Purpose:
This checklist helps you manually review and score resumes for structure, clarity, content, and presentation.
Each section has a maximum score. Add up the total at the end to see how strong the resume is.
| Check | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Grammar & Spellcheck | No grammar/spelling mistakes | 5 |
| Punctuation Consistency | Periods used consistently (either all or none) | 2 |
| Verb Tense | Consistent (preferably past tense) | 3 |
| Repetition of Action Verbs | Avoid repeating the same starting verbs | 2 |
| Personal Pronouns | Avoid “I”, “me”, “we”, “my” | 2 |
| ✅ Extra Check: Sentence Flow | Read out loud – does it sound natural and confident? | 3 |
| ✅ Extra Check: Passive vs Active Voice | Prefer “Managed a team of 4” over “Was responsible for managing” | 3 |
| Check | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 15–30 words per bullet | 4 |
| Action Verbs | Each bullet starts with a strong verb | 4 |
| Quantifiable Results | Includes %s, numbers, or outcomes | 5 |
| Purpose & Clarity | Each bullet answers: What, How, Why, Result | 4 |
| ✅ Extra Check: Impact Focus | Does each bullet show value or change achieved? | 3 |
| Check | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Order of Sections | Education first (unless senior-level professional) | 2 |
| Reverse Chronological Order | Most recent first in every section | 4 |
| Number of Pages | 1 page = ideal (2 only if 10+ years exp) | 2 |
| Margins & Formatting | Clean layout, consistent spacing, no weird indents | 2 |
| No Graphics or Photos | Text-only (except LinkedIn or QR code) | 2 |
| ✅ Extra Check: White Space Balance | Page feels filled but not crowded | 3 |
| Check | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Proper Format | Degree italicized, university bolded | 2 |
| Only Degree-Level Info | No school/transfer unless degree-awarding | 2 |
| Date Format | MMM-YY or Month YYYY consistent | 2 |
| GPA Listed (if >3.0) | Optional but should be accurate | 2 |
| ✅ Extra Check: Coursework/Projects | Only if directly relevant to target role | 2 |
| Check | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Company & Title Formatting | Company bold, title italic | 2 |
| Location & Dates | Clear and consistent | 2 |
| No Sub-Bullets | Simple structure only | 1 |
| Achievements Over Tasks | Focus on outcomes | 4 |
| Skill Usage | Mix of technical + process skills | 2 |
| ✅ Extra Check: Progression | Shows growth or increasing responsibility | 2 |
| ✅ Extra Check: Industry Relevance | Experience aligns with target domain | 2 |