Resume Formatting Checklist

Place Name big and bold at top of resume

Include contact information under name (address, phone, email)
Place your Profile/Summary of Qualifications under name and contact information
Always emphasize the skill level and experiences that directly relate to the position being sought
Articulate what you can bring to the position, not what you hope to gain
Be clear and concise
List Experience sections next
Place in reverse chronological order (most recent first)
Include Position, Company, City/State and Dates Employed
List a minimum of 3 bullet points for each position
Write accomplishment bullet points
Start each bullet point with a power verb in past tense (even for current positions)
Answer who, what, when, where, why, and how to write a descriptive bullet point
Should describe more than just your duties - turn DUTIES into SKILLS
Include what IMPACT or CONTRIBUTION your actions had
Use numbers to quantify information (i.e., timeframe, money)
Other categories can include:
Military Experience
Volunteer Experience (can provide bullet points or just list)
Awards/Recognition/Patents/Certifications (include dates)
Computer Skills
Language Proficiencies
List Education after Experience
Note: If you have a new relevant degree (completed within the last 18 months) place your Education
section before your Experience
List the Institution, City/State
Include degree and major (i.e., B.B.A. Management)
Include graduation date only (i.e., May 2011)
List emphasis area, minor, and/or certificate if applicable
List cumulative and/or major GPA if 3.0 or above and Deans List/Honors Program if applicable
Other Reminders:
Tailor information to position seeking and place most relevant information toward top of resume
Keep it to one or two pages. Should not be more than two pages regardless of number of years
worked and jobs held.
Do not use the pronoun I. Write in third person, past tense, including current job.
Dont use a template to format
Use 10-14pt. traditional font (Ariel, Times New Roman, etc.) and no less than .5 margins
Place dates on the right of the page
Stay consistent within format and layout (i.e., using italics, bolding items, etc.)
Dont list References available upon request (create separate reference page if needed)
CHECK and RECHECK for spelling/grammatical errors

 Add name and contact information to header or footer of second page