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The Ultimate Resume & Cover Letter Checklist
Create application materials that get past ATS systems and capture the attention of hiring managers. Your comprehensive guide to standing out in the stack.
Your Resume Is Your Marketing Document
In today's competitive job market, your resume has mere seconds to make an impression. Studies show that recruiters spend an average of 6-10 seconds initially scanning a resume. In that brief window, they're looking for specific keywords, relevant experience, and clear achievements that match their needs.
This checklist will help you create application materials that not only pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) but also compel human reviewers to invite you for an interview.
Resume Section-by-Section Checklist
Header & Contact Information
Include These
- Full name in a clear, professional font
- Professional email address (avoid nicknames or outdated providers)
- Phone number with professional voicemail
- LinkedIn profile URL (customized, not default)
- City and state (full address not necessary)
Avoid These
- Personal photos (unless required in your industry)
- Outdated email addresses (AOL, Hotmail, etc.)
- Unprofessional email handles
Professional Summary
Include These
- 2-3 compelling sentences that capture your value proposition
- Industry-specific keywords that ATS systems will recognize
- Quantified achievements when possible
- Tailored to the specific role you're applying for
Avoid These
- Generic statements like 'hardworking team player'
- Objective statements (outdated approach)
- First-person pronouns (I, me, my)
Work Experience
Include These
- Listed in reverse chronological order
- Company name, job title, and dates (month/year format)
- 3-5 bullet points per role highlighting achievements
- Action verbs to start each bullet point
- Quantified results wherever possible (numbers, percentages, dollar amounts)
Avoid These
- Job descriptions instead of achievements
- Gaps in employment without explanation
- Too many jobs listed (10-15 years max for most industries)
Skills Section
Include These
- Mix of hard and soft skills relevant to your target role
- Industry-specific technical skills and certifications
- Software proficiencies and programming languages
- Language skills with proficiency levels
Avoid These
- Outdated skills or software versions
- Basic skills everyone should have (Microsoft Word)
- Skills you can't demonstrate or discuss confidently
Education
Include These
- Degree type, major, school name, and graduation year
- GPA if 3.5 or higher and you're a recent graduate
- Relevant coursework, honors, or academic achievements
- Professional certifications and continuing education
Avoid These
- High school education if you have a college degree
- Graduation dates if you're concerned about age discrimination
- Irrelevant coursework or low GPAs
Cover Letter Essentials
Opening Paragraph
Hook the reader immediately
- Mention the specific role and how you learned about it
- Include a compelling reason why you're interested in this company
- Lead with your strongest qualification or achievement
Body Paragraphs
Demonstrate your value and fit
- Provide specific examples that aren't just restating your resume
- Show knowledge of the company and role requirements
- Quantify your achievements with concrete metrics
- Address any potential concerns (career changes, gaps, etc.)
Closing Paragraph
End with confidence and next steps
- Reiterate your interest and enthusiasm for the role
- Mention that you've attached your resume
- Indicate your availability for an interview
- Use a professional closing (Sincerely, Best regards)
Formatting & Presentation
Use a clean, professional font (Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman)
Keep font size between 10-12 points for body text
Maintain consistent formatting throughout
Use bullet points for easy scanning
Keep resume to 1-2 pages maximum
Save and send as PDF to preserve formatting
Use plenty of white space for readability
Ensure high contrast between text and background