RESUME DO'S & DON'TS CHECKLIST 

       Home      

    Resume Samples

    Cover Letter Samples

    Resume Services & Rates 

    Resume Critique Report

    LI School District Database

    Resume Help / Resume Clinic 

    Client Testimonials 

    Useful Links & Resources  

    Contact Us - Let's Talk! 

Name and/or address is too small / too big 
(headings and name should be at least font size 14 to 16; address 11 or 12)

Font size for entire resume is too small / too big / all caps 
(not counting the headings, text should be no smaller than 11; no larger than 12)

Needs an Objective or Title Heading
(make it clear to the reader what position you are seeking. If you are not sure,
consider career counseling or purchase/rent a book on career choices)

Could use a Summary or Profile statement (show your career overview)

Objective is weak, cliché, unclear, or vague 
(State what you can do for the employer; not only what you want from them)

Resume does not support Objective (be sure to make a connection)

Lacks accomplishments / career achievements (sell it, don't tell it!)

Lacks industry-specific terminology / Key Words ("speak" the reader's language)

Jobs are not in the proper order--be consistent with a timeline.

Sentences are too choppy--five words per bullet (expand; make it interesting)

Wording is weak; statements are too simple (use action verbs and a thesaurus)

Same information repeated too many times (use a functional/combination format)

Too many typos and grammatical errors (read it backwards; have a friend proof)

Unrelated jobs go back too far in years (keep it to 7-10 years in most cases)

Includes too much unrelated information (stay on track; keep the position in mind)

Does not include enough related information (show how well rounded you are)

Uses pronouns -  "I, He, She, His, Her" (not necessary or is understood)

Style is outdated looking (headings are underlined and followed by colons ":",
the word "duties" is used, and uses "responsibilities:" as subheadings)

Second page is too short - only a third down or less (condense/combine)

Second page does not include your name (what if the second page is misplaced?)

Too much or not enough white space (looks empty, inexperienced)

Uses the full address for employers (list only the town and state)

Uses full employment dates such as 12/11/01 (list only the month and year)

Lists reason for leaving or explains situation (if you must, save it for the letter)

Includes a Professional References Available Upon Request statement at the
bottom of the resume (not wrong, but not necessary.  Remember, this is not an
option. If the employer wants references, they will ask for them) 

Includes a cover letter / salary information on the resume (use separate sheets)

Includes unrelated personal interests and hobbies such as "enjoy reading,
long walks, music, travel, knitting, and crossword puzzles" 
(include interests ONLY if it is related to your career Objective) 

Includes personal information such as married, homeowner, two children 
(Leave off. It is unrelated to the position, and risks possible discrimination)

View our resume samples

Portfolio of 50+ resume samples for all job titles

#1   Sales Management Example Resume - Sales Management resume samples

#2   Business Development Sample Resume - Resume Example for Business Development

#3   Business Operations Resume Example - Business Operations Sample Resumes

#4   Director of Procurement Example Resume - Purchasing Director Resume Example

#5   Advertising Director Example Resume -  Resume Example for Advertising Director

#6   Athletics Director Resume Sample - Resume Samples for Athletics Director

#7   Facilities Manager Resume Sample - Facilities Manager Sample Resume

#8   Production Operations - Lamps Manufacturing Resume Example - Resume Samples for Production

#9   Production Operations - Apparel Manufacturing Resume Sample - Resume for Manufacturing

#10 VP Management Information Systems - Information Technology IT Sample Resume

#11 Information Technology / Project Manager Example Resume - Resume Example for Project Manager

#12 Transition from Electrical Engineer to InfoTech - Resume Samples for Engineer to Technology

#13 Project Engineer Sample Resume - Project Engineer Example Resume

#14 IT / Library Science - Career Change Resume - Sample Resume for IT - Career Change Resume

#15 Electronics Design - Test Engineer Resume Example - Sample Electronics Design Resume

#16 Graphic Designer / Web Designer Career Change Resume - Resume Example for Web Designer

#17 CAD Operator Resume Example - Sample Resume for CAD Operator

#18 Software Programmer - New Graduate Resume Sample - Resume Samples for Software Programmer

#19 Medical Practice Administrator Example Resume - Resume Samples for Medical Office Manager

#20 Health Care Management Trainee Sample Resume - Resume Example for Health Care Management

#21 Health Care Coordinator Resume Samples - Sample Resume for Health Care Coordinator

#22 Graduate Nurse Example Resume - Resume Samples for Nurse

#23 Licensed Practical Nurse LPN Resume Example - Resume Example for LPN

#24 Operating Room Nurse - OR Nurse - Entry-level Sample Resume - Rsume Samples for OR Nurse

#25 Early Childhood Education Specialist Resume Sample - Resume for Early Childhood Education

#26 Physical Education Teacher Sample Resume - Example Physical Education Teacher Resume

#27 Elementary Education Teacher Resume - Sample Resume for Elementary Education Teacher

#28 Corporate Security - Career Change Resume - Resume Example for Corporate Security

#29 Private Investigator - Career Change Resume - Sample Resume for Private Investigator

#30 Law Enforcement Graduate resume samples - Criminal Justice Graduate Resume Samples

#31 Assistant Buyer Resume Sample - Assistant Buyer Sample Resume

#32 Administrative Assistant Example Resume - Sample Resume for Administrative Assistant

#33 Administrative Support Example Resume - Administrative Support Sample Resume

#34 Office Assistant Sample Resume - Resume Example for Office Assistant

#35 Paralegal Assistant Resume Example - Sample Resume for Paralegal Assistant

#36 Account Services / Customer Care Sample Resume - Resume Example for Customer Service

#37 Customer Service Representative CSR Example Resume - Customer Service resume samples

#38 Corporate Reservationist - Travel Agent Sample Resume - Resume samples for Reservationist

#39 Junior Accountant Resume Sample - Sample Resume for Junior Accountant

#40 Full -charge Bookkeeper / Office Manager Sample Resume - Bookkeeper Sample Resume

#41 Collections Agent Resume Sample - Resume Example for Collections Agent

#42 Associate Producer resume samples - resume samples for Associate Producer

#43 Communications / Broadcasting / Media Intern Sample Resume - Broadcasting resume samples

#44 Meeting Planner Sample Resume - Meeting Planner Sample Resume

#45 Events Coordinator / Teacher resume samples - Resume Example for Events Coordinator

#46 Marketing Associate New Graduate resume samples - Sample Resume for Marketing Associate

#47 Makeup Artist Resume Sample - Example Resume for Makeup Artist

#48 Hairstylist Resume Sample - Hairstylist Sample Resume

#49 Independent Route Sales Driver - Career Change Resume - Resume for Route Sales Driver

#50 Retail Store Manager Combination Resume - Resume Example for Retail Store Manager

#51 Retail Store Manager Resume Sample - Retail Store Manager Sample Resume

Back   Next