12 points to critique your resume
Instructions on how to critique your resume.

If for any reason you were not able to speak with your sales counselor about your resume we have included this document to assist you in finding the problem points in your resume. Once you know what is wrong with your resume you can do something about it. If at any point you have a question or want to talk to your counselor about our resume writing services, call: 010-648-7858

First grab your resume. Next, hold it up against this checklist and compare your resume to the items on this checklist. Compare each statement item by item.

Grade your resume by comparing each item for correctness. If your resume compares perfectly then give yourself an “A”. If you missed 1-2 then grade it a “B”, if you missed 3 grade it “C”, if you missed 4-5 grade it “D”, 6 or more an “F”.

If your resume and cover letter are not an “A” perhaps that is the reason why you are not getting enough phone calls for interviews.

A well designed and well written resume and cover letter will attract and interest the reader – the hiring manager! It will inspire the reader to respond. It will generate response just like an effective advertisement would.

If your resume and cover letter are not presenting you well, not making you stand out from the crowd of other resumes then your odds of getting calls for interviews are very poor indeed.

1. Headers should be no larger than 16 to 18 point. Your name should be centered; it makes it easier to see when putting your resume in a file. An email address must be included with your address and phone information.

2. Use bold and italics for emphasis only. The body of the text should be 10 or 12 point.

3. Only use a maximum of two fonts - no more.

4. Don't list your education first unless you are still in school or just graduated.

5. Use an objective or summary of qualifications instead – pick one or the other and use them to sell yourself but don't use cliché's. It must grab the reader's attention.

6. If using a chronological resume list jobs from most recent to as far back as you need. All that is really necessary is the last three relevant positions for the position being applied for. Bullet each accomplishment (about 3-4) after each job.

7. Talk about what you accomplished not what you were responsible for. Achievements stand out when formatted with bullets instead of in paragraph form.

8. If you have a college or master's degree then you don't have to list your high school. If you made the deans list, or have honors, then list those. If your GPA isn't excellent and doesn't sell you then don't list it.

9. Keep references on a separate list, don't include them with your resume.

10. Don't list salary, references, health, age, marital status, reasons for leaving, ethnicity, and photographs on your resume.

11. Don't use the same resume for every type of job. You should tailor your
Experience to meet your needs and above all ALWAYS INCLUDE A COVER LETTER. Without it your resume may get tossed into the trash.

12. Send your information to a real person. Don't repeat anything you said on your resume on the cover letter except for the main point. The opening line is most important