Resume Review Checklist for Students:

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.