Make Sure You Check Your Resume For:

Appropriate length - BA/BS degree, most entry-level positions = one full page, MA/MS/Ph.D and/or professional experience = one or more pages.

High Quality Paper - 20 - 25% bond paper, recommended colors are ivory, pale gray or white.

Letter Quality - Laser printed or typeset quality, 10 or 12 point font, clear, easy-to-read font (Times Roman, Helvetica, Presentation, etc.)

Balanced Page Spacing/Placement of Information - Employers read a resume top left to bottom right so place important information across top and down left side. Sections, paragraphs, lines and words should be evenly spaced.

Visible Name/Accessible Address & Phone Numbers - Present school address on left and permanent address on right. Center this information if only working with one address (commuting student or alum).

Appropriate Format - Chronological, functional or combination.

Headings/Subheadings Arranged Consistently Throughout Resume - Include job titile, organizations name, locations, dates pertinent to your job, internship or volunteer position.

Highlighted Main Points - Bullets, bold, caps, bold caps, indentation and italics.

Emphasized Relevant Main Points- Identify skills, communicate strengths, emphasize results. Describe your accomplishments rather than work environment.

Descriptive Statements - Begin with strong action verbs. Avoid "duties included" or "responsible for". Include concrete examples and numbers whenever possible.

End the Resume with Strength - Computer Proficiency, Skills Summary, Volunteer Experience, Languages, Activities, etc.

Proofread, Proofread, Proofread - Typos and other text errors can quickly move you from the "further consideration" pile to the "rejection" pile