Resume and CV checklist

• prepare it for the reader – tailor content to make it relevant to the organisation and the advertised role
• keep it updated – fresh information is more interesting and will be easier to chat about
• most important stuff is first – if it’s your work experience, training, goal or passion that is important to the role give it priority
• your name and contact details are clearly on each page – use a larger font for your name, put it in the header
• keep it short – cut out repetition and filler words. 2-3 pages is ideal. Focus on the past 5 – 7 years of work experience
• use effective headings – let the reader see at a glance concise specific information
• good formatting – use consistent and logical font type and size, margins and bullets
• don’t get fancy – avoid fancy font and formatting – keep it simple and professional
• make sure the grammar and spelling is correct – get someone to proof it
• get feedback on your resume – get someone you respect to check the content
• back up your strengths – give examples of your specific experience
• list achievements – rather than what you did, document what you gained and what the company gained from you. What set you apart from your peers?
• omit personal information – take out references to hobbies, your age, marital status etc
• use active language – start with doing words i.e. coordinated…, managed… no need to say “I” (first person) or use your name (third person) references as the readers assumes the information is about you
• use keywords to assist in getting your resume found – do your own research

A good place for more information is Seek: Check out these Resume Tips