Resume Checklist

Formatting

• Keep resume to as close to one page in length as possible.
• Make sure your information fills the page without looking crowded.
• Emphasize major headings using capital letters, underlining or bold.
• Use Bullets, Bold, Italics, Underlining and indenting appropriately.
• Proofread your resume to make sure it is free of grammatical errors.
• Keep spacing and formatting consistent throughout document.
• List dates consistently throughout the resume.
• Use only appropriate/simple fonts.
• Keep font sizes 10, 11, or 12 pt. for text and 12, 14, or 16 pt. for headings and name.
• Do NOT include pictures and/or graphics.
• Do NOT include personal Information (Age, Gender, Race, etc.).
• Set margins to no larger than 1 inch on all sides.

Name/Address

• Put your full name on the top line of your resume.
• Include telephone number with area code (Be sure you can be reached at this number).
• Make sure your email address is professional (Your CSU email is a perfect example).
• Complete mailing address is optional, but at minimum you should include: City, State, Zip code

Profile

• Profiles/Summaries are not required on resumes. If you choose to use one, summarize key accomplishments and/or skills relevant to the job you are applying for.
• Do NOT use personal pronouns (i.e. “I, me, or my”).

Education

• List the full name of the institution from which you earned your degree, including the city and state.
• Write the full name of your degree and major (Do NOT use abbreviations).
• List highest or most recent degree first.
• Do NOT list any high school information.
• Include the month and year of graduation or anticipated graduation.
• Do NOT list dates of attendance.
• Only include GPA if it is 3.0 or higher.

Honors

• List any Scholarships, Assistantships, Grants, Honor Societies, Deans Lists, and Awards.

Skills

• List any relevant technical skills that are reflected accurately (i.e. proficient, working knowledge, etc.).
• Include language skills that are reflected accurately (i.e. fluent, conversant, etc.).
• Do not include vague generalities (example: “Strong communication skills”).

Relevant Courses

• Only include relevant courses to the job you are applying for.
• Write full course name; do NOT include course numbers.

Experience

• Include relevant Internship/Co-op. paid work and volunteer experiences.
• Include position title, company name, city, state, and dates of employment.
• Begin each job description with action verb, with correct verb tense (i.e. For your current experience, verbs should be in present tense. If experience is in the past, verbs should be in past tense.).
• Focus descriptions on accomplishments.
• Quantify and qualify descriptions when applicable (i.e. Increased sales by 20%).
• Use bullet points and try to limit descriptions to approximately 5 bullet points.

Leadership and Activities

• List campus and community activities as you would a job or internship.
• Highlight leadership positions and describe accomplishments using bullet points. Include title, organization, location and dates of participation.

References

• Do NOT include names and contact information for references on resume; list on separate page to present them when asked for.
• Do NOT include state “References available upon request”.

Additional Categories

• Use additional categories when applicable (i.e. Research, Publications, Presentations, Professional Associations, Certifications, Licenses, and Military Service).

Resume Template

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