Resume Screener and Score Checklist

Basic Information

Verify candidate’s name is clearly stated.

Look for the name in the header or top section.
Ensure it stands out and is easy to read.
Check for the presence of both first and last names.

Check contact information for completeness (phone, email, LinkedIn).

Verify that a phone number is listed.
Ensure an email address is provided and formatted correctly.
Look for a LinkedIn profile link or other relevant social media.

Review the date of application submission.

Locate the submission date on the resume.
Confirm it is clearly visible and correctly formatted.
Check that it falls within an acceptable timeframe.

Here are some additional steps you could include in the Basic Information section of the New Resume Screener and Score Checklist

Confirm that the candidate's name is spelled correctly throughout the document

Scan the entire document for the candidate's name.
Check for variations in spelling or format.
Make sure it matches the name on the header.

Ensure that the email address is professional and appropriate

Look for a standard email format (name@domain.com).
Avoid any informal or unprofessional addresses.
Confirm it aligns with the candidate's professional image.

Validate that the phone number format is correct and includes the area code

Check for a standard format (e.g., (123) 456-7890).
Ensure the area code is included.
Confirm the number is reachable and active.

Check for consistency in the candidate's name (e.g., full name vs. initials)

Review sections for name usage consistency.
Ensure full names are used instead of initials, if applicable.
Note any discrepancies for follow-up.

Verify the presence of a location (city and state) if applicable

Look for a location listed in the contact information.
Confirm it includes both city and state.
Ensure it's relevant to the job application.

Review for any links included (e.g., personal website, portfolio) to ensure they are functioning and relevant

Click on the links to verify they are active.
Check that the content is relevant to the application.
Assess the professionalism of the linked sites.

Assess whether the candidate has included a brief summary or objective statement, if applicable

Look for a summary or objective section.
Ensure it aligns with the job applied for.
Evaluate clarity and conciseness of the statement.

Check for any additional relevant information, such as professional designations or certifications

Look for certifications listed in the document.
Verify their relevance to the position applied for.
Assess how they enhance the candidate's profile.

Education

Confirm highest degree attained and field of study.

Identify the highest degree listed.
Note the major or field of study.
Ensure it aligns with industry standards.
Check for completion status (e.g., completed, in progress).

Check the institution's name and accreditation.

Verify the full name of the institution.
Research the institution's accreditation status.
Ensure the institution is recognized in the field.
Look for any notable rankings or reputation.

Verify graduation date or expected graduation date.

Check for a clear graduation date.
Note if the date is past or upcoming.
Ensure format consistency (e.g., month/year).
Look for any discrepancies in dates.

Here are some additional steps that could be included in the Education section of your New Resume Screener and Score Checklist

Ensure the degree is relevant to the position applied for

Match the degree with job requirements.
Assess relevance based on job description.
Consider industry standards for qualifications.
Evaluate if the degree supports skillset.

Look for any honors or distinctions (e.g., cum laude, dean's list) mentioned

Identify any honors listed.
Note the significance of the distinctions.
Assess how they enhance the candidate's profile.
Consider the competitiveness of the honors.

Check for relevant coursework or projects related to the job

Review coursework for relevance to job skills.
Identify any notable projects or theses.
Evaluate the applicability of coursework.
Consider industry-related projects.

Verify any certifications or additional training listed under education

Check for additional certifications mentioned.
Confirm the legitimacy of the certifications.
Ensure relevance to the job applied for.
Look for expiration dates or renewals.

Assess the inclusion of continuing education or professional development courses

Identify any ongoing education efforts.
Evaluate the relevance to the job role.
Consider the impact of professional development.
Check for completion status of courses.

Confirm that the formatting of the education section is consistent with other sections of the resume

Compare formatting with other resume sections.
Ensure font and style consistency.
Check alignment and spacing.
Look for uniform bullet points or numbering.

Check for clarity in the presentation of dates and institutions (e.g., no ambiguous abbreviations)

Ensure all dates are clearly presented.
Avoid ambiguous abbreviations for institutions.
Use standard date formats.
Check for consistency in presentation.

Ensure there are no gaps in education history that are not explained

Identify any unexplained gaps.
Request clarification on any missing periods.
Consider context of gaps (e.g., work experience).
Assess overall educational timeline.

Review for any relevant extracurricular activities or leadership roles associated with the educational experience

Identify extracurricular activities listed.
Assess the relevance of these activities.
Note any leadership roles held.
Evaluate impact on teamwork and skills.

Work Experience

Evaluate relevance of previous job titles to the position.

