Resume Review Checklist for Students:

UWS Careers & Cooperative Education
Resume Review Checklist for Students:
Overall Presentation
Presentation
Format
Sequence
Length
Language
Individualised
Detail
Questions to ask
yourself
Leaves a positive overall impression, no negative words or phrases
Uses 10-12 size text
Headings stand out – 2 sizes larger than normal text and bold
Provides adequate space between sections of information
Left-hand margin about 3 cm wide
Sections of information not split across 2 pages
No use of gimmicks eg coloured paper, fancy borders
Consistent formatting throughout – font, size, justification, position of headings
Uses sub-headings to make relevant points easy to find
Limits use of highlighting techniques – no uppercase, underlining and multiple fonts
Uses tables to categorise and list technical or IT experience
Name and page numbers included in footer of each page
Most recent information listed first, then working backwards chronologically
Order of headings lists the most important information first
Position requirements are addressed closely – using evidence and examples
All dates are correct (using months and years only) and any gaps are explained
Graduate resume is 2-3 pages
Professional resume is 3-4pages
Uses a combination of brief text and bullet points – no wordy paragraphs
Uses formal business language –is clear, concise and relevant
Only uses words with which you are familiar
Correct grammar and punctuation throughout
Correct spelling – English (Australian not US)
Avoids overly specific professional jargon and unexplained abbreviations
No unnecessary words or punctuation
Bullet points begin with active verbs (e.g. manage, report, develop, coordinate)
Consistent tense used throughout (current tense for current job, past tense for previous jobs)
No repetition of information – draws on a broad range of examples
Numbers expressed in written form between one and nine (eg one, five, seven), and in
numerals for all numbers 10 and above (eg 10, 25, 108).
Ensures consistent date formats throughout
No use of the pronoun "I"
Shows enthusiasm! Will make the employer to sit up and take notice. Energy and excitement
are contagious
Stands out favourably from the crowd by providing relevant, factual and current information
about education, skills and experience
Uses relevant key words that will appropriately key word-sort your resume
Lists appropriate detail and information to support your claim to the position
Meaning is clear
All gaps in dates explained
Targets the specific job you are applying for
Not too much detail. Employers want relevant information, but they are not especially
concerned if you opened the mail or filed personnel records
Compare your resume with the job description, have you shown you have developed the
skills the job needs?
Remember that your resume should give evidence, by highlighting what you have done in
the past, and that you have the skills to carry out the job to which you are applying.
It is neat, tidy, and professional?
Is it clear, logical and is information easy to find?
Have you asked for a second opinion (it’s a good idea to have someone proof read your
resume for any obvious mistakes and give you some constructive feedback).
Remember your resume will need a covering letter to go with it, and a claim for the position
addressing all of the selection criteria one by one.
Have you told the truth? Present your accomplishments and skills in the best possible light
but ensure you’re not stretching the truth
Have you got copies of this resume for reference?

Specific Content
Name and
Contact Details
Career
Objective
(optional)
Education
Skills Summary
Employment
Professional
Development
Professional
Membership/s
Interests
Your name is the heading of the document (large, centred, bold)
‘Resume of’ or ‘Curriculum Vitae of’ not included, nor is a cover page
Sub-headings of Name, Address, Telephone not included – these are self-evident
E-mail address is professional (no more ‘hotchickybabe@wotsnew.com)
Date of birth, age, health, religion or marital status not listed
Citizenship/Visa status listed (when appropriate) toward the end of the resume
Address and phone number current and correct
Shows clear,concise and brief, factual sentences using a maximum of 3-4 lines
Starts with your current situation eg Recent Business graduate, or Community Welfare student
Provides brief short term goal and the environment /industry in which you are interested. Thus
identifying the purpose of this resume eg seeking starting level position in community setting
Highlights 2 or 3 relevant competencies or experiences that you bring to the position/organisation
Statement is tailored to the position you are applying for – refer to the job advertisement for clues
of what skills or qualities are valued in the organisation
Uses heading ‘Career Summary’ or ‘Career Highlights’ if you have significant professional
experience
States your availability, if appropriate
Degree (full title, include Majors) on first line (in bold) and University (full title) on second line
Lists the year you graduated or your expected year of completion
Indicates your overall academic results e.g. distinction average, credit average etc
Lists the key subjects and major projects or academic research relevant to the vacancy; this
information helps you to stand out from the crowd
Copy of your Academic Transcript attached if appropriate – doesn’t list all subjects and results in
resume
Lists other educational achievements (e.g. previous degrees, diplomas) after your most recent
education
Uses heading ‘Qualifications’ when course of study is complete
Identifies and lists in priority order a minimum of your key 4-6 skills
Includes context and outcomes for skills used – achievements, capabilities and application
Concentrates on professional skills to match the vacancy or organisation
Lists generic skills and provides examples that add credibility to your claims
Lists relevant IT skills
Skills Summary on first page or takes up all of second page if extensive
Uses keywords identified in the job description, (you may need them to get past computer scans!)
Section is split into ‘Relevant Experience’ and ‘Other Experience’
Position (full title) on first line (in bold) and Company name on second line
Gives a brief description of the company (location, type of business)
Indicates on what basis you were employed (e.g. FT, PT, casual, voluntary, placement)
Gives the dates you were with the organisation (Month Year – Month Year)
Lists key specific responsibilities, each starting with an active verb e.g. manage, produce, develop,
test, provide, present
Uses short statements and paragraphs
Doesn’t copy the Duty Statement in full – this would be too general and does not clarify your
individual responsibilities
Emphasises relevant experience according to the vacancy or organisation
Lists achievements – outlines contributions to the organisation e.g. what was improved, the
outcomes, skills developed, positive feedback or awards received indicating why you stood out,
doesn’t just repeat job description
Quantifies accomplishments with hard numbers whenever possible
Includes any industrial placements, Cooperative Program Project, voluntary or community work or
leadership positions held
Covers only the last 10 to 15 years
Lists any relevant short courses or conferences you have attended
Gives the date (the year is usually sufficient), the institution and the location
Includes relevant Professional Association/s and your membership status (student, associate, full
member)
Includes 2-3 interests or social activities that demonstrate a balanced and active life
Referees Follows advertised application requirements (usually 2)
Provides current referees who are able to comment on your workplace or uni performance
Provides contact details and relationship to you.