Student reviewing a paper

Resume and Cover Letter Checklist

Resume Checklist

Making mistakes or forgetting to include key elements in your resume can cause you to make an unprofessional first impression or may cause your application to go unnoticed altogether. Before submitting your resume with your application, ensure that you’ve thoroughly reviewed it according to the following principles.

Scan for Common Pitfalls

  • Avoid spelling errors anywhere on the resume
  • Avoid using templates with graphics, colors, or columns. These templates are hard for employers and computer programs to scan.
  • Avoid using long paragraphs instead of bullet points (hard to read and find necessary info)
  • Avoid including personal details that are not relevant or necessary (your photo, age, marital status, etc.)

Enhance the Readability and Professionalism of the Resume

  • Select a polished layout with a clean design and balanced white space
  • Use consistent formatting (font, size, spacing, bullets)
  • Use a professional, easy-to-read font (no tables, no colors, no graphics)
  • Use clear section headings (Education, Experience, Skills, etc.)
  • Make sure that dates and locations are clear and consistent
  • Verify that your contact info (email, phone, LinkedIn) is correct and professional

Use Clear, Action-Driven Information

  • Use action-focused bullets leading to results and tasks
  • Ensure your selected sections are recent, impactful, and show a broad range of experiences
  • List your experiences in reverse chronological order
  • Note: Some resume formats use a chronological or combined format. Use the format that is best tailored for the role/industry you’re applying for.
  • Tailor your content to your target field/industry (include keywords)
  • Limit your resume to an appropriate length (one page for an undergraduate student, up to 2 pages for experienced professionals)

Demonstrate Leadership, Impact, and a Good Fit for the Role

  • Use numbers, percentages, and scope of work to measure your impact
  • Highlight your leadership, teamwork, and transferable skills highlighted
  • Include projects, research, or community involvement
  • List professional development such as certifications, trainings, and conferences

Cover Letter Checklist

A cover letter is not just a retelling of your resume, but goes beyond what you’ve already shared and into why you’re the best candidate for the role. Keep the following in mind as your draft your cover letter.

Scan for Common Pitfalls

  • Don’t copy and paste the same letter for every job. Each cover letter should be tailored to the job you’re applying for.
  • Don’t start with “To Whom It May Concern.” Instead, address a person or team
  • Don’t restate the resume in paragraph format, as this adds no value and anything new to your application package.
  • Don’t use templates with graphics, unusual fonts, or colors (looks unprofessional)
  • Like resumes, avoid including personal details that are not relevant or necessary (your photo, age, marital status, etc.)

Enhance the Readability and Professionalism of the Letter

  • Use consistent, simple formatting (for consistency, use the same font as resume and make sure you have clean margins)
  • Use a professional greeting (e.g., “Dear Hiring Manager” if no name available)
  • Limit the letter to one page maximum
  • Ensure you use correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation
  • Double check that your contact info matches resume (email, phone, LinkedIn if used)

Expand on Your Experiences and Skills

  • Ensure that your opening paragraph explains why they’re interested in the role/company
  • Ensure that the middle paragraph(s) link 1–2 key experiences to the job description.
  • Use specific examples rather than vague claims (“I am a hard worker”)
  • Use language is professional but approachable (no slang or clichés)
  • Tailor the cover letter to the employer/industry (and make sure that keywords are included)

Strengthen Your Points and Examples

  • Highlight measurable results or unique contributions in past roles
  • Connect your experiences to the employer’s mission, values, or recent work
  • Clearly state how you can contribute to the organization’s success
  • Show genuine enthusiasm for the role and industry
  • Finish with a confident, professional closing (thanks + call to action)