Compare job titles with the desired position.
Identify similarities and differences in responsibilities.
Assess if titles reflect relevant industry experience.

Check for consistency in employment dates.

Cross-reference job dates with current timeline.
Look for overlaps or discrepancies in employment.
Ensure clarity in full-time vs. part-time roles.

Assess the duration of each job held.

Calculate total time spent in each role.
Consider relevance of duration to position applied for.
Identify short tenures that may raise flags.

Review job descriptions for key responsibilities and achievements.

Highlight main responsibilities listed.
Identify key achievements that demonstrate impact.
Look for alignment with job requirements.

Here are some additional steps that could be included within the Work Experience section of the New Resume Screener and Score Checklist

Verify that the job titles accurately reflect the roles and responsibilities undertaken

Ensure job titles match the duties performed.
Look for consistency between title and description.
Assess if titles are industry-standard.

Look for quantifiable metrics or outcomes in job descriptions (e.g., sales figures, percentage increases)

Assess the progression of responsibilities or promotions over time

Identify any upward movement in roles.
Look for increased responsibilities in job history.
Assess how experience aligns with career growth.

Identify any gaps in employment and evaluate explanations provided, if any

List any unexplained employment gaps.
Review explanations for clarity and reasonableness.
Assess how gaps may impact candidacy.

Check for industry-relevant experience in previous positions

Identify experience within the same industry.
Assess relevance to the current job opening.
Look for transferable skills from different industries.

Review the format and clarity of job descriptions for ease of understanding

Evaluate overall presentation and layout.
Check for clear and concise language.
Look for consistent formatting throughout.

Ensure that the experience listed aligns with the required qualifications for the position

Cross-reference job requirements with listed experience.
Identify any missing qualifications.
Assess relevance of all listed positions.

Evaluate any transferable skills demonstrated through previous job experience

Identify skills applicable to the new role.
Assess relevance of skills to job description.
Highlight soft and hard skills equally.

Look for evidence of professional development or continued education related to past roles

Identify courses, certifications, or workshops attended.
Assess relevance to current job application.
Look for ongoing learning initiatives.

Assess the use of action verbs and impactful language in describing past job responsibilities

Identify strong action verbs used.
Evaluate effectiveness of language in descriptions.
Look for engagement and impact in wording.

Skills and Qualifications

Identify technical skills relevant to the position.

Scan the resume for keywords related to technical skills.
Match these skills with the job description requirements.
Highlight skills that are directly applicable to the role.

Check for soft skills mentioned in the resume.

Look for adjectives or phrases indicating interpersonal abilities.
Identify examples of teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
Evaluate the context in which these skills are presented.

Verify any certifications or licenses listed.

Cross-check listed certifications with recognized standards.
Confirm the validity of licenses through official sources.
Note expiration dates or renewal requirements if applicable.

Here are some additional steps that can be included in the Skills and Qualifications section of the New Resume Screener and Score Checklist

Assess the relevance of skills to the job description

Compare listed skills against the key responsibilities of the role.
Prioritize skills that match the most critical job functions.
Score the relevance based on a scale or rubric.

Look for evidence of continuous learning or professional development

Identify any courses, workshops, or training mentioned.
Check for updates to skills or qualifications over time.
Assess the commitment to staying current in the field.

Evaluate the depth of experience in listed skills (beginner, intermediate, advanced)

Look for quantifiable achievements or years of experience.
Assess the complexity of projects or tasks undertaken.
Categorize skills based on described proficiency levels.

Check for transferable skills from previous roles or experiences

Identify skills that can be applied in different contexts.
Look for examples from past roles that demonstrate versatility.
Evaluate how these skills can benefit the new position.

Identify any language proficiencies and their relevance to the position

Check for languages spoken or written on the resume.
Assess the level of proficiency indicated (basic, fluent, etc.).
Consider the relevance of language skills to the job.

Review the inclusion of industry-specific tools or software skills

Identify software or tools mentioned that are industry-standard.
Check for familiarity with relevant technologies or platforms.
Evaluate the importance of these tools for the role.

Confirm the presence of leadership or management-related skills, if applicable

Look for roles or experiences indicating leadership responsibilities.
Identify skills related to team management or project oversight.
Assess the impact of these skills on previous teams.

Analyze the balance between hard and soft skills presented

Categorize skills into hard and soft skill groups.
Evaluate the proportion of each type of skill listed.
Consider the importance of this balance for the job.

Note any skills that align with the company’s values or culture

Research the company's values and culture beforehand.
Highlight skills that resonate with these principles.
Consider how these skills enhance team dynamics.

