Resume Checklist Template

Ever wonder if you're missing something on your resume? You’d be surprised how often people forget the basics. Or worse, they include things that actually work against them. That’s why having a checklist is so helpful, it gives you a framework to follow so you don’t overlook anything important. Let’s run through the essentials.

Start with the basics

First things first, make sure your contact info is front and center. This sounds obvious, but I can't tell you how many resumes I’ve seen where the phone number isn’t there or the email is buried at the bottom. Your name, phone number, email, and maybe your LinkedIn profile all go right at the top. Make it easy for someone to reach out.

Next, make sure your formatting doesn’t distract from the actual content. Keep the font simple and professional, nothing fancy, and make sure it’s readable. No one wants to squint at tiny text or deal with wild colors. Stick to black and white unless you’re in a creative field where a dash of color makes sense. Even then, keep it subtle.

Your experience matters, but not all of it

Here’s where people really go wrong. They list every single job they’ve ever had, even the ones that don’t matter. No hiring manager cares about the summer you spent scooping ice cream if it’s not relevant to the role you’re applying for. Focus on skills and accomplishments that align with the job description. If it doesn’t connect, leave it off.

And while you’re at it, don’t just list duties. Show impact. Instead of saying, "Managed social media accounts, " say, "Increased social media engagement by 30% over six months. " Numbers and results grab attention.

Education and skills

Your schooling is important, but don’t overdo it unless you’re fresh out of college. If you’ve been working for five, ten years, your degree is still worth including, but it shouldn’t take up too much space. Put it after your job experience unless it’s directly tied to the field you’re applying for.

For skills, avoid the temptation to throw in every single thing you’ve ever done. Your resume isn’t the place for that. Choose a mix of hard skills (specific tools, programs, languages) and soft skills (communication, leadership) relevant to the job. And don’t just list them. If you say you’re proficient in Excel, show how you used it in the context of your work.

Proofread. Then proofread again

I still can't believe how many resumes I see with typos. Even one small mistake can cost you the job because it makes people question your attention to detail. Once you’ve written your resume, walk away from it for a bit. Come back later with fresh eyes. Better yet, ask someone you trust to give it a once-over. A second pair of eyes can catch things you missed.

Keep it updated

This one’s a bit of a bonus. Even if you’re not actively job hunting, you should be updating your resume regularly. Every time you hit a milestone at work or take on a new project, add it to your resume while it’s fresh. That way, when you’re ready to apply for something, you’re not scrambling to remember everything you’ve done in the past few years.

So, are you ready to check your own resume against this list? Anything missing? Or maybe something that needs to go? The good news is, once you’ve nailed the basics, it’s easy to tweak for specific roles. And that’s where the magic happens, when your resume doesn’t just look good, but actually gets you interviews.