Checklist for a Good Resume

When you apply for jobs and hear nothing but silence, it can be frustrating. You might start wondering: "Is my resume even good enough?" As an experienced hiring manager, I can tell you that the difference between a great resume and one that gets overlooked often comes down to a few key details.

In this guide, we’ll explore what makes a resume truly stand out, and I’ll give you a practical checklist to ensure yours is hitting all the right marks. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what hiring managers look for and examples to help you craft a resume that gets results.

Why Your Resume Matters

Your resume is often the first impression you make on a potential employer. It’s not just a summary of your skills and experience—it’s your chance to convince the recruiter to move you to the next stage of the hiring process.

A well-crafted resume can:

• Help you pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

• Highlight your qualifications in a way that’s clear and compelling.

• Show that you’re a great fit for the role.

But how do you ensure your resume does all of this? Let’s dive into the essential components of a good resume with examples and actionable tips.

Checklist for a Good Resume

1. Start with a Strong Professional Summary

Your professional summary is like your elevator pitch—it should grab attention in just a few sentences. Avoid generic statements like “I am a motivated professional” and instead focus on what makes you unique.

Example of a Good Summary:

Results-driven marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in digital strategy, SEO, and social media management. Increased organic traffic by 35% year-over-year at XYZ Corp, driving $200K in additional revenue. Passionate about building data-driven campaigns that deliver measurable results.

Checklist:

• Includes your most relevant skills and achievements.

• Tailored to the specific role.

• Uses strong, action-oriented language.

2. Optimize Your Resume for ATS

Many companies use ATS to screen resumes before they even reach a recruiter. To pass this hurdle, your resume must include the right keywords and be formatted correctly.

Tips for ATS Optimization:

• Use keywords from the job description (e.g., "project management," "sales growth").

• Stick to clean, simple formats without tables or graphics.

• Avoid using unusual fonts; stick with Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.

Checklist:

• Keywords match the job description.

• Proper formatting (no images, fancy layouts, or excessive colors).

• File saved as a PDF or Word document (based on the job posting's preference).

3. Highlight Measurable Achievements

Hiring managers want to see the impact you’ve made in your past roles. Instead of just listing responsibilities, focus on results.

Example of Measurable Achievements:

• Bad: Managed social media accounts.

• Good: Increased social media engagement by 45% through strategic content planning and execution.

Checklist:

• Quantifies achievements with metrics (e.g., “Improved efficiency by 30%”).

• Focuses on outcomes rather than tasks.

• Demonstrates how your work benefitted the company.

4. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job

A one-size-fits-all resume rarely works. Hiring managers can tell when a resume isn’t customized for their role, and it often leads to rejection.

Tips for Customization:

• Adjust your professional summary and skills section to match the job description.

• Highlight the experiences most relevant to the role.

• Include keywords specific to the industry.

Checklist:

• Includes job-specific keywords.

• Highlights relevant experiences for the role.

• Shows how you align with the company’s mission or values.

5. Keep It Concise and Skimmable

Hiring managers spend an average of 6–7 seconds reviewing a resume before deciding whether to continue. This means clarity and brevity are crucial.

Tips for Skimmability:

• Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs.

• Limit your resume to 1–2 pages, depending on your experience.

• Organize content with clear headings (e.g., "Work Experience," "Education," "Skills").

Checklist:

• No fluff or unnecessary details.

• Clear, concise bullet points.

• 1–2 pages max.

6. Include a Skills Section

Your skills section is a quick way for hiring managers to see if you meet the job requirements. Include both hard and soft skills relevant to the role.

Example of a Skills Section:

• Hard Skills: SEO, Google Analytics, Adobe Photoshop, Data Analysis

• Soft Skills: Communication, Leadership, Problem-Solving

Checklist:

• Lists both hard and soft skills.

• Matches the skills mentioned in the job posting.

• Avoids generic terms like "Microsoft Word" unless relevant.

7. Check for Grammar, Spelling, and Formatting Errors

A resume with typos or inconsistencies can ruin your chances. Hiring managers expect attention to detail, so your resume must be polished and professional.

Tips for Error-Free Resumes:

• Use tools like Grammarly to catch grammar mistakes.

• Have a trusted friend or mentor review your resume.

• Check formatting on both desktop and mobile devices.

Checklist:

• No spelling or grammar errors.

• Consistent font sizes and styles.

• Proper alignment and spacing.

Final Example of a Good Resume

Here’s what a polished resume looks like:

[Your Name]

Contact Information: [Phone Number] | [Email Address] | [LinkedIn Profile]

Professional Summary
Dynamic project manager with 6+ years of experience leading cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact results. Skilled in agile methodologies, stakeholder communication, and budget management. Spearheaded a $1.2M product launch, delivering on time and under budget.

Skills

• Agile Project Management, Risk Analysis, Budget Forecasting, Microsoft Project

• Leadership, Communication, Problem-Solving

Work Experience
Senior Project Manager | XYZ Corp | Jan 2018 – Present

• Led a cross-functional team of 15 to deliver projects with a combined value of $3M.

• Reduced project delays by 20% by implementing agile workflows.

Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration | ABC University | 2014

Conclusion: Ready to Revamp Your Resume?

A good resume doesn’t just list your qualifications—it tells your story in a way that gets recruiters excited to meet you. Use this checklist to ensure your resume meets the standards hiring managers are looking for.

If you’re still struggling to get noticed, consider expert help. At CVFormula.com, we specialize in creating ATS-friendly, impactful resumes tailored to your dream job. Let us help you land interviews and take the next step in your career.

Good luck, and happy job hunting!