Consider the applicant's ability to adapt to new technologies or processes

Look for mentions of adaptability in past roles.
Assess any examples of learning new technologies quickly.
Evaluate openness to change and innovation.

Accomplishments and Contributions

Look for quantifiable achievements (e.g., increased sales by X%).

Identify numerical data supporting claims.
Check for percentage increases or decreases.
Look for revenue figures or cost savings.
Assess clarity and relevance of metrics.

Assess involvement in significant projects or initiatives.

Determine the candidate's role and contributions.
Evaluate the project's scope and impact.
Check for collaboration with teams or departments.
Look for descriptions of challenges faced.

Review any awards or recognitions received.

Identify types of awards or honors.
Assess the credibility of awarding bodies.
Look for frequency and significance of awards.
Evaluate relevance to the position applied for.

Here are some additional steps you could include in the Accomplishments and Contributions section of the resume screener and score checklist

Evaluate leadership roles in team projects or committees

Identify specific leadership positions held.
Assess the size and significance of teams led.
Look for examples of conflict resolution.
Evaluate the outcomes of leadership efforts.

Identify contributions to process improvements or efficiencies

Look for specific examples of improvements.
Assess quantifiable results from changes made.
Evaluate the impact on team or company workflow.
Check for recognition received for improvements.

Check for any published articles, papers, or presentations related to the field

Identify titles and publication venues.
Assess relevance and credibility of publications.
Look for speaking engagements or conferences.
Evaluate the impact of shared knowledge.

Look for evidence of community involvement or volunteer work

Identify organizations or causes supported.
Assess duration and impact of involvement.
Look for leadership roles in volunteer efforts.
Evaluate relevance to professional skills.

Assess participation in professional organizations or industry groups

Identify memberships and positions held.
Evaluate level of active participation.
Look for contributions to the organization.
Assess relevance to the applicant's career field.

Review any certifications or specialized training relevant to accomplishments

Identify specific certifications obtained.
Assess the relevance of training to the field.
Look for completion dates and authorities.
Evaluate the skills gained from training.

Examine the impact of contributions on team or organizational goals

Identify specific goals influenced by contributions.
Assess the measurable outcomes of impacts.
Look for alignment with organizational objectives.
Evaluate feedback from supervisors or peers.

Identify any mentorship roles or guidance provided to peers or juniors

Look for specific mentorship experiences.
Assess the outcomes of mentorship relationships.
Evaluate feedback from mentees or colleagues.
Identify any formal recognition for mentoring.

Assess the diversity and breadth of accomplishments across different roles or experiences

Identify various roles held across industries.
Assess the range of skills demonstrated.
Look for adaptability in different environments.
Evaluate the relevance of diverse experiences.

Look for alignment of accomplishments with the job description or organizational values

Identify key responsibilities in the job description.
Assess how accomplishments relate to these responsibilities.
Look for alignment with company values.
Evaluate the candidate's understanding of the role.

Formatting and Presentation

Check for a professional layout and structure.

Use clear headings and subheadings.
Align text consistently (left, center, or justified).
Maintain a logical flow of information.
Avoid clutter and excessive design elements.
Use sections to separate different parts of the resume.

Ensure consistent font style and size.

Select a standard font (e.g., Arial, Calibri).
Use one font style throughout (avoid mixing).
Maintain a uniform font size (typically 10-12 pt).
Bold or italicize sparingly for emphasis.
Ensure font style is easy to read.

Review for grammatical or spelling errors.

Use spelling and grammar check tools.
Read the document out loud for clarity.
Have a peer review for errors.
Check common error-prone words.
Ensure consistency in tense and voice.

Here are some additional steps that could be included in the Formatting and Presentation section of the checklist

Verify that margins are consistent throughout the document

Set margins to a standard size (1 inch recommended).
Check top, bottom, left, and right margins.
Ensure there is no text running into margins.
Use the ruler or grid feature in word processors.
Adjust margins if sections look cramped.

Ensure that bullet points and numbering are used consistently

Choose either bullet points or numbers for lists.
Maintain the same style for all bullet points.
Ensure alignment of bullet points or numbers.
Use parallel structure in list items.
Avoid mixing symbols or formats in lists.

Check for appropriate use of white space to enhance readability

Leave space between sections and paragraphs.
Avoid overcrowding text on the page.
Use line spacing (1.15 or 1.5) for clarity.
Consider using empty lines between different sections.
Ensure margins allow for breathing room.

Confirm that headings and subheadings are clearly defined and formatted uniformly

Use a larger font size for main headings.
Bold or underline headings for emphasis.
Maintain consistent formatting for all headings.
Use a consistent hierarchy (e.g., H1, H2).
Ensure headings stand out from body text.

