TEST YOUR RESUME IQ

Is your résumé ready for the job search? Will it help or hinder your interview chances? Print this page and take this self-quiz to evaluate your résumé’s effectiveness.  

[  ]   My résumé is packed with industry-specific language and crucial keywords. 

[  ]   My résumé emphasizes and quantifies my achievements to show not only what I have done, but also how well I have done it.

[  ]   My résumé contains superior grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and punctuation.

[  ]   My résumé uses varied action verbs and powerful marketing phrases. 

[  ]   My résumé emphasizes how I will benefit employers and meet their precise needs.

[  ]   My résumé engages the reader from the outset and maintains interest throughout.

[  ]   My résumé clearly communicates my job target and the key strengths I bring to the table within the first few lines of text.

[  ]   My résumé uses an eye-catching, inviting, and original design (not a template). 

[  ]   My résumé includes ASCII (plain-text)  and scannable versions to enable e-mail, web, and electronic distribution/storage. 

[  ]   My résumé communicates and targets my key transferable skills. 

[  ]   My résumé minimizes my potential weaknesses and turns negative “red flags” into positive assets. 

[  ]   My résumé uses the most effective format, style, and strategy for my particular situation. 

[  ]   My résumé utilizes CAR (Challenge, Action, Result) statements in a compelling way. 

[  ]   My résumé uses the same marketing techniques used by companies to sell my unique “brand” to employers.  

If you checked 13-14 boxes: Congratulations! Your résumé writing abilities appear to be sound. (Have you thought of a career in résumé writing?) You just might want to avail yourself of a critique from a professional résumé writer to be sure you didn’t miss anything important. 

If you checked 10-12 boxes:  

You have some distinct abilities that will help you write a résumé more solidly than most. Leaving out some critical components, however, can cost you interviews. Having your résumé professionally crafted can help ensure you optimize your results. 

If you checked fewer than 10 boxes:   

You will miss many opportunities that may be perfect for you unless you have your résumé professionally prepared.