Resume and Cover Letter Checklist

Sending a resume that is easy to read and gives a good overview of your skills will make a great impression on any potential employer. The same is true of a well-written and interesting cover letter.

Resume Checklist

• Start with a Summary or Objective:

1. 1. • Begin your resume with a concise summary or objective statement.
      • Clearly state who you are as a professional or outline your current career goals.

• Use Bullet Points and Bold Fonts:

1. 1. • Highlight the most important information using bullet points and bold fonts.
      • Ensure the key details are easily scannable by recruiters.

• Provide Multiple Contact Methods:

1. 1. • Include several ways for potential employers to contact you.
      • Use a professional email address and ensure your voicemail message is professional.

• Utilize Action Verbs:

1. 1. • Describe your achievements with dynamic action verbs such as “managed,” “oversaw,” “executed,” etc.
      • Show your strengths through the description of your accomplishments.

• Highlight Accomplishments:

1. 1. • Use concise bulleted points to emphasize the challenges you overcame and your achievements.
      • Focus on outcomes and results rather than just listing duties.

• Professional Appearance:

1. 1. • Choose a professional font like Times New Roman, Calibri, Helvetica, Georgia, Garamond, or Arial.
      • Print your resume on high-quality, cream-colored, or off-white paper to make it stand out.

• Relevance is Key:

1. • Include only relevant information.
   • Remove any non-relevant accomplishments, positions, hobbies, student jobs, or volunteering.

Cover Letter Checklist

• Follow Standard Formatting:

1. 1. • Include your contact information at the top left corner.
      • Place the employer’s information aligned right underneath it.
      • Include the date, a formal greeting, and a formal salutation and signature at the bottom.

• Bring New Information:

1. 1. • Don’t just repeat information from your resume.
      • Explain how you heard about the position, why you want the job, and why you’re the best fit.
      • Focus on what you can bring to the company.

• Engage with the Company:

1. • Research the company and tailor your cover letter to show how you can meet their specific needs.
   • Mention specific projects or initiatives of the company that excite you and how you can contribute.

Final Tips

• Proofread:

• • • Ensure there are no typos or grammatical errors.
    • Ask a friend or family member to review your documents for any mistakes you might have missed.

• Consistency:

• • • Use the same font and formatting style for both your resume and cover letter to create a cohesive and professional look.

• Be Concise:

• • • Both documents should be clear and to the point. Avoid unnecessary information.

• Show Enthusiasm:

• • Convey your enthusiasm for the role and the company in both your resume and cover letter.

Your resume and cover letter are often your very first contact with a potential employer. Use them to your advantage to help make a great first impression.