements.
- Body Paragraph 2 (Culture & Value Add): Explain why you want to work for this specific company and how your background solves their current needs.
- Closing Paragraph: Clear call to action (requesting an interview), mention attached resume, and thank them for their consideration.
Final Polish
- Length: Kept strictly under 300–400 words (3/4 of a page max).
- Tone: Professional, direct, confident, and free of filler language.
Put This Checklist Into Practice
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Don’t waste time trying to format standard layouts or risking parsing errors with complex graphics. We have built a clean, ATS-compliant Word template (.docx) designed specifically to clear Applicant Tracking Systems and highlight your accomplishments.
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- Pre-Formatted Headers: Standardized section titles (Professional Summary, Core Competencies, Professional Experience, Education) tuned for automated screening software.
- Ready for Action Verbs & Metrics: Built-in bullet placeholders designed around the STAR method to showcase your quantifiable results.