*Test Your Résumé IQ

Is your résumé ready for the job search? Will it help or hinder your interview chances? 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.

Check your score.

*Information Provided by the NRWA (National Resume Writers Association.