Checklist for Career Resumes

"Use this checklist to avoid common mistakes on your resume:

• Do make sure your contact information is current and that it includes an e-mail address and a phone number where a message can be left.

• Don't include personal info (like your health or date of birth), hobbies, or photos.

• Don't include names or contact information for supervisors or references on your resume. Your references should be on a separate sheet of paper. Putting "References available upon request" is optional. Most potential employers assume you will provide references if asked.

• Don't include salary information on your resume. If a salary history or requirements are requested as part of your application, put the information in your cover letter or on a separate sheet of paper.

• Do consider including a summary/profile instead of a career objective.

• If you don't have significant work experience, keep your resume to one page. If you do have significant experience, keep your resume to two pages.

• It is not necessary to explain every job/experience or to explain every responsibility you had/have. In some cases, a title is sufficient. If an explanation isn't additive, leave it off.

• Include dates, as well as location (city and state) for your experience.

• Don't include anything that could be perceived as controversial: including religion, political affiliations, or church affiliations (unless they are a critical part of your work experience or you are applying to a related organization).

• If you are out of school more than five years, take out school experience unless it is particularly relevant."