Resume Critique Checklist: How to Review Your Resume

A resume acts as your personal marketing document, showcasing your qualifications, skills, and experience in a way that encourages the reader to invite you for an interview. However, just as you would never submit a paper without proofreading it, you should never send your resume without reviewing it thoroughly.

Last update:
01/01/2024
Resume Critique Checklist: How to Review Your Resume

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This article outlines a comprehensive professional resume critique service and points that will help you polish your resume and increase your chances of landing your desired job.

Why Resume Critique Matters


Your resume is the first point of contact with a hiring manager or recruiter. In today’s competitive job market, a small error or outdated resume format can hurt your chances. Critiquing your resume allows you to ensure that it aligns with industry standards, highlights your best attributes, and communicates your qualifications effectively. A well-critique resume also prevents you from missing key details or opportunities that could elevate your candidacy.

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Key Areas to Review on Your Resume


To conduct an effective critique of your own resume here, you must focus on several key areas. The following checklist provides an in-depth look at what to look for during each phase of your resume review.

1. Contact Information

Your contact information should be at the top of your resume and easy to find. This section needs to be clear, accurate, and professional. Here’s what to check:

  • Name: Make sure your name is prominent and easy to read, using a larger font than the rest of your resume.
  • Phone Number: Ensure that your phone number is current and that you can be easily reached. Avoid using a number you rarely check.
  • Email Address: Use a professional email address. Avoid using old or casual email addresses. A simple format using your first and last name is best.
  • LinkedIn Profile: Include a link to your updated LinkedIn profile or any relevant professional social media accounts if applicable.
  • Location: You don’t need to include your full address, but mentioning your city or region is good practice. This is especially important if you’re applying for geographically specific jobs.

2. Resume Layout and Design

A clean, professional layout is critical to making a good first impression. Hiring managers often review resumes quickly, so they should be easy to scan. Pay attention to:

  • Font Choice: Use a simple, readable font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid decorative or overly stylized fonts.
  • Font Size: The font size for the main text should be between 10 and 12 points. Headings or section titles can be larger.
  • Spacing and Margins: Make sure there’s enough white space between sections and around the margins. This ensures the resume doesn’t appear too cluttered.
  • Alignment: Ensure all text is aligned correctly (e.g., headings centered or left-aligned, bullets properly indented).

3. Resume Summary or Objective Statement

If your resume includes a summary or objective at the top, it’s important to check whether it accurately reflects your qualifications. Consider these tips:

  • Tailor it to the role: The resume summary should be customized to the job you’re applying for. Highlight your key skills, qualifications, and what you bring to the table.
  • Be concise: Aim for 3–4 sentences summarizing your career goals and what you can offer the employer. Avoid being too general or vague.
  • Focus on value: Ensure that your summary or objective communicates how you can solve problems or contribute to the company’s success.

4. Professional Experience

Your work experience is the heart of your resume, as it directly demonstrates your skills and accomplishments. Review your accomplishments begin this section by ensuring the following:

  • Reverse Chronological Order: Your most recent job should appear first. If you have extensive experience, consider including only the last 10–15 years of relevant positions.
  • Job Titles and Dates: Verify that job titles and employment dates are correct. Include the month and year of each position held.
  • Quantifiable Achievements: Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments (e.g., "Increased sales by 20%" or "Managed a team of 10 people"). This demonstrates the impact of your work.
  • Action Verbs: Start bullet points with action verbs to make your experience sound more dynamic (e.g., "Led," "Developed," "Achieved," "Created").
  • Tailor to the Job Description: Align your experience with the job you’re applying for. Use similar keywords or phrases from the job description to demonstrate how your experience is relevant.
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5. Skills Section

The skills section is where you highlight your technical and soft skills. It’s critical that the resume written in this section is tailored to the job you are applying for.

  • Relevant Skills: Focus on the skills that are most relevant to the position. If the job requires proficiency in a certain software, ensure that you list it.
  • Hard vs. Soft Skills: Include both hard skills (e.g., programming languages, software proficiency) and soft skills (e.g., communication, leadership).
  • Avoid Overstuffing: Don’t just list every skill you know. Stick to the ones that matter most for the job.

6. Education

The education section provides an overview of your academic background. Ensure the following:

  • Order: List your highest degree first. If you have multiple degrees, include the most relevant ones.
  • Institution and Date: Include the name of the school, location, degree obtained, and date of graduation (or expected graduation).
  • Relevant Coursework or Honors: If applicable, you can include relevant coursework, honors, or achievements, especially if you’re a recent graduate with less work experience.

7. Certifications and Training

Certifications can set you apart from other candidates, particularly for specialized roles. Double-check the following:

  • Current Certifications: Ensure any certifications listed are valid and up-to-date.
  • Relevance: Only include certifications that are pertinent to the job you're applying for.
  • Professional Development: If you’ve completed additional training or professional development courses, include them if they’re relevant.

8. Grammar and Spelling

Grammatical errors or typos can immediately disqualify you from consideration. Always proofread your resume multiple times. Use tools like Grammarly or ask a trusted colleague to review your resume provide to it.

  • Consistency: Be consistent with your use of punctuation, verb tenses, and formatting.
  • Spell-check: Ensure that spelling and grammar are flawless. Pay close attention to names, technical terms, and company names.

9. Keywords and ATS Optimization

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before they are even seen by a human. To ensure your resume passes the ATS scan, check for the following:

  • Keyword Optimization: Incorporate keywords and phrases from the job description that are relevant to your experience.
  • Avoid Complex Formatting: ATS may not read complex formats like tables or graphics, so keep your resume simple.
  • Standard Section Headings: Use standard section headings (e.g., “Experience,” “Education,” “Skills”) to ensure the ATS can easily categorize your information.
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Additional Tips for a Successful Resume Critique


Beyond the key areas mentioned, consider these extra tips to further strengthen your resume:

  • Be Concise: Keep your resume to one or two pages, depending on your experience level. Hiring managers often don’t have time to read lengthy resumes.
  • Custom Tailor Your Resume: Always adjust your resume to suit the specific role and company you are applying to.
  • Highlight Achievements, Not Just Responsibilities: Instead of just listing duties, focus on what you accomplished in each role.

Conclusion


Reviewing your resume thoroughly is a crucial step toward ensuring it stands out to potential employers. By using the checklist outlined above, you can be confident that your resume highlights your qualifications effectively, aligns with industry standards, and avoids common mistakes. A polished resume significantly improves your chances of landing a job interview for your desired job.

If you’re ready to take your resume to the next level, consider using a professional resume builder to create a standout document that’s tailored to your field. Resume builders offer templates, tips, and guidance to help you create a document that will impress hiring managers and get you noticed. Start writing style yourself today and take the first step toward your next career opportunity!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long should a resume be?

For most professionals, a resume should be one to two pages long. If you have under 5 years of experience, aim for one page. For those with over 10 years of experience, a two-page resume may be acceptable.

Do I need to include my photo on my resume?

No, unless explicitly requested by the employer, it’s best not to include a photo on your resume. Many employers may consider it unprofessional or even discriminatory.

Should I list every job I’ve ever had?

No, only the resume sections include jobs that are relevant to the position you’re applying for, particularly those from the past 10–15 years. Listing every job can make your resume look cluttered and less focused.

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