• Is the overall appearance neat?
• Is your resume on white or a neutral shade of paper? Do you use a 10 or 12-point font?
• Is your resume clearly written? Is it grammatically correct? Has it been proofread?
• Is it well organized and uncluttered? Is your format style consistent - dates in same format; states in same format?
• Is your resume current?
• Do you have the required experience to do this job?
• If you list an objective, is it in line with the job opportunity available.
• Do you describe your job in a few succinct sentences, listed in order of importance, for each position?
• Do your descriptions of past jobs include the experience needed?
• Does your resume contain signs of achievement?
• How long have you worked in each position? Are dates for jobs listed by month and year?
• If times were short, can I determine the reason by reading the resume?
• Are gaps in your work history explained in your cover letter?
• Do you have the required education to do this job?
• Have you taken classes or seminars to keep your skills current?
• Do you have certifications relevant to your profession?
• Did you list interests? Are your interests unusual or meaningful? Do they have the ability to generate business?
• Do you have a cover letter? Have you addressed your cover letter to a specific person rather than Dear Sir/Madam?

1. Does the cover letter identify what you do?
2. Does the cover letter convey the reason for your interest?

If requirements for the current search are met, a recruiter will call you for an interview.

The evaluation continues.

• Do you have good communication skills?
• Is the conversation comfortable?
• If you have an answering machine, is the message professional?
• Do you return the recruiter's phone call?

Keep your resume up-to-date. It may be time consuming to write, but it is certainly worth the effort in the end. You never know when and where the perfect opportunity will present itself.