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Your resume needs substantial work. Start with the basics: format, contact info, and strong action verbs.
Resume is 1 page (for new grads with <5 years experience)High Priority
Uses a clean, professional font (Arial, Calibri, Garamond, or similar)
Has consistent formatting throughout (margins, spacing, alignment)
Uses bullet points instead of paragraphs for experience
Has clear section headings (Education, Experience, Skills, etc.)
Saved as PDF format (unless specifically asked for Word)
Has adequate white space (not too cramped or too sparse)
Includes full name prominently at the topHigh Priority
Has professional email address ([email protected])High Priority
Includes phone number with professional voicemail
Has LinkedIn profile URL (customized, not default)
Includes city/state (full address not necessary)
Has portfolio/GitHub link (if relevant to your field)
Each bullet point starts with a strong action verbHigh Priority
Includes quantifiable achievements with numbers/percentagesHigh Priority
Focuses on accomplishments, not just job dutiesHigh Priority
Uses specific, concrete language (not vague or generic)
Avoids personal pronouns (I, me, my)
Has no spelling or grammatical errorsHigh Priority
Uses consistent verb tense (past for previous roles, present for current)
Includes relevant coursework, projects, or certifications
Contains keywords from the job descriptionHigh Priority
Uses standard section headings (not creative alternatives)High Priority
Avoids tables, text boxes, headers/footers, and columns
Doesn't use images, graphics, or icons
Spells out acronyms at least once
Lists skills in a dedicated Skills section
Uses standard date formats (Month Year or MM/YYYY)
Resume is tailored to the specific job/industryHigh Priority
Most relevant experience is listed first within each section
Demonstrates skills mentioned in the job requirementsHigh Priority
Shows progression or growth (if applicable)
Excludes irrelevant information (old jobs, unrelated hobbies)
Has a strong opening (summary or top experience)