Review the use of color to ensure it is professional and not distracting

Limit color use to two or three complementary colors.
Choose muted tones rather than bright or neon colors.
Ensure sufficient contrast between text and background.
Use color to highlight key sections or information.
Avoid overly complex color patterns.

Ensure that the resume length is appropriate (typically one page for early career professionals, two pages for those with extensive experience)

Confirm that all sections are clearly labeled and easy to navigate

Use clear titles for each section (e.g., Education).
Ensure logical order (e.g., Experience before Education).
Utilize consistent labeling format.
Consider including a table of contents for longer resumes.
Ensure ease of navigation with clear section breaks.

Check that contact information is prominently displayed and up to date

Place contact information at the top of the resume.
Include current phone number and email address.
Add LinkedIn profile or portfolio link if applicable.
Ensure all information is formatted uniformly.
Verify that all links are functional.

Ensure that any hyperlinks (e.g., LinkedIn profile) are functional and direct to the correct pages

Test all hyperlinks before submission.
Ensure links are clickable and direct to correct sites.
Use shortened links for cleaner presentation.
Double-check URLs for accuracy.
Include hyperlinks in a professional format.

Review the document format (PDF vs. Word) to ensure compatibility with applicant tracking systems (ATS)

Save the document in both PDF and Word formats.
Check ATS compatibility for each format.
Use standard fonts and layouts for ATS readability.
Avoid excessive graphics that might confuse ATS.
Ensure file naming is professional and clear.

Overall Impression

Evaluate the clarity and conciseness of the resume.

Check for clear structure and organization.
Look for concise language without unnecessary jargon.
Ensure key points are easy to locate and understand.
Assess if information is relevant to the role.

Consider the candidate’s alignment with company values and culture.

Review the candidate's stated values and experiences.
Look for keywords that match company culture.
Assess how well the candidate's background fits company mission.
Consider involvement in relevant community or industry activities.

Rate the overall suitability for the role.

Compare qualifications against job requirements.
Evaluate demonstrated skills and experiences.
Consider the candidate's potential to contribute to team goals.
Assess enthusiasm and commitment to the role.

Here are some additional steps you might include in the Overall Impression section of a New Resume Screener and Score Checklist

Assess the professionalism of the language and tone used in the resume

Look for formal, respectful language.
Assess the tone for positivity and professionalism.
Check for any informal language or slang.
Evaluate the appropriateness of humor, if present.

Evaluate the consistency in formatting and style throughout the document

Check for uniform font types and sizes.
Look for consistent bullet points and alignment.
Ensure section headings are styled similarly.
Assess overall visual appeal and readability.

Consider the uniqueness and creativity of the resume in presenting the candidate's qualifications

Look for innovative design elements or layouts.
Assess how well the candidate uses visuals or infographics.
Evaluate the originality of the content presented.
Consider if the resume stands out from others.

Analyze the relevance of the information provided in relation to the job description

Cross-check listed experiences with job requirements.
Ensure skills mentioned are applicable to the role.
Look for specific examples related to job duties.
Assess if the resume addresses key job competencies.

Look for any potential red flags or gaps in employment that need clarification

Identify any unexplained gaps in employment.
Check for frequent job changes without reason.
Look for inconsistencies in job titles or dates.
Evaluate any negative language regarding past employers.

Determine if the resume effectively highlights the candidate's strengths and key attributes

Identify key skills emphasized throughout the resume.
Look for quantifiable achievements and accomplishments.
Assess how well personal attributes are showcased.
Evaluate any endorsements or testimonials included.

Consider the overall impact of the resume on the reader—does it leave a lasting impression?

Reflect on emotional response to the resume.
Assess how memorable the candidate's qualifications are.
Evaluate the resume's ability to engage and retain attention.
Consider if it prompts further interest in the candidate.

Evaluate the presence of keywords relevant to the industry and position

Check for industry-specific terms and jargon.
Look for keywords from the job description.
Assess the frequency and placement of keywords.
Evaluate how well keywords align with skills and experiences.

Assess the use of action verbs and active language to convey achievements and responsibilities

Identify the use of strong action verbs.
Evaluate clarity in describing past roles and tasks.
Look for varied language to maintain interest.
Assess the impact of language on perceived achievements.

Consider the candidate’s potential for growth and development within the company

Look for evidence of ongoing education or training.
Assess willingness to take on new challenges.
Evaluate past experiences that demonstrate adaptability.
Consider ambitions expressed in career goals.

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